My idea is simple: better infrastructure, smaller expenses —it may sound too good to be true, but it's not! Per the Township's 2025 Asset Management Plan, our summers are expected to get hotter, our winters more mild, and our municipal buildings are expected to face higher energy bills. In alignment with provincial regulations which requires municipalities to "[leverage] opportunities for mitigating climate change and building infrastructure resiliency to minimize service disruptions during extreme weather events" I want to modernize our municipal energy supply with solar panels and small-scale wind turbines. 

 

Green energy makes financial sense. Solar and wind generation will lower recurring energy bills, saving Nipissing Township and its residents thousands of dollars per year. Better yet, it's essentially free. Ontario companies offer

'no upfront cost' renewable energy installations. This works by remitting the difference in pre-  and post-installation energy bills until the project is paid off. In short, we can upgrade our current infrastructure without increasing expenses and lock in future savings. Further, renewable energy installations increase property values. Therefore my plan will improve the Township's balance sheet. 

 

In addition, renewable energy is reliable energy. Unfortunately, we're all too familiar with frequent power outages. Luckily, when the hydro is out, solar and wind energy can still be generated and previously generated energy can be drawn from batteries. 

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Lastly, I will support infrastructure that brings in new revenue. For example, I would like the Township to signal to private providers that municipal lands are available for electric vehicle DC fast charging infrastructure. In short, the Township could lease a small plot of land to a provider, creating new infrastructure for residents and visitors alike, and generate new revenue. Infrastructure like this benefits all residents; even if you don't drive an electric vehicle or ever want to. It gives residents, visitors, and potential new residents more freedom. Accepting electric vehicle infrastructure in 2026 is like accepting a gas station in 1926 — technology is changing, let's get in on the ground floor. Importantly, I would only support this sort of development if it came in at little to no cost for the Township. As Councillor, I will always look for win-win situations that improve our infrastructure, make financial sense, give people more choice, preserve the character of our community, and make Nipissing an attractive place to call home.      

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This is my promise to you: better infrastructure, better balance sheets. A vote for Jake Barton in this municipal election is a vote for ambitious and achievable ideas from a new generation.