KEVIN ASHE B
Mayor Kevin Ashe has focused his term on promoting economic development, managing housing growth, and addressing community well-being. He has shown a commitment to attracting jobs and making strategic investments in infrastructure. His leadership has been tested by highly public and contentious council issues, which have led to significant changes in city operations. While he has demonstrated a clear vision for the city’s future, the execution and handling of certain challenges have drawn both praise and criticism.
Subject Grades
- Economic Development & Fiscal Management: B+
Performance: Mayor Ashe has made economic development a central tenet of his platform. His administration has focused on expanding the commercial and industrial tax base to ease the burden on residents. This is a sound fiscal policy that aims to create a more sustainable financial model for the city. He has also been credited with attracting new businesses and projects to the city.
Evidence: Secured $5.2 million from Ontario’s Building Faster Fund for exceeding provincial housing targets. Pushed for the use of casino revenue to improve services while keeping taxes in line.
Room for Improvement: Continued focus on job creation and reducing red tape for small businesses will be crucial for long-term success.
- Housing & Urban Planning: B
Performance: Ashe has pledged to prioritize housing affordability and promote sustainable development, particularly along transit corridors. He has also committed to balancing development with the preservation of existing neighborhoods and green spaces.
Evidence: The city has been recognized as one of Canada’s most livable cities and has received provincial funding for meeting housing targets. He has been vocal about his vision for smart, progressive growth.
Room for Improvement: The city is slated for significant growth, and the true test of his policies will be in their ability to manage this expansion while maintaining community character and ensuring adequate infrastructure.
- Community Relations & Governance: C-
Performance: This is the most challenging area of Mayor Ashe’s report card. His administration has faced unprecedented conflict within city council, which has spilled into the public realm. The decision to move council meetings online due to security threats and the suspension of a councillor’s pay have been major points of contention. While he cites these actions as necessary for safety and a functioning government, critics have voiced concerns about democratic engagement and transparency.
Evidence: The highly publicized conflict with a specific city councillor and the resulting decision to move council meetings online. The mayor has defended this as a necessary step to protect staff and councillors from harassment.
Room for Improvement: This issue has created a perception of instability and disunity. The ability to foster a more civil and productive working environment will be key to a higher grade in the future.
- Public Infrastructure & Services: B
Performance: The city has made significant progress on large-scale infrastructure projects. These investments are critical for a growing community.
Evidence: Under his leadership, the city is moving forward with the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre and the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library, which is the largest capital project in the city’s history.
Room for Improvement: As the city grows, continued investment in roads, bridges, public transit, and community spaces will be vital to keeping up with demand.
Notes
Mayor Ashe inherited a city with a clear path for growth, and he has worked to advance that vision. His experience in local politics, including his time as a city and regional councillor, provides a strong foundation. He is a passionate advocate for Pickering and its residents. However, the internal political turmoil has been a significant distraction and has negatively impacted public perception of the city’s governance. Future success will hinge on his ability to not only deliver on economic and infrastructure promises but also to restore public trust and stability to city hall. The handling of ongoing council disputes will be the primary measure of his leadership moving forward.
