Newmarket Ward 4 Councillor Trevor Morrison enjoys being able to respond to residents about what is happening in their community.
The chiropractor said addressing resident concerns as they arose was an enjoyable part of his first term — and it is something he wants to keep doing if re-elected.
“It helps the process move a lot faster, plus it provides some peace of mind,” he saidm “being able to help address any of their concerns and get good resolutions.”
Morrison will be in one of the more contested races in the local election, with two challengers in Chris Dupee and Grant Waddell.
The first-term councillor and lifelong town resident looks back with some pride on the past four years. He said he has a desire to help continue upcoming projects, such as a new park in the ward and an all-season sports pad.
“We’ve been able to implement so many positive initiatives and projects and events for the town,” he said. “It's such a positive place to be … We went through a global pandemic, and are so proud of what the residents were able to do.”
One initiative was contributing to the regional community safety and well-being plan, with Ward 4’s Newmarket Heights a key focus area. The plan outlines strategies to help residents there using targeted social programming, with housing stability and mental health as focal points. Morrison is part of the community action tables for the plan and said he has valued the experiences.
“I’m really very excited,” Morrison said, adding that the plan is a chance to revitalize the community and there is a neighbourhood desire for action. "It really does provide some real positive outlook for the future.”
If re-elected for another term in office, Morrison said he hopes to improve communication and accessibility, ensuring that residents stay informed about what’s going on. He also spoke about more traffic and pedestrian safety, with accompanying intersection improvements based on resident feedback. He said he would also like to start a free community cleanup event.
Proper budgeting is also a particular point of passion for him, he said.
“Make sure we scrutinize and do a line-by-line assessment, and make sure everything is where it should be,” he said. “It’s always based on feedback from residents as well.”
It is hard to predict how the election might go, he said. But he added he intends to get out door knocking and looks forward to meeting people on the campaign trail.
“I think I’ve proven myself through the term,” he said, adding that he has been very responsive to resident concerns. “That knowledge and experience would definitely set me apart in terms of continuing my position as a representative … I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing this for the residents of Ward 4.”
