Jeff Davis, Oshawa Ward 4

https://thebeaverton.com/2024/07/brits-replace-their-right-wing-party-with-centrist-party-for-same-reasons-canadians-will-soon-replace-our-centrist-party-with-right-wing-party/

Brits replace their right wing party with centrist party for same reasons Canadians will soon replace our centrist party with right wing party LONDON – In a clear message that voters want to see a progressive, compassionate centrist government, the UK has replaced the Tories with Labour. Just as soon, Canadians will replace the Liberals with the Conservatives in a clear message that voters want to see a traditional, conservative governme...

while I may not totally agree with this part:
The federal government should fund initiatives that keep communities safe and break the cycle of addiction through expanding successful programs such as Ontario’s Opioid Agonist Therapy Services pilot project and its injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy.

I agree with the intent of this petition.
Current Safe Supply is not working!
We need to help the addicted to break the cycle and move to recovery.
OAT may be one step in that process, if properly administered. But I don't agree with the injectable pilot.
We need more recovery beds and increased recovery based programs.

Hopefully this e-petition will gain enough support to have the Federal government complete a robust review of the currently failing Safe Supply and get the funding where it will do the most good.

Our communities deserve to be safe from the harms and further spread of addiction.

https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4930&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1TOrXbwgrZhgmBvrBXoA3Wr-o9VjRzdqJbZPf8DjdQnwyQnPjN-UKj7nA_aem_AWLhVGHVhBuA8efyPLV5EPoibdWQT9C7TWTDRCeMBPxx-JBfaB036oi3fLrcu5ogidxVYCrAUaiMAfnFje_OSHGE

Petition e-4930 - Petitions There is no obligation on the part of the House of Commons or any Member of Parliament to authorize the publication of an e-petition or to present an e-petition or a paper petition to the House of Commons. Neither the House of Commons nor any Member of Parliament authorizing the publication of an e-...

Oshawa has a long history of military activity from the Ontario Regiment to our airport founded as a training center to the war-time production at General Motors and our incredible Regimental Tank Museum.

Today many of these historic feats come together in celebration of Remembrance for our fallen heroes.

Please take a moment from your day to pay tribute to our military men and women, past and present, their families and friends and all who support our free and great nation.

LEST WE FORGET.

I recently received this email from a downtown colleague, and am sharing it because I believe more people need to be aware of what is being planned.

Feel free to share the post, the message, and by all means, follow the links and let the Region know what you think.
(note, some of the formatting is off due to limitations with facebook).

Good afternoon,

I hope this email finds you well.

A colleague informed me of the "Non-Police/Non-Violent Crisis Intervention" consultation process in Durham Region. I'm sending this email to engage a broader audience, as not many people seem to be aware of this initiative.

I'm sharing Durham's anonymous "engagement survey" link with you because I believe it is important for all voices and perspectives to be heard by the Region (the information poster is also attached to this email): https://yourvoice.durham.ca/non-police-led-mental-health-crisis-engagement

Please note the terminology used by the Region in this consultation. It is concerning because it comes from a discourse that creates angst, polarization, and division in communities. Terms such as “non-police" and "non-violent” were specifically selected for this initiative. Perhaps more inclusive terminology relevant to the broader community such as “community response team”, “wellness team”, or “safety team” could have been suggested. Because of the nature of the language that was used, it would appear that the project is coming from one particular perspective, often mired in conflict and controversy. That is not a fair strategy to bring our community together, nor to build collaboration and trust.

As this consultation/initiative has been posted on social media in various groups, comments have already sparked themes of “defund the police” and “blue lives matter/war on police” rhetoric.These are politically charged concepts that needn’t have been introduced into our community by the Region.

