I’m a fourth-generation Carling resident. My fiancée Katharyn and I have been together for eight years, and I’m proud to be part of raising my 16-year-old stepson, Jake.
One of my greatest joys is caring for my 87-year-old father on our original family property. My family’s connection to Carling reaches back through my father and grandfather to my great-grandfather, Rev. William J. Christie, who founded Camp Franklin on Franklin Island in 1922.
My great-uncle Don Christie also left a lasting mark on Carling. He built Snug Harbour Marina and approximately 200 homes and cottages throughout the Carling area. He also owned 17 chainsaws—a detail I’ve always remembered and one that probably says a lot about the kind of hardworking character he was. Growing up around Uncle Don had a big impact on my life and helped shape my connection to this community, to working with my hands, and to the importance of building things that last.
My family has deep roots here. This is my home, and I have no intention of leaving. I want to help maintain what Carling is already doing well, improve the things we can, and leave it even better than we found it.
Residents deserve good value for their tax dollars and enough information to understand major decisions before Council votes. I support careful review of major expenditures, clear explanations of costs, and better access to financial information. I also want to use technology to make Township information as open and accessible as possible—online, with a click—so residents can easily see everything Council is legally permitted to make public.
Georgian Bay, our islands, forests, wetlands and wildlife are among Carling’s greatest assets. We need responsible development, strong water protection, sensible septic and drainage practices, and a practical approach to climate initiatives, new technology and changing conditions so Carling is prepared for the future.
Roads, drainage, waste management, municipal facilities and emergency services need practical planning. The question should not only be what costs the least today, but what gives Carling the best value over the next 10 or 20 years.
“Leave it better than we found it.”
Financially responsible. Environmentally protected. Open, informed and prepared for the future.
My interest in Township politics grew as I started asking questions about the AMPS bylaw and then heard wider concerns about finances, taxes, transparency and public input. Rather than complain from the sidelines, I decided I would rather learn more, get involved and see if I can help.
They have done a great job running Carling. It’s an amazing place to live and visit. There’s a lot we should be proud of and a lot of positive momentum worth maintaining. There are certainly going to be some issues that need to be resolved, and I’m going to dig deep into them and work to make them right.
My working life has involved construction, excavation, drainage, septic systems, heavy equipment, marinas and practical problem-solving. That experience has taught me that preventative maintenance and doing something properly the first time usually costs less than repeatedly repairing it.
Questions, concerns, ideas or a different point of view are welcome.
Email: CarlingJMiller@proton.me
Phone: (705) 938-4677