Looking ahead to another run for office, Newmarket Councillor Victor Woodhouse said he wants to keep the town he lives in a great place.
The three-time councillor seeking a fourth term has formally filed to run again after what he considers to be the most professional council he’s served on.
“I have a passion in terms of seeing that it continues to be a great place to live, and that translates into good decisions need to be made at council,” Woodhouse said. “That’s why I’m running.”
The local insurance advisor has served on council for 11 years, also serving between 2000 and 2003 in an open system and then between 2006 and 2010 in Ward 3. He lost two races in 2010 and 2014 to Councillor Jane Twinney in Ward 3, before winning Ward 2 in 2018.
Every incumbent has indicated plans to run. Woodhouse is one of only two currently facing any challenges, though nominations are open until Aug. 19.
But Woodhouse said he feels fine about having opposition.
“People need to be encouraged to run in the political process,” Woodhouse said, adding he has run seven or eight times for council. “I didn’t get elected far more times than I was elected.”
The past four years of Newmarket council saw efforts to reduce speeding in town, the progression of the massive Mulock Park project, recreational investment and more. Woodhouse said there was positive progress despite the pandemic.
“Safer streets, sustainable finances — which remains hidden until there’s issues. Public places and spaces,” he said. “We did all of that during that term of council when many councils kind of just didn’t move a lot forward.”
Though there were some contentious decisions over the term, Woodhouse said he does not think there's anything hanging over the council. Still, one area Woodhouse said he wished there was more progress on is changes to the library facility. The library put forward a new strategic plan this year, but the idea of a new building was not present, with its board planning to explore possible facility enhancements.
“What I don’t want to do as a council member and library board member is simply say, 'Let’s build a new library,'” Woodhouse said, adding he is not yet sure of what facility changes would work best or if a second facility will be needed. “It’s got to serve what residents need.”
In the term ahead, Woodhouse said he wants to fulfill people’s expectations of a councillor: to ensure good services, address resident concerns and make “good decisions for the future of Newmarket.” He said he also wants to push for green spaces and wants people to be thankful for the things he helps decide on long after he’s gone.
“Making those good, long-term decisions,” Woodhouse said. “What I hear is that people want to maintain the services and programs, the initiatives that Newmarket has taken in being a great place to live. That’s the driver for me.
“When they think of me at town council, they should feel they are in good hands.”
