DANIELS
KIERAN
2026 Thorold City Council Candidate
Community Leadership
A Record of Service, Leadership and Results.
For more than a decade, I’ve been involved in our community through coaching local sports, volunteering and serving on municipal committees. Those experiences have given me the chance to work with residents, community groups and City staff on projects that make a difference. I’ve learned that good leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening, asking questions, doing the work and making informed decisions.
Rolling Meadows Turf Field
The Rolling Meadows Turf Field is a great example of planning for a growing community. As Chair of the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee, I advocated for additional sports infrastructure and supported the planning and community discussions that helped move this project forward. Working alongside City staff and community partners, I helped support a long-term vision that expanded recreation opportunities for one of Thorold’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
How I Contributed
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Advocated for additional sports infrastructure through the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee.
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Supported the planning and community discussions that helped move the project forward.
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Encouraged long-term investment in parks and recreation to meet the needs of a growing community.
Community Impact
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Added a new artificial turf field for local sports and community use.
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Improved parking and access to the park.
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Expanded recreation opportunities for residents of all ages.
Property Assessment Accuracy
After receiving a significant retroactive property-tax bill, I began reviewing the assessment, building-permit records and property information used by MPAC. I found information that did not appear accurate and worked through the formal review process to have it examined and corrected.
How I Contributed
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Reviewed the assessment, building-permit records and property information used by MPAC.
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Identified information that did not appear accurate and gathered the records needed to support my case.
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Followed the formal review process until MPAC updated the property information and reduced the assessment from $382,000 to $271,000.
Community Impact
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Helped draw attention to how difficult property assessments and retroactive tax bills can be for residents to understand.
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Demonstrated why homeowners should review the information being used to assess their properties.
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Reinforced the need for accurate assessments, clear communication and a process residents can understand.
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“I wasn’t looking for a lower tax bilI I was looking for the right tax bill.”
Van Stralen -Griffiths Dog Park
The Van Stralen–Griffiths Dog Park is a great example of what can be accomplished when residents, community partners and the City work together. As Chair of the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee, I supported the planning and development of the project and worked with City staff to help move it from planning to reality.
How I Contributed
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Supported the planning and development of the project through the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee.
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Worked with City staff and community partners to help move the project forward.
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Supported a collaborative approach throughout the planning and development process.
Community Impact
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Created Thorold’s first dedicated off-leash area for residents and their pets.
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Added a new recreational space for the community.
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Made possible through the generous donation of approximately nine acres of land by Ed and Jane Lipscombe.
Committee of Adjustment Leadership
Since being appointed to Thorold’s Committee of Adjustment in 2022, I have taken part in decisions involving minor variances and property-related applications across the city. In 2024, I was selected to serve as Vice Chair.
How I Contributed
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Reviewed applications, planning reports and supporting information before each meeting.
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Listened to applicants, neighbours and City staff before making a decision.
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Asked questions and applied the City’s planning rules fairly and consistently.
Community Impact
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Helped ensure property applications received a fair and informed review.
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Considered the needs of property owners while also respecting surrounding neighbourhoods.
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Supported an open public process where residents could speak directly to the committee before decisions were made.
McMillan Park
Sports Field Improvements
The proposed McMillan Park sports field is an example of what can happen when the City, the District School Board of Niagara and community representatives work together. As Chair of the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee, I participated in the discussions about the project and possible locations for a new sports field.
How I Contributed
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Chaired the committee meeting where Thorold Secondary School Principal Janice Sargeant presented the school board’s proposal.
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Prepared a concept drawing to help illustrate how sports-field improvements could potentially fit within McMillan Park.
Community Impact
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Helped keep the proposed sports field part of the community discussion.
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The City and the school board later reached an agreement for a new multi-use sports field at McMillan Park while keeping the property under City ownership.
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The proposed improvements would support Thorold Secondary School, local sports organizations and recreational opportunities for the wider community.
Van Stralen - Griffiths Dog Park
The Van Stralen–Griffiths Dog Park is a great example of what can be accomplished when residents, community partners and the City work together. As Chair of the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee, I supported the planning and development of the project and worked with City staff to help move it from planning to reality.
How I Contributed
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Supported the planning and development of the project through the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee.
-
Worked with City staff and community partners to help move the project forward.
-
Supported a collaborative approach throughout the planning and development process.
Community Impact
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Created Thorold’s first dedicated off-leash area for residents and their pets.
-
Added a new recreational space for the community.
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Made possible through the generous donation of approximately nine acres of land by Ed and Jane Lipscombe.
Battle of Beaverdams Park Improvments
Battle of Beaverdams Park is one of Thorold’s most popular community spaces and an important gathering place for local families. As Chair of the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee, I supported improvements that enhanced the park and advocated for continued investment in neighbourhood parks and recreation facilities. Working alongside City staff and community partners, I helped support projects that improved the park for residents of all ages.
How I Contributed
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Supported park improvements through the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee.
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Advocated for continued investment in neighbourhood parks and recreation facilities.
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Supported long-term improvements that enhance community spaces for residents.
Community Impact
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Enhanced the splash pad and surrounding amenities.
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Improved park lighting and accessibility.
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Upgraded facilities for families, children and community events.
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Continued investing in one of Thorold’s most valued neighbourhood parks
My Involvement
As Chair of the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee, I brought forward a recommendation to explore future community uses for James Whyte Arena. The committee heard presentations from several community organizations with ideas for the site, reinforcing the need for a long-term vision. I never believed selling a public asset like this should be the first option. Once it’s sold, it’s gone.
Why It Matters
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One of Thorold’s largest publicly owned community facilities.
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Community organizations continue to look for recreation and meeting space.
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The property deserves a clear, long-term vision that benefits residents.
My View
Whether the future includes an arena, a new community facility or another public use, this property deserves a plan. Doing nothing shouldn’t be the plan. Once a public asset is sold, the opportunity to serve future generations is gone.
