ELECTIONS: John Meloche Campaign Update – Two Very Busy Weeks in Ward 2 Pickering

I have continued getting out into Ward 2, talking directly with residents and hearing what is happening street by street.

Those conversations have led me down some pretty interesting rabbit holes — traffic, sidewalks, infrastructure, speeding, garbage collection, development, neighbourhood safety and accessibility.

That’s exactly how I believe local government should work.

You tell me what’s happening. I investigate it. We figure out what can actually be done.

We officially launched this campaign with an incredible turnout of more than 130 people.

Read more about launch night

I remain genuinely grateful to everyone who came out, volunteered, helped organize, shared the event, introduced themselves or simply wished me well.

And because several residents couldn’t attend the launch or previous candidate events, I’m now working on smaller Ward 2 coffee meet-and-greets where we can sit down, have a coffee and actually talk.

RSVP: Coffee Conversation Community

No speeches from across the room.

Just coffee, community and conversation.

I’ve continued my deep dive into Pickering’s finances because taxpayers deserve more than a headline percentage when discussing the budget.

Over the past two weeks my budget review has looked at:

➡️ The approximately $266-million Seaton Recreation Complex and Library project, including its significant planned debt financing. Read Part 1

➡️ Why the commonly discussed 3.49% tax figure doesn’t tell the entire financial story. Read Part 2

➡️ Pickering Casino revenues — including the approximately $76 million received from OLG since the casino opened, and what those revenues mean for municipal finances. Read Part 3

➡️ The financing surrounding Fire Station #5 — a necessary investment, but one that still deserves proper scrutiny when we’re borrowing money. Read Part 5

I’m not approaching these projects looking for something to attack.

I’m asking a much simpler question:

Are taxpayers receiving good value, and are we being honest about how we’re paying for it?

That’s the standard I intend to bring to every budget.

This has become one of the biggest issues residents have brought to me.

I’ve continued examining Pickering’s shared e-scooter pilot, dangerous private scooters and e-bikes, underage riding, stunt riding, red-light violations and the lack of visible enforcement residents are seeing.

My position remains practical:

Education first. Enforcement where necessary. Real safety data. Operator accountability.

And if we cannot operate these programs safely, then we have to be willing to reconsider them.

I’ve also launched a community safety petition intended to bring residents’ concerns directly to Durham Regional Police and the Police Services Board.

I’ve been working on broader proposals around community and business safety and hope to soon request the opportunity to meet directly with Chief Peter Moreira LaRocca.

I don’t want to wait until someone is seriously injured before everyone suddenly agrees we had a problem.

Please sign my petition: Regulate and Enforce E-Scooters (or Ban Them)

Public safety continues to be one of my strongest priorities.

I’ve been speaking with community leaders about policing resources, business protection, crime prevention and how municipalities can work more effectively with Durham Regional Police.

I’ve also been raising awareness about vehicle entries, neighbourhood safety and the simple preventative steps residents can take.

A councillor doesn’t run the police service — and I’m never going to pretend otherwise.

But a councillor absolutely can be a persistent, informed and effective advocate for the people they represent.

Please sign my petition: Make Pickering Safer Before Something Terrible Happens

I’ve also been digging into the proposed development at 1884 Liverpool Road and 1885 Glendale Drive, where a 51-unit stacked townhouse project is being proposed.

I’ve been reviewing questions surrounding:

• density
• parking
• snow storage
• emergency vehicle access
• neighbourhood compatibility
• the planning process
• public consultation

A second statutory public meeting is scheduled for September 14.

I’m not anti-development.

I’m against the idea that every rezoning request should automatically be accepted simply because it creates housing.

Rezoning should be earned, not assumed.

Read more about the Glenanna & Liverpool redevelopment meeting

While canvassing, residents raised concerns about missing pedestrian connections and pathways.

So I started investigating.

One example is the stretch around Kingston Road between Dixie and Merritton, where pedestrian infrastructure has been a longstanding concern.

When the City has a good project planned, I’ll celebrate it.

Then I’ll do something equally important:

push to make sure it actually gets delivered on time.

Connecting neighbourhoods, improving accessibility and giving people safe alternatives to driving are exactly the kinds of practical improvements residents should feel.

With renewed discussion about Petticoat Creek Conservation Park, I also shared the City’s latest clarification.

The park itself remains open, although the former aquatic facility is permanently closed.

There’s been understandable confusion about the City’s role versus the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s role, and I believe residents deserve straightforward information about who owns, operates and makes decisions regarding these important community assets.

I’ve also been researching ways we can better support seniors and residents living with disabilities who are being squeezed by rising property taxes.

Pickering already provides a property-tax credit for qualifying low-income seniors and people with disabilities.

I think it’s worth asking:

Can we do better?

I’m exploring whether eligibility can be broadened and whether additional relief can responsibly help long-time residents remain in the homes and neighbourhoods they helped build.

I’ve also continued advocating for digital inclusion.

Technology should make life easier — not tell an 86-year-old resident that they suddenly need a smartphone, an app and a password just to complete an everyday task.

Modern government can be innovative and inclusive.

I’ve also been following the deteriorating Canada–U.S. trade situation very closely.

Municipal politicians don’t negotiate international trade agreements, but pretending those decisions don’t affect Pickering would be ridiculous.

Tariffs eventually reach:

• small businesses
• employees
• families
• municipal suppliers
• construction costs
• and ultimately taxpayers

I’ve been encouraging leaders at every level to approach this situation with urgency while refusing to pretend that temporary loans or government support programs can replace healthy businesses and functioning trade relationships.

This connects directly to one of the biggest reasons I’m running:

Pickering needs a stronger local economy and more high-paying careers close to home.

We cannot build a complete city on bedrooms and highway exits.

Campaigning hasn’t stopped me from doing the community work I’ve always believed in.

I was honoured to join Divya Durham and Anjali Jain for a blood donation drive — and I brought my kids because it was also an opportunity to teach them something important:

when your community asks for help, you show up.

I’ve continued promoting neighbourhood initiatives, local businesses, community events and causes that bring people together.

And planning is already underway for the next Puppy Love Fundraiser supporting animal welfare in our community.

I’ve also continued talking openly about technology and AI.

Yes — I use AI.

I’m a technology entrepreneur. It would be rather strange if I didn’t.

A calculator doesn’t replace an accountant.

Power tools don’t replace a skilled tradesperson.

Google didn’t eliminate research.

And AI doesn’t replace judgment.

Used responsibly, transparently and with human oversight, technology can help City Hall respond faster, organize information better, identify recurring problems and make government easier to navigate.

People first. Technology supporting them. Always.

I’ve also had several people ask who I’m supporting in other races.

My answer remains the same.

I’m running my campaign, on my record, my ideas and my platform.

I’m not interested in political slates, voting blocs or being beholden to another politician, developer, lobbyist, special interest or ideology.

I’ll support good ideas regardless of who brings them forward.

And when I disagree, I’ll disagree respectfully.

That’s how council should work.

I’m continuing to participate in interviews, podcasts, community discussions and direct conversations with residents.

And I’ll keep knocking on doors.

Because no Facebook post, website or campaign advertisement can replace looking someone in the eye and asking:

“What’s happening on your street?”