Stronger Economy, Lower Costs

Economic Growth & Affordability

Dr. Aberle will work with council, administration, and residents to investigate opportunities that:

A. Invest in local projects through grants, bursaries, and other available funding sources

I will continue to invest in our community by supporting local projects, advocating for continued funding of the Grant-In-Aid program and championing other funding and partnerships that strengthen businesses, youth, culture, and recreation.

Examples may include:

1. Community Grant-In-Aid Program

• Continued funding for non-profits, cultural groups, and other community organizations to run local events or programs.

2. Youth Bursaries & Scholarships

• Investigate potential of financial support to students pursuing post-secondary education or skilled trades. For example, council funding a Mayor’s Youth Leadership Bursary for students active in community service.

3. Business & Innovation Grants

• Supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-ups with matching funds or innovation grants. For example, continue to support the Downtown Facade Improvement Grant that helps local businesses improve storefronts, make them easier accessible, and attract customers.

4. Recreation & Infrastructure Support

• Continue to leverage provincial/federal grants to upgrade our parks, arenas, and other recreation centres.

6. Partnership Funding

• Advocating for increased collaboration with other governments, businesses, and non-profits to stretch dollars further.

B. Strengthen downtown revitalization & attract diverse industry

I will help strengthen our downtown core and attract diverse industries by investing in vibrant public spaces, supporting local business, and creating opportunities for new jobs and innovation.

Examples may include:

1. Downtown Revitalization

Storefront Improvement Grants

• Continuing to offer matching funds for facade upgrades, signage and accessibility improvements.

Public Space Enhancements

• Invest in additional lighting, landscaping, and art installations to make the downtown core – not just Main Street – more inviting.

Mixed-Use Development

• Encouraging housing above shops, in particular our historic buildings, to bring more residents and activity downtown

Events & Programming

• Hosting more markets, festivals, music nights, etc. on Main Street to draw people to the core.

2. Attracting Diverse Industry

Business Incentives

• Continue to offer tax breaks and potentially reduce permit fees to attract new businesses and industries

Workforce Partnerships

• Provide funding to allow for collaborating with Norquest College and other regional trade schools and job agencies to find ways to help provide skilled labour.

Innovation Hubs

• Supporting co-working spaces, incubators, and partnerships for start-ups.

Targeted Marketing

• Increased funding to promote the community’s strengths (location, workforce, quality of life) to attract investment.

C. Find ways to ensure that residents can access housing, services, and utilities at a cost that doesn’t overwhelm their income

I will continue to work to keep life affordable—ensuring residents can access housing, services, and utilities without being overwhelmed by costs.

Examples may include:

1. Housing

• Partnering with non-profits and developers to build affordable and mixed-income housing.
• Offering incentives (like reduced fees or fast-tracked approvals) for projects that include affordable units.
• Supporting secondary and basement suites to expand rental options.

2. Services

• Providing subsidized or sliding-scale fees for recreation programs.
• Supporting community hubs where residents can access multiple services—health, social supports, and employment help—in one place.
• Investing in public transit to reduce transportation costs for households.

3. Utilities

• Continue to offer energy efficiency programs (grants or rebates for home retrofits) to lower heating and electricity bills.
• Exploring renewable energy projects (solar, district heating) that reduce long-term costs for residents.
• Offering utility support programs for low-income households during high-cost seasons.