GuelphToday asked candidates running for council in the Oct. 22 municipal election to send in a brief bio and why they are running and/or their election platform.
THE CANDIDATE: I am Anshu Khurana who belongs to a working class community and started her journey in Canada as an immigrant from India with her husband, daughter and the four suitcases.
I have been living in Canada for the last 16 years and trust me life is not easy, it’s full of challenges. I started my struggle by learning the system through volunteer work, getting to know the Canadian culture by actively participating and arranging community events. I have a masters degree in economics, bachelors degree in law, bachelors degree in social work and I am also a life skills coach.
I am not a builder, real estate agent, planner, contractor or an investor; I am a social service worker. I have been serving the community for the last 14 years and have been advocating on their behalf. I work as a multicultural settlement councillor in schools (Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District Board) and serve families and children irrespective of their cast, color, creed, sex or gender.
I have always raised my voice for social justice and addressed various issues regarding housing, health, education, abuse, addictions or regarding social safety and security at various platforms. I have always kept the mandate of serving the families and children to the best of my capacity. I have tried walking in their shoes and trust me they are heavy to walk.
I believe that every resident of Guelph has the right to live in a house that is affordable, fresh air to breath and clean water to drink and access to better job opportunities. The communities to be resilient and inclusive for all, better healthcare facilities and better transportation for the communities to dwell, engage and prosper.
THE PLATFORM: Our political climate is changing with the change of time, the innovation and the new developments .We cannot take the security of our water, the quality of air or the neighbourhood safety for granted. For this we need a strengthened voice of a committed leader who can advocate on behalf of the residents of the community. My platform rests on three pillars of the letter 'A'.
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Accountability
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Affordability
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Accessibility
The city needs to be more transparent when we talk about these three pillars. We all know growth is inevitable so are everyday needs and issues. The idea is how we create the balance!
My Platform is the outcome of active consultation with the residents of Ward 6.Their concerns were:
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Lack of affordable and supportive Housing
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Lack of recreation facilities for all age groups
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Irregular transportation network around the city
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Less public and street safety
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Growing mental health issues and opioid crises
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Changing neighbourhoods
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Compromising green spaces and the environment
My platform advocates for all of the above concerns which can be addressed with active consultation with residents, community stakeholders and the different levels of Municipality.
How would I like to see Ward 6 in next four years?
Investment in Recreation /Community Programming:
•Recreation and Sports Program for Youth and Adults (creating liaison with the school board and condominium buildings for sharing their space until we have the Recreation Centre in 2021)
• Programs for toddlers and preschoolers (connecting and communicating with other stakeholders in the community and introducing these programs in the south end)
• Senior’s community club (connecting and collaborating with the community partners to start a senior’s club once a week in the south end)
Increasing Public Safety and Police enforcement
• Neighbourhood watch
• Stop signs at major inner streets to reduce speeding traffic
• Heated bus shelters around thickly populated residential areas
• Designated school bus parking in busy residential areas
• Adding more four way stop signs for smooth traffic flow
• Police patrolling in heavily populated areas on regular and timely basis
Emphasis on Smart Planning and Development:
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Proper planning and infrastructure for new developmental projects
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Active consultation with the residents before making proposals
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Saving ground water and preserving green spaces
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Affordable and Accessible Housing which includes inclusionary housing
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Job creation and better employment opportunities
Awareness and Education:
• Creating awareness through Open houses and Road shows about City services and resources
• Promote Youth engagement and Youth leadership programs
• To engage and mobilize the community through different community and social media groups
• Monthly Ward meetings with concerned residents allowing them to openly voice their opinions and concerns
To keep the positive vision of Guelph, I need your help. There are so many things in Guelph we love- the nature, trails, parks, rivers, university and above all the vision to have safe, dwelling, knitted and welcoming communities. The community needs a strong leader and this can only be possible if the city council is committed, dedicated and determined to work for the betterment of the city. I commit to working to foster consensus and a team approach for community building. Make me your voice and support me to become a successful member of the City Council of Guelph.
Think Wise
Select Right
