The need to protect the environment dominates a list of issues on the mind of Robert Radway. The Aldershot resident wants to unseat Kelvin Galbraith as Burlington’s Ward 1 councillor during this fall’s municipal election.
“There’s no doubt that the environment is an important issue for me…with the work I’ve done at my high school as the lead eco-team member. I’ve taken on many initiatives with Burlington Green as well. The environment is a hot topic and it’s going to continue to be a hot topic,” said the candidate during a weekend interview.
Radway’s website includes references to his environmental credentials, such as leading clean-ups of Aldershot Creek and Wellington Park.
For Radway, however, it’s not just about the environment. He rates the ongoing challenges related to new development and the need for affordable housing as priorities for the new city council.
“I’ve watched many of the [housing advisory committee] meetings online. There’s been some frustration. Citizens are wondering where is the housing strategy in place to help individuals that are single parents, newcomers, and the elderly.”
In Aldershot, Radway points to the traffic congestion on Plains Road as a major issue that he says is also an environmental concern. He is pleased with the plan to build better bike lanes on Plains Road West but wants to see more.
“I love the idea of the protected bike lanes. I’d love to see that continued right across Plains Road, right to Brant Street and beyond. When you think about the environment…that’s a component. Give citizens another option including biking, roller blading, and electric bikes.”
Radway understands that Ward 1 is more than just Aldershot. It includes the Tyandaga and West Maple communities.
In Tyandaga, he said the number one issue he is hearing about “99 per cent of the time” is the planned expansion of the Meridian Quarry. Reminded that lawyers, planners, and politicians have repeatedly pointed out that the expansion cannot be stopped, Radway still sees a role.
“It doesn’t mean that we can’t continue to have open discussion about it and that’s the number one thing that I’m going to make sure is available to all. …If I am the ward councillor, I would be the voice for the residents.”
Asked what strengths he would bring to the council chamber, Radway claimed a history of collaboration in his career and the community.
“Over my career, I have been able to work collaboratively with different groups and move forward with a collective goal. …People want to make positive changes. We can work collaboratively to do that, to work forward on goals, that can be me.”
Radway is a high school teacher who lives in Aldershot.
So far, with nominations closing on August 19, Radway is the only challenge to Galbraith.
