The topics below are areas where I'm passionate about advocating for positive change. While Council works collectively to make and pass decisions, my promise to you is to be an active listener and advocate for your needs. If you're ever wondering, "What is Braden doing for me?" This page should help.
Interested in learning about Council's strategic priorities? Read our Strategic Plan!
Policing
Fire Protection
Garbage Collection
Drinking Water
Waste and Storm Water Management
Streets and Sidewalks
Public Transit
Land Use Planning
Emergency Management
Building and Fire Inspection
Animal Control
Recreation
Arts and Culture
Economic Development
I continue to hear from residents who feel they either pay too much in property taxes or aren't getting good value for their money. With Canada's costs of living at an all-time high, I believe Town Council has a responsibility to make Bridgewater an affordable place to live again.
In the short term, I'm advocating for smart fiscal decision-making. I want to avoid raising taxes while driving greater value back to residents in areas of core responsibility like improved streets, upgraded water systems, and better public spaces. In the longer term, I want to see the town find ways to lower taxes and make town costs more equitable.
My goal is to use my business and economics background to help optimize the town's budget, ensure funds are used effectively, and diversify revenue. By doing these things and more, we can reduce the individual burden on homeowners and improve services to residents. I plan to work towards making our town's revenue more equal and less burdensome for families.
I believe there's a significant opportunity for Council to improve its communication with residents. I believe Councillors are here to listen to you and represent the town's best interests. After all, we're your elected voices.
I believe greater access to council and improved communication comes in a number of ways:
Responding to resident emails within a few business days at most;
Expanding town communication channels to more social media platforms;
Becoming less solely reliant on Facebook;
Starting a regular town newsletter similar to MODL;
Redesigning the town website to be more user-friendly to make information easier to find; and
Making Council meetings more accessible to attend by providing residents with additional notice and direction.
Affordable housing is essential for the well-being of our community. Unfortunately, the lack of affordable housing is an issue across Canada. Still, as Bridgewater grows, we must ensure everyone can access safe, affordable housing. In addition to sitting on the South Shore Housing Action Coalition as Council's representative, I'm advocating for the following to improve housing stock in Bridgewater:
Updating outdating zoning bylaws limiting residential developments;
Selling unused townland with the requirement it be used for affordable housing;
Lobbying the provincial and federal governments for funds dedicated to affordable housing projects;
Looking into the speed at which building permits are approved to eliminate roadblocks to vital housing projects;
Supporting partnerships with nonprofit organizations to champion affordable housing developments;
Looking at new and unique housing models from around the world; and
Building and expanding infrastructure needs like roads, water, and sewage systems to support our growing town's housing needs.
Infrastructure is the foundation of a functional and attractive town. Bridgewater’s roads, crosswalks, and public spaces need consistent maintenance and upgrades to ensure safety and accessibility for all residents. While walking my dogs, I've experienced firsthand how unreliable some of our crosswalks are. I hope to prioritize the following infrastructure and public space projects:
Upgrade our water and sewage systems;
Re-pave roads alongside other related upgrades;
Build a park on Winburn Avenue;
Install garbage cans along Glen Allen;
An emergency exit between Winburn Ave and Seasons Drive;
See more maintenance dedicated to the dog park; and
Repair the bridge on King Street.
While on the campaign trail, countless residents shared show they want to see the town's bus service expanded to areas like Ryan Hall, up Seasons Drive, and to Walmart. Additionally, many communitiy members raised concerns about the lack of activites for young people. Public transit and social activities are critical for the fabric of a happy and healthy community. That is why, they'll be top of mind for me during my term as Councillor.
Economic growth is essential for a prosperous future. Bridgewater is a growing town with a lot of opportunity. A vibrant retail sector is the backbone of our economic growth. Bridgewater has immense potential to grow its retail offerings, creating jobs and new opportunities. By attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, keeping our shopping areas safe, and taking advantage of the Exit 12A expansion, we can expand Bridgewater's already thriving economy.
Bridgewater has been a municipal champion in pushing for a more sustainable future. As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, increasing access to fast chargers will be essential in keeping our town's status as a hub on the South Shore. We see numerous commuters and travellers venture through our town daily. Supporting the development of EV fast chargers helps attract people to our town to visit our businesses and enjoy everything our community has to offer. Additionally, as EV ownership rises among our residents, they, too, can benefit from the convenience of this new infrastructure. As Council's representative on Energize Bridgewater, I'll be working on decreasing energy poverty and championing greener technologies and sustainable energy.
Bridgewater is an incredible community with a police department that can arrive at anyone's home within minutes rather than ~30 with the RCMP. As a member of town council, I want to continue to support our officers with the resources they need to keep our streets safe from speeders, our town free of unnecessary noise, and our community from crime. This commitment includes ensuring that police and community groups have the resources they need to make streets like King Street safe and walkable again. Community safety is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. I'm committed to working with organizations, residents, and the Bridgewater Police Department to ensure businesses, organizations, and residents can thrive.
