All I want for Christmas is for Strong Mayor Powers to go away. Gone, eventually. But that change will require collective action.
Municipal government is meant to be the most democratic level of governance. Councillors...
In some municipalities—Newmarket in particular—action speaks louder than words. York Region has pledged $30.2 million to build 288 affordable housing units, a development that rightly made headlines in “York Region grants $30.2M to build...
The latest news, “Two Short Stories About Strong Mayor Powers,” is worth discussion. Unlike in Aurora, where the mayor chose to oppose the transitional housing project, the Peterborough example shows how strong mayor powers...
In the latest Auroran, Scott Johnston published a cartoon highlighting “Aurora given an ‘F’ grade for new housing starts.” Let’s be clear: it’s not Aurora that deserves the failing grade—it’s the Mayor of Aurora,...
Blue bin collection is now a producer responsibility, and yet those at the helm appeared blissfully unaware of something critically important: the new blue bin was simply too large for many residents. A sample...
Council compensation is back in the spotlight in Aurora, set for discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting on December 2, 2025. The town plans to re-establish the Council Compensation Committee and adopt...
Perhaps Aurora can take inspiration from Newmarket and consider reopening the transitional housing for men project on a property we already own—the $7.5 million site adjacent to Aurora Town Square. I also hope there...
I am conducting a 2026 Municipal Election Quick POLL on TOWN TALK (Aurora, Ontario) to encourage civic engagement and give local residents an opportunity to share their views on how candidates can connect with...
All the headlines shouted, “Transition! We’re moving to producer responsibility!” But what does transition really mean? It means managing a change from one system to another in a planned, coordinated, and accountable way.
What we...
I’m going to be blunt—no filters, no fluff. We, the taxpayers, fund Aurora’s grand municipal “visions” with our taxes, our fees, and our patience. And in return? Ribbon cuttings, photo ops, and projects that...