Fix the Basics

Better roads. Safer streets. Services residents can actually feel.

Jay's pledge

A documented response to every report

I pledge that every Ward 2 resident who reports a pothole, a snow removal issue, or a safety concern will receive a documented response within the timeframe I commit to publicly, and if that standard is ever missed, I will say so myself in the Annual State of Ward 2 Report.

Jay Hayles

What it covers

Traffic congestion, speeding, and intersection safety
Snow removal, plowing, and winter maintenance
Road maintenance, potholes, and sidewalks
Street lighting, parks, and public space maintenance
Bylaw enforcement and neighbourhood cleanliness
Crime, community safety, and school transportation

Policies

Adaptive Traffic Signal Network

Smarter signal timing at the intersections residents struggle with most.

Funding: Feasibility study first, then infrastructure grants

See the details

Work with Durham Region on smarter signal timing, and pilot it at Town intersections where the data shows need.

Why it works: Software and sensors cut wait times instead of road widening. Cities report double-digit drops in delay.
The concern: Upfront hardware cost. Start with a pilot at three or four intersections, prove it, then expand in stages.

Residents

Shorter commutes and less idling.
Services

Fewer complaints and less reactive retiming.
Business

Easier access to Harwood Plaza and Durham Centre.

For you

Targets the lights that slow your morning.

Next level

Automatic green lights for fire trucks and ambulances.

Full policy wording →

Real-Time Road & Snow Service Dashboard with a Response Guarantee

A live plow map, and a documented answer to every complaint.

Funding: Existing winter-maintenance systems

See the details

A live map of plow and road-maintenance routes, and a documented response to every complaint within a set time.

Why it works: Every report gets an answer, and Council gets hard data on where service falls short.
The concern: Unrealistic expectations. Standards set to what staff can deliver, such as acknowledgment within 48 hours.

Residents

Know when the plow is coming.
Services

Fewer calls, because the map answers first.
Business

Reliable plowing keeps customers coming.

For you

Know when the plow is coming, and get an answer every time.

Next level

Weather-informed route planning, so crews prepare before the storm.

Full policy wording →

Ward-Wide Safety & Lighting Audit

Map every poorly lit street, park and path, and publish the fix schedule.

Funding: Phased capital budget, offset by LED savings

See the details

Audit lighting in streets, parks and public spaces with bylaw, police and community groups, then publish a Ward 2 safety plan.

Why it works: Better lighting is one of the highest-value, lowest-cost safety investments a town can make.
The concern: Too much to fix at once. Every gap ranked by risk, with a published fix schedule.

Residents

Safer streets and parks after dark.
Services

Fewer calls tied to dark hotspots.
Business

More evening foot traffic for local shops.

For you

Feel safe walking your neighbourhood at night.

Next level

Pilot smart lighting that brightens when people are near.

Full policy wording →

Every policy names how it would be paid for. Town staff set the exact cost, and Council approves every dollar before it is spent.

All four pillars Read the full plan Ask Jay about this