$75,755
Previous annual Port Hope mayoral salary and the maximum amount I will retain
Efficient Government and Respect for Taxpayers
Efficient Government Starts at the Top
Port Hope has serious infrastructure needs.
Roads, pipes, municipal buildings, stormwater systems and other public assets require sustained investment, and those costs ultimately fall on taxpayers.
Why this matters
An immediate increase of more than 52 percent
At the same time, the annual salary paid by the Municipality of Port Hope to its mayor has been increased from $75,755 to $115,559 beginning with the next term of Council.
That is an increase of more than 52 percent.
The mayor’s position is demanding and should be compensated fairly. Port Hope’s mayor now carries expanded responsibilities, including responsibility for presenting the municipal budget under Ontario’s strong-mayor legislation.
But I do not believe the person elected to lead Port Hope needs to personally benefit from an immediate salary increase of more than 52 percent while residents are being asked to help fund a substantial infrastructure shortfall.
The numbers
The commitment in four figures
$115,559
Approved annual Port Hope mayoral salary for the incoming term
More than 52%
Size of the approved salary increase
$39,804
Minimum amount contributed back to Port Hope infrastructure every year
Figures are based on Municipality of Port Hope Council Remuneration By-law 07-2026. Future annual adjustments to the mayoral salary will increase the amount contributed back to infrastructure.
Why $75,755?
The figure was not created for this campaign.
$75,755 was the annual salary paid to the mayor before Council approved the increase to $115,559.
My commitment is straightforward: retain the previous salary and return the full increase to Port Hope.
The mayor should be compensated fairly. The previous salary already provided substantial compensation for public service. At a time when Port Hope faces serious infrastructure costs, I believe the newly approved increase can do more good supporting the municipality than increasing my personal income.
One real contribution toward a much larger challenge
$39,804 per year will not close Port Hope’s infrastructure shortfall on its own.
It is still real money.
It can support engineering work, asset inspections, road and sidewalk repairs, facility renewal, stormwater improvements or other infrastructure priorities identified through the municipal budget.
Closing the broader gap will require disciplined capital planning, operational efficiencies, responsible management of reserves and debt, development revenue, partnerships, outside investment and stronger support from senior governments.
More importantly, the commitment establishes a basic principle:
Before municipal leaders ask residents to carry additional costs, they should demonstrate restraint with the money allocated to themselves.
Efficient government has to start at the top.
A fair process
Independent review of council compensation
I will also bring forward a proposal for a transparent and independent review of council compensation.
That review should:
- Use municipalities that genuinely reflect Port Hope’s population, responsibilities and financial position
- Compare like with like and publish exactly how the figures were calculated
- Publish the methodology, comparators and recommendations
- Include an opportunity for public input
- Be completed before future compensation changes are considered
Council members should receive fair compensation.
They should also be able to defend that compensation openly to the residents paying it.
Full public disclosure
Publish the amount. Publish the proof.
Each year, I will publish:
- The Port Hope mayoral salary established for that year
- The previous salary amount of $75,755 that I retained
- The total amount contributed back to the Municipality
- Confirmation of how the contribution was recorded
- Proof that the contribution was completed
The money will go directly back to the Municipality of Port Hope for infrastructure renewal.
Closing statement
Lead by example, then do the harder work
Returning the mayoral salary increase is one concrete contribution toward a much larger infrastructure challenge.
The broader solution will require disciplined budgeting, better long-term planning, operational efficiency, outside investment and serious advocacy for provincial and federal funding.
This commitment will put at least $39,804 per year back into Port Hope infrastructure while establishing the standard I believe municipal government should follow:
Keep costs under control. Fix the basics. Respect taxpayers. Lead by example.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Why $75,755?
$75,755 was the annual Port Hope mayoral salary before Council approved the increase to $115,559.
I will retain the previous salary and contribute the full increase back to Port Hope infrastructure.
How much will be contributed each year?
Based on the currently approved salary, at least $39,804 will be contributed back each year.
If the mayoral salary increases during the term, the amount contributed will increase as well. The amount I retain will remain fixed at $75,755.
How will the contribution be made?
The mayoral salary remains established through municipal bylaw.
I will contribute the increase back to the Municipality through the appropriate municipal process and publish proof of the completed contribution each year.
What else is needed to close the infrastructure gap?
The salary contribution is one part of a much larger solution.
Port Hope will also need disciplined capital planning, operational efficiencies, responsible use of reserves and debt, grants, partnerships, development revenue, outside investment and stronger provincial and federal support.
Official public record
Sources and calculations
$115,559 approved annual Port Hope mayoral salary
Minus $75,755 previous salary retained
Equals $39,804 minimum annual infrastructure contribution
The complete plan
See how this commitment fits the broader platform
Read the full plan for infrastructure, services, growth, public safety, healthcare and the local economy.