Residents have been telling me for years that they want more local amenities, and I agree. We need family-friendly restaurants, more places for residents to gather, and better access to healthcare services, including a medical clinic and laboratory services. However, commercial development needs to be done properly. It must be located in areas designed for commercial activity and supported by transportation infrastructure that can handle increased traffic. The goal is not simply more development. The goal is smart development that improves residents' quality of life.

West St. Paul needs a stronger commercial tax base to help reduce reliance on residential property taxes. I would encourage businesses that provide local jobs and services, including retail, restaurants, professional services and suitable light industrial development. I believe council should work with businesses, encourage responsible investment and ensure development decisions make financial sense for the municipality and its residents.

West St. Paul needs more family-focused businesses and everyday services: quality restaurants, daycare, pharmacies, physiotherapy, dentists, doctors' clinics and more. We should actively attract commercial development because commercial properties can broaden the municipal tax base and help reduce the pressure on residential taxpayers. With responsible planning for traffic, infrastructure and neighbourhoods, growth should mean more services, more jobs, a stronger tax base and less reliance on residential property taxes.