Community safety is the foundation everything else rests on. A great parks system and a healthy local economy mean little if residents do not feel secure in their homes and neighbourhoods. That is why safety runs through so much of my work.

Prevention comes first. Fraud has become one of the fastest-growing crimes affecting our residents, and seniors are targeted most. So I organized town hall sessions on fraud and scams with the York Regional Police Financial Crime Unit, along with sessions on community safety and personal protection led by Crime Prevention and Seniors Support Officers. Residents left knowing how these schemes work, how to protect themselves, and where to turn if they are victimized. An informed community is a harder target.

Safety also needs planning at the regional level. As Co-Chair of the York Region Human Services Planning Board, I provided strategic input to the Chief of Police on the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, which connects policing with the social supports that address the root causes of crime.

Officers need resources to do their jobs. I supported increases to the York Regional Police budget so the service could hire additional officers and upgrade the technology it relies on to combat increasingly sophisticated crime. Auto theft and cybercrime do not stand still, and neither can we.

And safety is built by people. I made a point of recognizing our Local Safety Heroes: police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and the captains of Neighbourhood Watch whose quiet dedication keeps our streets safe. Honouring them strengthens the collaboration that community policing depends on.

Safe communities do not happen by accident. They come from prevention, planning, proper resourcing, and neighbours looking out for one another. I will keep working on all of it.