Furthermore, during discussions with colleagues the following has been noted:
-As stated in the flyer, "The service would aim to improve how mental health crises are responded to in Durham through non-violent interventions led by mental health professionals". Nobody I spoke to was aware of any unnecessary "violent interventions" by police/DRPS. Many of us witness nothing but kindness, respect, and professionalism from DRPS when dealing with escalating situations. We are grateful for their presence and assistance with precarious/escalating situations, and for always keeping our community safe (especially during crisis situations when they are the only ones who can respond). If anything, many of my colleagues are asking for greater police presence in our city; a clear indication of their value and efficacy.
-There are many concerns about layering yet another complex bureaucratic process within a system that is already struggling to coordinate current services and resources. If there are additional funds available, many feel that the focus should be on enhancing existing services and resources, such as the current evidence based co-responder approach already in place (nursing and social worker ride-alongs with the police); and certainly not at the expense of shifting a much needed policing budget to other service providers.
-Research is inconclusive regarding this approach, and a recent 2022 review indicates that "Overall, there is little evidence to suggest that the Crisis Intervention Team model impacts crisis outcomes. Co-responder models evidenced improved outcomes compared to police only models, however, evidence was often mixed. Non-police models varied significantly, and studies tended to be too low quality to make comparisons or draw conclusions". (Re-examining mental health crisis intervention: A rapid review comparing outcomes across police, co-responder and non-police models. (2022). Health and Social Care in the Community).
-Many feel that it would be significantly more advantageous to address stigma against the police; we are steeped in rhetoric from the United States about police brutality, but that is not the case in the Durham Region. Models implemented in the States cannot be applied in a cookie-cutter fashion within our Canadian socio-political context. Our first responders regularly manage situations involving mental health issues, and they do not deserve to be labeled as "violent", "ineffective", or "inadequate". The sheer volume of calls they respond to, and the minimal number of incidents should validate and demonstrate their proficiency. It would be prudent to see the police/violence/complaint statistics that gave momentum to this "non-police" movement in Durham, as well as indicators from the existing co-responder approach that deemed it ineffective or in need of another entirely new parallel process.

We need to build each other up and come together to support our community with our strengths; not segregate, isolate, and duplicate services while polarizing stakeholders. I feel the Region needs to regroup, and reflect on their approach before forcing another one-sided ideological stronghold onto our community.

Even if you don't agree with the content of this email, please share your views with the Region, and forward the link to your friends, family, and colleagues to ensure a fair representation of the community's views/values. https://yourvoice.durham.ca/non-police-led-mental-health-crisis-engagement

My best,

Non-Police Led Mental Health Crisis Response Community Engagement The Region of Durham is interested in building a Non-Police Led Mental Health Crisis Response Service. The service would aim to offer a new approach to crisis intervention, led by mental health professionals. To develop a service that is informed by and prioritizes the

To some, Vancouver's lower east side is considered the gold standard in harm reduction.

But is it gold, or fool's gold?

"Vancouver is Dying" is a documentary that appears to show the real effects, on the community and economy, surrounding the oxymorons of 'safe' injection sites and 'harm reduction'.

There is nothing safe about constantly injecting one's self with man-made opioids. Clean needle supply was intended (and largely successful) to reduce the spread of blood borne diseases such as Hep-C and Aids, but the explosion of other drug enabling paraphernalia under the 'harm reduction' umbrella has been counter productive, to say the least.

Oshawa needs to step up their game of providing the right services, quality services, to our marginalized population before we follow down the well documented steps of East Hastings.

Watch the video here. An hour of your time well spent.

Vancouver is Dying | Full Movie What is happening to the city of Vancouver?Who is responsible for the surge in violent crime?And is the introduction of a “safe supply” of toxic drugs, inclu...

I have scoured Ward 4 for my signs and collected all I could find.
If I have missed one near you, please send me a message and we will get it asap.

thank you Ward 4.

Thank you to the 864 voters that marked their ballot for me.
16% of the voters took a chance on an unknown, and I am truly honored with your confidence in me (or lack of confidence in my opponents).

I cannot lie. I am disappointed.
Disappointed in the dismal 18.4% overall voter turnout, a new record low for Oshawa.
Disappointed in the lack of change on council, other than the city council position in Ward 2.

