Weston Miller says Niagara-on-the-Lake is at a turning point.
“If we’re not thoughtful about the decisions that we make today, tomorrow, we might not recognize the town we all love,” he said in an interview.
Miller, a NOTL realtor who serves as president of the Chautauqua Residents Association, treasurer of the Niagara Foundation, a board and governance committee member at Royal Oak School and a planning committee member for the Shaw Festival’s annual Shivaree fundraiser, is positioning himself as a candidate focused on residents, quality of life, transparency and carefully managed growth.
“For me, it’s about bringing a resident-first voice to council,” he said, one that is “really connected to the community, prepared to ask the hard questions, and focused and determined to protect what makes Niagara-on-the-Lake such a special place to live.”
A lifelong resident, Miller said his decision to run comes from a deep connection to the community and a desire to see it protected.
“I really care about the quality of life of the people who live here, not only the people who live here, but work here, raise their families here.”
Miller said development pressure is one of the biggest issues facing the town and, if not managed carefully, could change what makes NOTL unique.
“Growth is inevitable, but it really has to be thoughtful and it has to be rooted in the long term interests of residents,” he said.
He said new development should respect bylaws, heritage and infrastructure, and fit within the character of existing neighbourhoods.
On the former hospital site, Miller said the priority should be clear.
“No matter what happens there, it needs to service the community and it needs to service the residents.”
On the issue of communication, Miller raised concerns about how the town deals with the media.
“Information needs to be provided,” he said.
“We have a spectacular local media in this town … a wide array of opinion writers.”
“I believe that if there’s information that’s being requested by residents — and let’s not forget, not only is this the press, but it’s residents as well — the town has a duty to provide it as per the legislation,” he said.
The concerns follow a statement earlier this year from the town’s chief administrative officer directing staff not to respond to opinion-based media requests and to focus on factual and policy-related questions.
Miller said people should not have to file freedom of information requests to get basic information. He has filed them himself and said he found they can take a long time and be difficult to navigate.
He also voiced support for the Shaw Festival’s role in town, calling it “a very important cultural cornerstone for our community.”
On the Royal George Theatre redevelopment and related judicial review, he said there are many moving pieces.
Miller said he did not have enough information to comment fully on the Pride flag issue, which this year involved debate over how municipalities show support for Pride events, including potential financial contributions.
“I wouldn’t want anything to happen, through lack of action or action, that would perhaps be misconstrued as a lack of support for the LGBTQ community in town. That’s for sure.”
