Rob Hargrave, Whitchurch-Stouffville Ward 6 candidate

Yorkregion.com
October 15, 2018

I have been living in Ward 6 with my wife Debbie for 32 years. Over this period, I was involved with minor hockey, soccer, baseball and the Beaver Scouts.

My professional career has been in sales management. My 25-plus years of experience was gained by working for multinational companies such as Labatt, Robely International, World Kitchen and Sears Canada. Currently, I have a retail consulting company that advises manufactures on listing their products on online retail platforms, specifically Amazon and Walmart.ca.

I was first elected to council in 2003. Since day one, I have made the concerns of constituents my No. 1 priority. The biggest challenge that I have seen on council over the past 15 years is integrating development into a small-town setting. Negotiations, patience and persistence have been my best qualities in dealing with the issues that have confronted the town and its residents.

Over the past 15 years on council, I have gained a great deal of experience within municipal governance. I know both the planning and the municipal acts very well and how they impact the management of the town. I have gained strong management and communication skills through my career in sales and marketing. I will apply these qualities to my role as councillor if elected.    

What I see as major issues to resolve within the next four years are:

Traffic concerns: coming up with effective traffic calming for major streets within Ward 6.

Whistle cessation: silence all train whistles at all rail crossings in Ward 6.

Parking reform: develop a parking plan that makes sense for residents who need to temporarily park in front of their homes.

Memorial Park: work with residents and town staff to ensure the proper facilities and features are added to the park.

Downtown infrastructure upgrade: make sure it is completed in an efficient and timely manner with minimal disruption to downtown retailers.