Re: Energy

 Released August 12, 2026

Our residents deserve better when the power goes out. 

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to knock on doors across Lincoln. One concern came up repeatedly: the reliability of our electricity. For many families, the flooding we experienced was devastating enough on its own. But when the power went out at the same time, an already terrible situation became significantly worse.

When the power goes out, sump pumps stop. Basement flooding gets worse. Refrigerators and freezers stop working. Communication becomes more difficult. And families are left wondering when their power will come back on. I’ve heard from many frustrated and upset residents, and I understand why.

This is not about pointing fingers at frontline hydro workers. They do incredibly difficult work, often in challenging and dangerous conditions. This is about asking whether the system itself is resilient enough for the weather events our community is increasingly experiencing.

Whether the problem involves Hydro One’s transmission system, and/or how that impacts NPEI’s distribution system, or it’s a combination of factors, residents don’t experience those distinctions. They experience one power outage. 

As Mayor, I will bring NPEI, Hydro One and the Province to the table and ask some difficult questions:

1. Can we strengthen redundancy and establish alternate power feeds into our communities?

2. Are there vulnerable areas where additional infrastructure or backup capacity should be prioritized?

3. Can critical infrastructure, including stormwater systems, pumping stations and emergency facilities have greater backup power capability?

4. Can hydro utilities and municipalities improve emergency coordination so that flood response and power restoration efforts work together?

5. Are the investments being made today sufficient to prepare Lincoln for the extreme weather events we are increasingly experiencing?

I‘m not pretending there is a simple answer. But I believe we have a responsibility to start asking these questions before the next major storm, not after it. 

Residents who watched their homes flood while their sump pumps had no power deserve more than an explanation of which utility is responsible for which part of the system. 

They deserve a plan. I was pleased to have the opportunity today to meet with the Associate Minister of Energy - Intensive Industries to begin that conversation. MPP Sam Oosterhoff is also engaged in these discussions and advocating for a clear path forward.

As your next mayor, I will make reliable and resilient power a priority, bringing the right partners to the table, pushing for the investments Lincoln needs, and making sure this issue doesn’t disappear once the immediate crisis has passed. 

Lincoln deserves a power system that is ready for the next storm.