GuelphToday asked those running for city council in the Oct. 22 municipal election to supply a brief biography and outline their platform and/or why they are running.
THE PERSON: I’m a business owner, a volunteer and a mom. Before making Guelph my home in 1997 I worked as a lobbyist in Ottawa and Toronto. I moved to Guelph to join The Co-operators as their public relations specialist and worked my way up to Director of Public Affairs where I led national media and government relations, issues management and PR.
In 2006 I decided to stay home with my young kids, started a business and ultimately earned my MA. I’ve also worked as Agricorp’s corporate communications manager, a role I left because I could not resist working with Special Olympics Ontario and the Guelph Police Service on the Special Olympics 2016 Spring Games.
I’m the founder of Accolade Communications and teach PR at Conestoga College.
I’m an avid volunteer: Pine Ridge Community Association, United Way board, literacy tutor, four-time school council president and U of G Leadership Advisory Board.
I volunteered over ten years at the Guelph Community Foundation, including serving as chair of the board and of several committees. I co-founded Guelph’s Random Act of Kindness Day, co-authored Vital Signs with Toward Common Ground, and continue to serve on GCF’s grants committee.
I’m one of 100 Women Who Care, founder of Réseau-Franco Guelph, and I’m honoured to be a 2018 Woman of Distinction.
With degrees in economics and leadership, a robust background, a talent for communications and public policy and a deep commitment to my community, I know I can be an effective voice for Ward 6 and for Guelph.
THE PLATFORM: My husband and I are raising our family in Ward 6 and have been active volunteers in both neighbourhood and city-wide organizations. We share our neighbours’ concerns about the impact of intensification, affordability and retaining the exceptional quality of life in our rapidly growing city. With my personal and professional experience, and my commitment to Guelph, I’m driven to make our city the best it can be – today and in the future. Serving on City Council is the way I feel I can achieve this.As a new voice for Ward 6, I’ll work toward:
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Smart development that balances growth and green spaces
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Affordable and livable neighbourhoods
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Better communications to keep people informed and engaged
SMART DEVELOPMENT IS:
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A clearer vision for the city and for each of its neighbourhoods.
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Development that serves the overall vision of where we want to be in 15 years and moves it forward. For example, sustainable development to meet net-zero targets.
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Less density on the Gordon St. corridor.
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Innovation and sustainability leadership for the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan.
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Roads, infrastructure and a hospital that can accommodate current and new residents.
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A commercial mix that meets the needs of residents and contributes to complete communities i.e., a gas station in the south and a grocery store in the east.
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A thorough review of the Transportation Master Plan to address traffic, speeding, parking and transit concerns. This includes building roads properly the first time: wide enough, with bike lanes and room for buses to pull over.
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Transit that is reliable with routes that extend into all employment lands and are suitable for shift workers.
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A business climate that attracts new businesses and encourages local businesses to grow. This includes reviewing of zoning in the Hanlon Business Park and working toward diversifying our local economy to create jobs, build resilience and shift the tax base.
AFFORDABLE AND LIVABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS MEANS:
- Keeping property taxes in check. People are feeling the squeeze of rising taxes. They want to know where the money is going and want their tax dollars spent carefully.
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Adopting affordable housing solutions like increasing the supply of housing stock, offering incentives, using inclusionary zoning, reviewing accessory apartments by-laws, partnering with other levels of government, NGOs, churches, Wellington County and developers.
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Supporting the creation of well-paying local jobs to boost living standards and reduce commute times.
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Preserving the integrity of our drinking water and green spaces.
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Ensuring construction of the South End Rec Centre to finally increase the City’s recreational capacity for people of all ages.
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Ensuring the city’s Parkland Dedication by-law allocates appropriate parkland.
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Advocating for more police officers and pro-active community solutions so people feel safe at home and on the road.
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Supporting healthy living while planning for the needs of an aging population.
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Supporting community vitality, connection and culture.
BETTER COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT MEANS:
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Demanding clearer goals, metrics and transparency at city hall.
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Listening and responding to your concerns.
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Being your voice at City Council.
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Keeping you up to date by blog, on social or in person to keep you informed when it matters most.
In my professional and volunteer roles, I’ve always relied on evidence, vision and influence to rally people around a strategy. Many of my roles have been political but non-partisan, I know I can collaborate with council colleagues, staff, community leaders and residents to tackle some of our current challenges and help position Guelph for the future.
Vote for independence and experience. Vote O’Rourke for a new voice for Ward 6.
Find out more at www.orourkeward6.ca
