Ward 7: OUR COMMUNITY AND ITS FUTURE

  • Ward 7 is one of Cambridge’s fastest-growing areas, combining established neighbourhoods, new subdivisions, local businesses, natural areas and a major community hub taking shape on Wesley Boulevard.
  • I have lived in Cambridge since 1999 and in Ward 7 since 2018. At the doors, I hear excitement about our community’s future as well as concern about whether roads, recreation and essential services will keep pace.
  • Ward 7 should not simply absorb growth. It should become stronger, safer and better connected because of it.

WHERE IS WARD 7?

  • Ward 7 extends along Cambridge’s eastern side, from Avenue Road and Shade’s Mills in the north to Branchton Road and the city’s southern boundary.
  • It includes established neighbourhoods around Franklin Boulevard, Myers Road and Elgin Street, along with growing communities near Dundas Street South and Wesley Boulevard.​

a COMMUNITY WITH DEEP ROOTS

  • Ward 7’s history extends far beyond its creation as a municipal ward in 2010. 
  • Archaeological work near Myers Road uncovered a pre-contact Indigenous village dating from approximately 1280–1360.
  • Cambridge and Waterloo Region are within the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Chonnonton and Haudenosaunee peoples, with parts of our region connected to the Haldimand Treaty lands associated with Six Nations of the Grand River.​
  • With Councillor Scott Hamilton running for mayor, residents will elect a new representative at an important moment in our community’s growth.

ward 7 is growing

A New Community Hub
  • The joint elementary-school campus, childcare centre, Cambridge Recreation Complex and Idea Exchange library branch on Wesley Boulevard can become a true gathering place for southeast Cambridge.
  • As a school board trustee, I have been directly involved in the governance behind the Catholic school portion of this project.

New Homes and New Neighbours
  • New housing is bringing more families, seniors, and newcomers to Ward 7.
  • That growth can support local businesses and strengthen the city’s tax base.
  • But roads, water systems, parks, schools, emergency services and recreation must keep pace.

Roads and Transportation
  • Delayed transportation projects, including the McQueen Shaver extension, place added pressure on existing streets and neighbourhoods. ​Read more on David's blog

Jobs and Local Investment
  • Ward 7 also needs nearby jobs, shops and services so it becomes a complete community, not simply a collection of subdivisions.​

GROWTH SHOULD NOT COME AT THE EXPENSE OF THE BASICS:

As Ward 7 grows, existing and new neighbourhoods need reliable snow clearing, road and sidewalk maintenance, sensible parking solutions, safe intersections, parks that are cared for and City services that keep pace.

what ward 7 residents are telling me

Every part of Ward 7 has its own concerns, but several themes are emerging in my conversations at the door:
  • Traffic, speeding and pedestrian safety require greater attention.
  • Established neighbourhoods should remain safe, attractive and well maintained.
  • Roads and infrastructure must keep pace with development.
  • New subdivisions need better connections to the rest of Cambridge.
  • Residents want taxes managed responsibly and spending focused on clear priorities.
  • Families need accessible recreation, parks, childcare and community spaces.

my priorities for ward 7

Ward 7 can become one of Cambridge’s strongest and most complete communities, welcoming new neighbours, protecting established neighbourhoods and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth. ​​As your councillor, I will work for:
Get the Basics Right
  • Address speeding, pedestrian safety, parking, property standards, snow clearing and the everyday maintenance that keeps neighbourhoods safe, attractive and working well.

Grow the Right Way
  • Coordinate growth with roads, water capacity, transportation, emergency services, parks and other essential infrastructure.
  • Improve connections between neighbourhoods, schools, recreation, businesses and the rest of Cambridge, while making sure new growth strengthens the community rather than simply adding pressure to it.
  • Growth should also help longtime residents and new neighbours alike feel connected to Ward 7 and able to put down roots.

Deliver Value for Tax Dollars
  • Ask detailed questions, explain decisions clearly and be honest about project costs, priorities and timelines.
  • City spending should focus on essential services, long-term value and investments that strengthen Ward 7 and Cambridge.
  • Existing residents should not carry an unfair share of growth-related costs. 

help shape ward 7's future

Have a neighbourhood concern, local story or idea for Ward 7?
Complete my 30-second survey or contact me directly.