Safe, Supported Communities

A safe community is built through more than enforcement alone. It comes from stability, connection, and making sure people have access to the supports they need before situations reach a crisis point.

Across Oshawa, and especially in Ward 4, residents are seeing the effects of rising housing costs, increasing homelessness, mental health and addiction challenges, and gaps in access to services. These issues are connected, and they require coordinated, practical responses that bring together the City, Region, service providers, businesses, and community organizations.

Housing is a major part of community safety. When people have stable housing, including affordable and supportive housing options, it creates better outcomes not only for individuals and families, but for the broader community as well. Supportive housing, mental health supports, addiction services, and community outreach all play an important role in helping people find stability and reducing pressures that affect neighbourhoods and public spaces.

At the same time, we need to continue building a downtown that is vibrant, welcoming, and active. A strong downtown benefits the entire city. When people live, work, shop, and spend time downtown, it supports local businesses, encourages investment, and helps create safer, more connected public spaces. Revitalization is not just about buildings or development. It is about creating a downtown where people want to gather, participate, and build community.

I believe we need a balanced approach that supports residents, businesses, neighbourhoods, and community safety together. That means listening to the people who live and work here, supporting evidence based solutions, and recognizing that lasting change comes from addressing root causes, not simply reacting to symptoms.

Oshawa has incredible potential. By investing in housing, supporting local business, improving access to services, and continuing to revitalize our downtown, we can build a safer, healthier, and more connected community for everyone.