But I am encouraged in my own race against two well known, seasoned candidates.
I am encouraged by the tight races in Wards 1 and 2, especially.

Oshawa is in for a tough 4 years, and I sure hope that people start to pay attention and speak up, that the city looks at ways to increase voter participation through the entire term and at the next election.

Congratulations to all of the incumbents and one new victor in the election. You certainly have your work cut out for you.

Thank you and congratulations to all the candidates that dedicated their time and commitment without being elected. The democratic process requires choice, and each of you provided that. Be proud of your efforts.

To the 18.4% of the population that voted, thank you for your participation, your interest and dedication to the process. Please continue to participate through this next term of council and ensure that your elected officials are serving you, as they have been elected to do.

I am going to take a few days off to re-cooperate, re-group, and relax. But I fully intend to continue to watch this council, to hold them accountable, to increase transparency, so that we can encourage a far better turnout in 2026.

Thank you to all my supporters, at the polls, through my campaign, for your encouragement, your assistance in flyer deliveries and door knocking, sign installation, social media assistance, and even financially. I could not have gotten this far without you, and I am extremely grateful.

To all those Ward 4 businesses who supplied my campaign, Accuprint, Signarama/Fully Promoted, Mikki H for the photography, Power by Design, I thank you for your incredible services and your dedication to our City and Ward 4.

Thank you Ward 4, Oshawa. It's been quite the learning experience.

Jeff

Here's what you need to know in order to vote today.

Also, unofficial results will be available on the city's website starting at 8 pm.

Remember, you can vote at any poll in your Ward.

Your Ward 4 polling station for October 24th.
10 am to 8 pm.

Boys and Girls Club Durham
433 Eulalie Ave

Civic Recreation Complex
99 Thornton Rd S

Durham Alternative Secondary School
240 Simcoe St S

Mary Street Community School
110 Mary St N

O'Neil C.V.I.
301 Simcoe St N

R.S. McLaughlin C.V.I.
570 Stevenson Rd N

Rundle Community Centre
241 Park Rd S

Stephen G. Saywell Public School
855 Roundelay Dr

Valleyview Community Centre
81 Gladstone Ave

Walter E. Harris Public School
495 Central Park Blvd N

Woodcrest Public School
506 Woodcrest Ave

Woodview Community Centre
151 Cadillac Ave N

Today is Voting Day; cast your ballot between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Qualified Oshawa voters may cast their ballot at any Voting Place in their ward between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. today, Monday, October 24. Review how to prepare and what to expect on Voting Day!

The past 90 days have been a roller coaster ride, mentally and physically.

It all comes down to the electorate today.

The most important thing today is that everyone gets out and votes, has their say in the next 4 years of governance of our City and Region.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me through this election campaign. Ward 4 is immense, with over 26,000 addresses. It's been a real challenge to hit every door, especially to hit them with an opportunity to really engage with the residents and voters. Most of you have a lot to talk about, because you feel you have not been heard in the past, and many of you want that to change. I hope voter turnout is higher than the last municipal election and we get the change we want and need. And yes, I hope that means votes for me!

Regardless of the outcome in today's polls, I am glad for the experience of running for election. I will continue to be a voice for change, but hopeful you will give me an opportunity to represent you and the changes you desire from a seat around the Council chambers.

Best of luck to all candidates, and to the citizens of Oshawa in making good choices for the next 4 years.

Jeff Davis, Oshawa Ward 4
Candidate for Regional and City Councillor

Your Ward 4 polling station for October 24th.
10 am to 8 pm.

