Council candidates: Bill Boon

Introduce yourself to readers. Who are you?

I have called Stratford home my entire life. My wife and I have raised our family here, with our two daughters and four grandchildren. For the past 19 years, I have been employed at AISIN Canada Inc. serving as vice president of administration. Giving back to Stratford has always been important to me. I have been actively involved in minor sports as a player and coach and local boards of directors and currently serve as vice president and a member of the investStratford Board. I also judge the Stratford Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards and volunteer in our community.

What are the core issues you are focused on this election?

My campaign focuses on the issues that affect Stratford residents and the future of our city. Priorities are keeping property taxes and municipal spending manageable while protecting essential services; expanding housing options, including attainable homes, rentals, seniors’ housing and workforce housing; and strengthening our downtown by supporting local businesses and reducing unnecessary barriers. I also believe in responsible investment in roads, sidewalks, bridges, water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure. I support the Grand Trunk redevelopment and back improved GO Train service and transit connections. My platform is about responsible spending, investment, sustainable growth and protecting Stratford’s quality of life.

Next year’s budget, like last year’s, will be presented and guided by the mayor. As a councillor, what will you do to keep the tax levy low?

I would ask for a hard target of less than a two per cent increase for a tax levy before city departments are asked to submit their proposals for the upcoming year. I would ask all departments to clarify a new spending list so it can be transparent for council to view. Speak to the department heads on how we can get more revenue without raising property taxes. This would involve reviewing many areas with examples such as possible municipal properties, cash management practices, grants from provincial/federal governments and energy savings in city facilities. Stratford needs to live within our means.

Housing and homelessness in Stratford continues to be a challenge. What, in your opinion, is the strategy the city should be taking in building more homes and/or improving affordability?

Stratford needs more housing, but we also need to make sure we are building the right kinds of homes at prices people can afford. I would support faster approvals, sensible increases in density, more secondary suites and better use of land that has services. We should remove unnecessary barriers and encourage private, non-profit, and community partnerships to create affordable rental and ownership options. Homelessness also requires more than building homes. We need supportive and transitional housing for people who need help, while working with provincial and federal governments to secure funding and close the gaps in our housing system.

Are you in favour of the current council’s direction on the GTR? If not, what strategy would you be in favour of?

I support continuing the Grand Trunk renewal project, residents deserve a clear, accountable path from planning to concrete results. The city has committed up to $15 million, and I do not believe taxpayers should be responsible for the remaining estimated $40 million required to complete the project, unless that investment is strictly limited to infrastructure that unlocks further development and private investment. I would establish a realistic goal of completing major phases of the Grand Trunk redevelopment within 10 to 15 years. My priority is turning years of planning into visible progress while protecting taxpayers and demanding responsible financial oversight.