Natalie Labbee is running for Council in Ward 7 in Greater Sudbury.
Born in Sudbury and raised in Blind River, Natalie has spent most of her adult life living in various small communities across northern Ontario, making a difference and enhancing the quality of life in those communities by giving her time, talents, and leadership over the last 28 years. She is the proud mother of two young adult sons who live in Greater Sudbury and is the Assistant Manager at a non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life for Older Adults ages 50 or better! Natalie's extensive resume includes diverse experience working for two municipalities, the public, private and non-profit sectors and as an entrepreneur. She has chaired and contributed as a Board Member for over two decades in various sectors. She has volunteered for countless organizations and spearheaded many successful grassroots community projects. She was also elected and served on Municipal Council in Manitouwadge from 2010-2014. Growing up in Blind River, her parents taught her that being of service to others is one of the best things you can do to improve your community. They made it clear to Natalie through their actions and encouraged her to seek opportunities, saying, “If something needs to be done, you can’t wait for others to do it. It all starts with you!” Since relocating to Capreol from northwestern Ontario in 2014, she’s known for Coordinating the Capreol Santa Claus Parade and recently taking the reins in bringing Capreol Days back for everyone to enjoy, which was a tremendous success.
Why are you running for this position?
Simply put, I am running because I was asked, and there is a vacancy.
I am running because I know I will be a strong, passionate and connected Leader in shaping the future of OUR Ward 7 and the Greater City of Sudbury.
I am the only candidate who actually lives, works, and plays in Ward 7. I drive our roads every day, spend my money here and support local. I am connected to the issues. You can be assured that the decisions I make at the Council table will always be what is best for OUR Ward because I have a direct stake in how that will impact our quality of life here in Ward 7.
I’m running because I believe great cities are built by great neighbourhoods. There is so much we can do together to ensure that all communities in Greater Sudbury have more great neighbourhoods for people to live, work and play in — but I need your help.
Amalgamation doesn’t have to keep being a four-letter word.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
I know that many people feel that a new Events Centre would benefit Greater Sudbury, which would include a new arena as well. I say build it! But not if it's going to cost taxpayers $250 million dollars. It should be a private entity moving it forward. I want to see Sudbury grow and have facilities that we can be proud of. We have to make it easier for high growth business potential start-ups across all industries to come to Greater Sudbury. My hope is for Council to ensure that this process is streamlined so we can be favored as the logical place for business development and seen as a leader in northern Ontario.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
Ward 7 is a pretty large geographical footprint, and each community is unique in demographic, population and resources. $1 million sure doesn't go very far these days. The best way to use that money would be to hold a public meeting in each of those communities and divide it accordingly. I would like to see it be used on a project that would enhance community spirit and pride. What better way than asking those who actually live there what those ideas could be.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
The Greater City of Sudbury has only seen a 2.8% increase in population since 2016. With the cost of inflation, it is getting more difficult to provide services and sustain those levels of service because of stagnant growth in population. Lack of affordable housing & rising costs of rent, groceries, gas, utilities etc, are all contributing to people struggling. Many single & dual income families are just one paycheque away from being unhoused. The median age in Greater Sudbury is 48 years old. With an ageing population, affordable housing & housing options in general, as well as long-term care options, are a growing concern. Youth outmigration is rampant. As a city, we have to get a handle on our spending and invest in our current infrastructure, work collaboratively with investors & developers and make Sudbury a natural selection for these innovative businesses to come here so we can retain and bring new talent to our City. Homelessness & the Opioid crisis is rampant and is affecting the opinion of & potential growth of our Downtown. It's such a complex question. There's certainly a lot to tackle, and we need to ensure we have competent, practical people around the Council table who care and can prioritize where our taxes are spent.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
One of my Superpowers is that I rally people! I am a true Leader and lead by example, and I make getting engaged in the community a fun and fulfilling thing to do! Part of my platform is to encourage more people to come out and participate in the Community Action Network meetings we have in the Wards throughout Greater Sudbury. I want to use social media, newspapers and local television to get people excited about getting involved and making a difference! I have written several articles about the importance of all of us being Ambassadors for our communities and city! It all starts with us.
When people meet me, they feel my energy, passion and commitment to my community and to others. I plan on making focus groups a part of the CAN meetings by asking people to join my S.W.O.T team! We need to get together and share ideas about what we all feel are the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to each of our unique communities. Once we do that, we can put together an action plan.
But it all starts with community and showing up. I show up! I show all the way up! I also very much support a public forum as part of public engagement. I hope my colleagues on Council will support that.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
We have many amazing community events and activities to enjoy in Greater Sudbury! I try to participate in as many as I can! I regularly attend performances at the Sudbury Theatre Centre/Yes Theatre. The talent here in Sudbury never disappoints. I enjoy frequenting the locally owned restaurants and shops downtown and throughout the city. We are active in participating in outdoor activities and enjoy the trail systems throughout the outlying communities in all seasons. We have a UTV and a snowmobile and really enjoy the comradery that exists while using the trails. I also enjoy Curling and Cross Country Ski memberships in Capreol in the winter. Some of the best trails around and something our city can be proud of! I enjoy giving my time to volunteering and helping out when asked, and singing at the Capreol Legion on a random Friday afternoon with my spouse, Dan.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
When we join Boards, we develop so many skills that help foster healthy communities in some way. We become stronger leaders through these experiences.
Women bring a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, which can be key to any organization’s success. It helps build confidence and allows us to achieve personal goals and be seen as credible.
Many people believe that there is a range of qualities that only women can bring to a boardroom – things like better communication and consultation skills, a more "caring" attitude towards the organization they are governing, and a better knowledge & connection to community issues.
I was 35 years old when I was first elected to Council. I had brought a fresh perspective and ideas that weren’t readily accepted by what is known as the “old boys club,”; but I knew that I wasn’t serving anyone if I decided to stay small. I knew that to truly stand up, I had to speak up even when I faced resistance from others. This is how change is realized; plus, it feels good to be part of something and give yourself.
I joined my first Board when I was 20 years old, a Children's Entertainment Series Committee that coordinated special shows and performances in our town for children and families to enjoy. I learned so much about grants, report writing, contracts, working with others, and so much more. It contributed to my success in career opportunities presented to me, and it set me on a path for volunteering on a whole new level.
Every time a woman joins a Board, it not only contributes to gender diversity but also fosters so much more!
