Warkworth by drone - Northumberland County photo
Steven Haylestrom has launched his campaign for mayor of Trent Hills, making attainable housing and rural development central to his platform.
The 24-year Warkworth resident filed his nomination papers on August 20 and has now written an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney proposing that Trent Hills become a demonstration community for faster and more attainable rural housing.
Haylestrom is calling for governments, housing providers, manufacturers, financial institutions and educators to work together on the entire housing supply chain, from approvals and financing to manufacturing, site preparation, infrastructure and occupancy.
He says rural communities should be included in housing initiatives rather than having approaches designed primarily for Canada’s largest cities.
Haylestrom says Trent Hills should be prepared with suitable sites, infrastructure requirements, potential partners and an understanding of the types of housing needed locally before funding opportunities become available.
His municipal priorities also include housing for local workers, seniors and young families, infrastructure readiness, transparent municipal spending, support for local businesses and community organizations, and plain-language reporting on municipal commitments and results.
Haylestrom has professional experience in industrialized construction and housing-project delivery, including design, approvals, manufacturing, supply chains, transportation and site completion.
This is his first municipal campaign. He previously ran as a Green candidate in provincial and federal elections between 1999 and 2004.
Haylestrom’s open letter to Prime Minister Carney is available through his campaign, with more information available at Haylestrom.ca.