Boys and Girls Club Durham
433 Eulalie Ave

Civic Recreation Complex
99 Thornton Rd S

Durham Alternative Secondary School
240 Simcoe St S

Mary Street Community School
110 Mary St N

O'Neil C.V.I.
301 Simcoe St N

R.S. McLaughlin C.V.I.
570 Stevenson Rd N

Rundle Community Centre
241 Park Rd S

Stephen G. Saywell Public School
855 Roundelay Dr

Valleyview Community Centre
81 Gladstone Ave

Walter E. Harris Public School
495 Central Park Blvd N

Woodcrest Public School
506 Woodcrest Ave

Woodview Community Centre
151 Cadillac Ave N

Mail in voting and advance polls are closed, we only have Monday left to vote.

We don't yet know how many people took the advance options but the only way to effect change is to VOTE. This election, in Oshawa, you can vote at any poll in your Ward.

It will be interesting to see turnouts across the Region, with a number of different methods having been used by different municipalities.

Getting people out to vote in municipal elections has traditionally been a struggle in Durham. While the three northern municipalities saw their voter turnout hover around the 50 per cent mark in 2018 — Uxbridge led the way in the last municipal election with a 50.93 per cent turnout, followed by Brock (46.7 per cent) and Scugog (45.72 per cent) — there is seemingly little interest along the region’s lakeshore communities.

Oshawa and Whitby recorded the lowest turnouts in 2018 (24.1 per cent and 26.78 per cent, respectively), with interest in Clarington only marginally better (28.57 per cent). Just under one-third of all eligible voters in Pickering (29 per cent) cast a ballot in the last municipal election, while Ajax residents crept closer to that mark (32.9 per cent).

A lack of interest surrounding politics from the general public has been discussed for decades, “but I think it has definitely gotten worse,” said Shanti Fernando, an associate professor in the political science program, faculty of social science and humanities, at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa.

“Municipal politics affect people’s lives the most, you should be engaged in it, but it has traditionally been at the 30 per cent kind of mark,” she said.

https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/10734993-voter-apathy-in-durham-not-the-same-sense-of-civic-engagement-as-in-the-past-/?fbclid=IwAR28jxIFCtkCrPncVW22YaXViAoTwRXTXh5kv8g1jkaAT_7Smcmz0_n1OC4

Voter apathy in Durham? 'Not the same sense of civic engagement as in the past' The number of eligible voters interested in casting a ballot and helping to shape the future of their communities dropped dramatically in the 2022 provincial election and it’s not unreasonable to...

The official literature to my campaign.

It's been going out door to door, and has been receiving great support.

I am not promising the "same old" as some of the same old candidates are!

I represent the only NEW voice running for Regional and City Councillor, Ward 4. I want to represent YOUR voice, in a new way.

I've never been gifted a position by Council. I am not beholden to council through any promised votes of support, past, present or future. I am not part of the 'club', or any club.

I am truly independent. I am here to represent you.

Please support having your voice heard!
On October 24, vote Jeff Davis, Regional and City Council, Ward 4.

This endorsement means a lot to me, especially knowing what my daughter in law goes through every day at a Regionally operated LTC home.

Our front line workers, especially in Health Care, are the backbone of our community.

Truly honored for this endorsement.

Thank you,
Jeff

It's a confusing final week of campaigning.
While technically we are winding down, in a lot of ways we are still ramping up for that final push to the polls.

Door knocking Oshawa's most populous ward is a real challenge. Many people at the doors have a lot to say. They haven't been heard this term of council and it shows in the interactions.

This is one of the reasons I created the Davis Pledge and my commitment to listening to the residents, to responding to the residents, and to REPRESENTING those residents.

Our Ward is somewhat lacking in public spaces to meet in groups, many high rise buildings are not very accessible for campaigning with security panels and sometimes unavailable superintendents or managers.

Here's an opportunity for the central residents to visit me at a downtown business, to share your support, concerns, ideas.

I will buy you a coffee or soft drink and look forward to seeing and hearing from you!

Please remember to vote on October 24, and encourage your friends and neighbours as well.

Jeff

Have you ever heard that joke about 'his lips were moving'?

