04/15/2026
The last month has been tough for people across our city.
We were hit with a winter storm we haven’t seen in decades. The response felt underprepared and disorganized, and many areas went weeks without proper services, support, or even cleared sidewalks. Just as things started to improve, we were hit with a rapid melt and heavy rain, leading to flooding, infrastructure issues, and damage to people’s homes.
To put it simply, this spring has been rough.
Now, the weather is out of our control. These kinds of events are going to happen, and they will keep happening. We live in Northern Ontario. Snow and extreme conditions come with the territory.
What is in our control is how we respond.
Right now, too many residents feel like they’re not being heard. People are raising concerns, reporting issues, and doing what they’re supposed to do, but they’re getting bounced around or getting no real answers. That’s not good enough.
We need a system that listens, responds, and takes action. Not just during emergencies, but before they happen. Being proactive instead of reactive should be the standard.
In Coniston, we’re seeing the impact of this firsthand. Flooding has affected homes, properties, and infrastructure, and this is not a new issue. It’s something that has been raised year after year.
I’ve personally reached out to Conservation Sudbury to attend local CAN meetings to discuss these concerns. Those meetings were cancelled, while resources were being directed toward workshops and conferences. That doesn’t sit right with residents who are dealing with real impacts at home.
At the end of the day, this isn’t about blame. It’s about doing better. Our communities deserve better.