JARVIS—Alicia Phillips is running for Ward 1 councillor with a commitment to transparency, community involvement, and sustainable development.
A mother of five and an active community member, Phillips wants to see Haldimand families thrive.
“I was born and raised here in Haldimand. I grew up in Fisherville, and we’ve now lived in Townsend for over 15 years,” Phillips shared. “This is home for us, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather raise my family.”
Entering the Race
Phillips’ has a desire to ensure residents’ voices are heard.
“I care about the issues that matter to everyone – from local services to supporting families, creating opportunities, and making sure our voices are reflected in every decision that’s made,” she explained. “Now more than ever, we need a strong voice at the table, one that listens and advocates for what’s best for all of us.”
While Phillips does not have political experience, she served on the board of the Haldimand-Norfolk Home Builders’ Association, first as a director and later as the executive officer: “In that role, I had the opportunity to sit down with both mayors and our MPP, Bobbi Ann Brady. That experience showed me the importance of open dialogue and strong leadership.”
Key Priorities
Phillips’ three priorities are: transparent leadership, community engagement, and sustainable development.
“I believe that transparency in leadership is key,” she said. “I’ve been holding candidate meet-and-greet events around the community and sitting in with local organizations to hear from residents directly.”
On development, Phillips stresses, “We need to grow in a way that ensures long-term success while preserving what makes Haldimand special. Development should be done responsibly, with input from the community and careful planning.”
Stance on the MZO for Nanticoke
Phillips is firmly opposed to a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) for Nanticoke.
“I have family and friends who work at Stelco, and I know how important it is to preserve good-paying jobs,” she stated. “The MZO has already been voted on twice at the municipal level, but that doesn’t mean our voices don’t matter.”
She believes community mobilization and advocacy can influence the outcome: “We need to continue expressing our concerns to the provincial government.”
Infrastructure & Development
Phillips stresses the importance of smart growth: “Balancing growth and infrastructure is key.”
“I would push for regular (road) maintenance and upgrades. The best way to know where the most urgent road repairs are needed is by hearing from the people who use those roads daily,” said Phillips. She also advocates for long-term planning “to think ahead about road expansions and alternate routes to ease congestion.”
Sustainability is also crucial: “Sustainable development isn’t just about short-term fixes – it’s about planning ahead. We need to consider zoning, green building practices, and preserving natural areas…. By working with local experts and incorporating public feedback, we can ensure our decisions today contribute to a healthier, more sustainable community.”
Economic Development and Jobs
Phillips sees opportunities for economic growth in Ward 1.
“Events like the Jarvis Light Up bring people into our community and create opportunities for local businesses,” she explained. “We need to capitalize on these types of initiatives.”
She also emphasizes the importance of working with provincial and federal governments to secure funding and support for businesses, adding, “It’s about making sure we’re seen as a place where businesses want to set up and expand.”
Property Taxes and Cost of Living
With rising property taxes and the overall cost of living, Phillips sees “many residents are struggling with affordability. We need to ensure that tax revenue is used effectively, that property assessments are fair, and that we provide support for lower-income and fixed-income residents.”
Keeping Residents Informed
Phillips is committed to maintaining open communication, using multiple communication strategies if elected: “I would provide regular community updates through a monthly newsletter, social media, and a dedicated website.”
A Commitment to Ward 1
Phillips wants voters to know that she is fully dedicated to the role.
“This isn’t just where I live – it’s where I raise my family, where I’ve built lifelong connections, and where I’ve seen firsthand the strength and resilience of this community.”
She acknowledges Ward 1 faces challenges but sees significant opportunities: “We are a community built on hard work, family values, and a deep respect for our rural way of life.”
“I’m committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership,” she concluded. “I want to be the voice that stands up for what matters most – whether that’s protecting our rural way of life, ensuring sustainable growth, or making sure our kids grow up in a safe and prosperous community.”
