About
Born and raised in Orillia, I’ve spent most of my life in Ward 1, which my family still calls home. Some of my earliest memories are of growing up on Crawford Street and attending St. Bernard’s Catholic School. Every Friday, my mom would take me to Movie Warehouse on Colborne Street. When I started high school at Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School, my family moved to Couchiching Point, where I also lived a few doors down from my grandparents.
After graduating from high school, I continued my education across Canada and abroad. I attended Sheridan College before moving to Thunder Bay to study at Confederation College. I completed my Bachelor at Bond University in Australia. My education introduced me to a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, sociology, political science, film/television, and photography.
I returned to Orillia and began a career in web design that spanned more than 20 years. I’ve worked with many businesses and organizations in and around Orillia, such as: Orillia & Lake Country, Orillia Area CDC, Wavemaker Pool Spa, SunTek Window Coverings, Dentistry on West, Sunrise Yoga Studio, Hospice Orillia, and many more. I also work in my family’s automation business. I enjoy photography, exploring new technology, and I am a big film buff who appreciates classics to modern films. Most recently, I welcomed a beagle puppy, Riker, who is keeping me and Rebecca busy at home.
I look to bring a creative and problem solving perspective, while remaining approachable to the people I represent. I’m running for council to bring practical ideas, advocate, address today’s challenges, and help build a stronger future for Orillia. Residents deserve a council that is transparent and can work positively together.
Joseph Bat for Orillia Ward 1
Listening and Going to Bat For You
Priorities
The priorities listed reflect some of the key issues I believe are important. One of my core commitments is to listen and make informed decisions.
Responsible Spending
Before asking taxpayers to pay more, we should ensure existing resources are being used efficiently and focused on the services people rely on every day. I’ve heard from several residents who feel they are paying more in taxes while seeing a decline in services. Being responsible isn’t simply about spending less, it’s about spending wisely and being willing to reallocate when information shows it will provide greater value and keeping taxes affordable.
Just as families save for major expenses, I believe in planning ahead by setting money aside for future projects and unexpected costs. Orillia is expected to contribute toward the future hospital. While the final amount and timing may not yet be known, I would support exploring the feasibility of establishing a dedicated reserve for this future investment. Planning ahead today can help reduce financial pressures.
Reliable Services
I support increased road, sidewalk maintenance, improving transit where possible and expanded winter snow clearing to help prevent small issues from becoming larger issues. While weather conditions vary from year to year, I support maintaining the capacity to respond to heavy winters and other seasonal challenges rather than hoping for mild conditions. If a season is milder, resulting savings can be managed responsibly and considered for other services.
Preventative maintenance should always be a priority. Addressing potholes and minor road repairs early to improve safety, prevent more extensive and costly reconstruction in the future, and reduce the possibility of damage to vehicles. The goal should be lasting solutions that provide better value for taxpayers. Orillia should not be listed on future worst road lists.
Plan for the Future
Investing in Orillia should help today while preparing for tomorrow. I support reviewing stormwater and drainage to help reduce flood risks. Growth also brings new transportation challenges. I support regularly reviewing traffic, lights, and intersections. I also support thoughtful planning that considers environmental impacts, streamlining permits and approvals where possible, and working with community partners and the province to help move projects forward. With the province investing in a new hospital and the growth of Lakehead University, I believe Orillia should advocate for the expansion of Highway 12 from Atherley Road. This would help improve traffic flow and emergency services. The current hospital site will also be important. Its future use and location near downtown will be an essential part in supporting downtown businesses.
Parking and accessibility are an important part of supporting businesses, which I believe we should continually review and explore practical ways to expand access. I also encourage culture and arts, which I believe are for everyone. Orillia has demonstrated that it can attract film productions. I would support making the city even more film friendly by working with industry partners to encourage more productions to choose Orillia. These projects bring spending to businesses, create opportunities for people to be part of production, and showcase the community.
Housing & Community
Housing is a challenge that affects our entire community and neighbouring cities. I support affordable housing that stays affordable. When incentives are requested, there should be clear accountability, transparency, and safeguards. I take the concerns of the community seriously. I have heard a desire for both support for people experiencing hardship and improved enforcement when laws are broken or public safety is at risk. We can’t ignore the impact when repeated unsafe or prohibited activities occur. I also support improving the cleanliness of our parks, trails, and public areas through garbage and recycling collection, and evaluating if additional bins and collection are needed.
Orillia can continue to work with the province, community organizations, and the County of Simcoe to improve mental health and addiction programs that help people regain stability and independence. There is also a desire for new solutions to be explored. Where appropriate, I support examining partnerships that make better use of existing assets to provide temporary shelter.
Contact
If you have questions, suggestions, or want to help with my campaign, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
josephbatward1@gmail.com | 705-955-2477
Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps. Your donation will be used solely for my campaign to reach more people.
Whether you can spare an hour or more, your help with door knocking or delivering literature would be appreciated.
If you’d like to have a sign on your property, I’ll arrange to have one delivered and installed.