During the debate today at Parkview Place, while discussing social housing and Rent Geared to Income Housing, I brought up the Region's extensive reserve accounts.
I suggested that it was time for the Region to start investing in social housing.
I mentioned particularly the reserve account for the now cancelled anaerobic digester project and also the reserve account for the realignment and widening of Gibb/Olive that has bee promised for the better part of 40 years.

Rick Kerr decided to surprise everyone with an announcement that the Gibb/Olive realignment and widening is in the project design stage and will be completed prior to the opening of the new GO station at the former K**b HIll Farms which he earmarked for 2025.

It's funny, you would have thought John Henry would have been proud enough of that accomplishment to mention it at last night's Regional Chair debate, but not a word....

So, I checked the Region's website.
Sure enough, there are two projects listed for Olive Street:
https://apps.durham.ca/Applications/Works/PublicWorksProjects/search.aspx

The first project hasn't been updated since 2019 with the issuance of a construction newsletter that I can't access from the link.
However, I did find the tender for design which was awarded Jan, 2020.
https://durham.bidsandtenders.ca/Module/Tenders/en/Tender/Detail/41743297-1a69-4c67-a1c3-b9eebf6a4a94
The second project was updated in August of 2021 with a potential start date of 2022, but is only for the below grade infrastructure and does not mention road widening.

And finally, we were only given this information because the road widening will force the removal of the 10 unit transitional housing pilot project which we have been told will move to the Ritson Public School property.

Bids and Tenders - Durham Region

Many thanks to the residence and staff at Parkview Place Seniors Residence for the invitation for Regional Council candidates to meet and debate YOUR issues today.

Great questions from the residents who are certainly well informed and connected to the political process in Oshawa.

I wish more multi residential buildings would take this initiative at election time. It is a great way for the residents to get their voices heard and a very productive use of time for the candidates.

Maybe some new blood on council can change the archaic methods used by the city and bring us on par with some of our neighbouring municipalities that organize and welcome public participation.

Ensure you are on the Voter's List to make it easy to cast your vote on October 24 or at any advance poll.

Are you on the Voters List for the upcoming Municipal & School Board Elections?

Checking is quick and easy!

Confirm, update or add your information to the Voters List at www.oshawa.ca/voterslist!

The Regional Chair debate.
Only two of four candidates in attendance.
Note the corporate sponsors for the event are the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board and the Durham Region Association of Realtors.

This week's Committee of Adjustment has three applications on their agenda.

Third application, file # A-2022-92 caught my eye....

This application is for a four-plex, 2 story development at 1438 Simcoe St. S, and would appear concerning.

The Committee of Adjustment deals with minor variances.
Most often these applications are for variances to the Planning Act and zoning by-law, often relating to infill projects, often seeking reductions of front and side lot clearances, and most often dealing with reduced parking.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any data accumulation on the decisions of the CofA, which would be helpful in driving permanent updates and changes to our Planning and Zoning. Often these 'minor variances' float under the radar of public scrutiny and even staff scrutiny.

The noted application should not receive approval by CofA.

Back in 2016, the City of Oshawa provided a cash payment to the owners of the subject property to compensate for greater flood risks due to the capping of city owned lands on the east side of Simcoe Street. This decision included a consultant's study and CLOCA review.

Now the CofA is being asked to approve 'minor variances' to allow the construction of a four plex in a known flood zone.

While it may be a 'minor variance' for the CofA to consider, it has huge risks and potential consequences.

Good planning should take into account the KNOWN risks. Has staff provided this report to the CofA for conservation of this request? Is the CofA competent to make this decision? Is this beyond the expertise and purpose of the CofA?

app.oshawa.ca

Ward 4 Candidate forum sponsored by DOBA.

New event

Join us TONIGHT for a FREE downtown Ward 4 Candidate Forum!

We will be streaming it LIVE on our page starting at 7:30pm.

Please feel free to leave any questions for the candidates in the comment section below...It is a full house with all candidates in attendance, but we will try to get your voice heard!

And remember....Please get out and VOTE on October 24th!