Hi, I’m James Krawecki.
My wife and I got married and moved to the beautiful city of Orillia three years ago. Since then we have fallen in love with this community and all that it has to offer.
I would like to bring a fresh perspective to the council table, and approach discussions with knowledge, civility, and respect. As a resident who shares many of the same experiences and concerns as the residents of Ward 3, I believe that I am the strongest candidate to represent your interests as a member of council.
I look forward to meeting you at your door soon and earning your vote.
My Background
In 2017 I graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a degree in Psychology with a specialization in statistics and research. I took the knowledge that I gained and applied it to supply chain and finances in the business realm for the past 7 years. Within that time my wife and I bought and renovated our first home, and we did so to a high standard while keeping the budget below any initial quotes.
I believe that through my experiences in education, life, and business I have gained the skills to help make better decisions for our community and the dollars of our taxpayers.
Your Questions, Answered
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I believe fiscal responsibility must be a cornerstone of city council. Our focus should be on getting the fundamentals right—particularly our roads and winter maintenance. I want to identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are directed toward the essential services our community relies on. I would work with council to ensure that this is done without the need to increase taxes.
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I would work with Council to make road resurfacing and line painting a greater priority where they are needed most. By planning carefully and spending responsibly, we can invest in roads and markings that last, while ensuring taxpayers receive the best possible value for their money.
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After the significant snowfall Orillia has experienced over the past two winters, it is no surprise that snow removal is a concern I consistently hear from residents—and one I share.
My approach would be proactive rather than reactive. Residents in Ward 3 know how quickly space for snow can disappear, creating concerns when road width and visibility are reduced. I believe the City should be anticipating these challenges and removing snow before they become a safety issue, rather than waiting for residents to raise concerns.
I would also work with Council to develop a more efficient strategy for clearing roads following significant snow events, with a focus on keeping our streets safe and accessible for everyone.
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Orillia has a unique beauty that many people visit to appreciate. We have so much to offer in terms of arts and culture, and we have a great variety of food to enjoy and heritage to discover. I want to ensure that Orillia has the ability to grow, while maintaining the charm that has kept this city as a place for locals and tourists to love.
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I am very aware of the challenges Orillia faces with homelessness and addiction, and I believe meaningful progress will require cooperation across all levels of government. While municipalities have an important role to play, many of the tools needed to address these issues fall under provincial and federal responsibility.
I would work with Council to advocate for greater provincial and federal support, better access to treatment, and coordinated solutions that address the underlying causes of homelessness and addiction. Our goal should be twofold: ensuring our community remains safe while helping people access the treatment and supports they need to move forward.
When municipal tax dollars are involved, I believe we have a responsibility to ensure they are directed toward programs and approaches that demonstrate measurable, proven results. We should be willing to support effective solutions, but we should also be prepared to change course when an approach isn't delivering meaningful outcomes.
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I am running because, as a homeowner and resident of Orillia, I have experienced many of the same challenges that families across our city are facing.
The cost of living continues to rise, including the cost of getting to and from work. At the same time, I have seen decisions and spending that don't always reflect the priorities and concerns I hear from taxpayers. I believe our community deserves a fresh perspective at the Council table—one that is practical, accountable, and focused on the issues that matter most to residents.
I want to be a new voice for positive change: someone who listens to your concerns, advocates for your interests, and works collaboratively to build an Orillia that is not only a great place to live, but a more affordable place to call home.
I will always make myself available to listen, bring your concerns forward, and advocate for the best interests of Ward 3 and our city. Most importantly, I will work to ensure that progress is achieved through responsible decisions and without placing unnecessary additional burdens on taxpayers.
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You can reach me anytime via my website’s contact form below, or directly by email or phone. I aim to respond quickly, and would even be happy to meet with you at your door at a set time to ensure I don’t miss you as I make my way through the neighbourhood.