A platform that supports Aurora
Nicholas is focused on practical solutions for Aurora’s growth. His priorities include more housing near transit, safer ways to move, responsible spending, stronger public services and safer neighbourhoods. His platform centers on Ward 6 residents' everyday needs and the community's future.
Housing and Zoning
The affordable housing crisis is reaching a breaking point. Each year, housing costs continue to rise as the existing supply can't meet the demands of our population. More and more young people can’t find reasonable accommodation at an achievable price to strike out on their own and, in the most dire cases, some people are being priced out of housing entirely. Incentives for developers, penalties for vacancies, and a greater diversity of housing options must work together to address our community's needs.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Aurora is blessed with abundant nature trails and a centrally-located GO train station just a 15-minute bike ride away from most parts of town. By leveraging and connecting our existing trails, we can give residents a safer way to get around town without relying solely on driving. As Aurora grows, the more we encourage diverse modes of transportation, the fewer cars we add to our already strained road networks and the faster everyone can get where they need to go.
Responsible Finances and Good Governance
Everyone likes lower taxes, but taxes combined with municipal service charges fund our government. There are only so many financial maneuvers our town can manage before we hit a wall. Eventually, the town will either take on more debt or the council will raise property taxes to an unaffordable level. There is a better way. By carefully increasing density along select corridors in Aurora, we can preserve our quiet streets and small-town feel while inviting more people into town, and increase the tax base for the municipality. By carefully evaluating long-term infrastructure maintenance and replacement costs for new developments, we can ensure they will contribute to municipal finances for the benefit generations to come.
Public Services
Aurora could be doing so much more. Better reporting of community issues (broken park equipment, bylaw infractions, infrastructure issues like potholes); more low-cost community engagement; and mutual aid programs for all residents regardless of their background. People want a sense of community; they want to lend a hand, and they want to feel valuable. Our town should be a catalyst for change. Give people direction and enough resources to make a difference, and you will be delighted by just how far we can go together.
Safety and Security
Statistics show that our town has been getting safer, but numbers are cold comfort for victims of local crime, such as break-ins or stolen cars. Public awareness and education campaigns on how to protect yourself and your community would go a long way to easing peoples’ minds. Nothing works as well as providing the tools needed to prepare residents to confidently navigate troubled times.