Shelby Ch'ng is running for Council in Thunder Bay.
Shelby (she/her) believes Thunder Bay will need experience around the council table as we usher in a new crop of leaders who will need time to learn their new roles. She brings that experience. Having served on council for two terms, actively chairing and participating in more than a dozen committees, her progressive approach to moving Thunder Bay forward is what will be needed as we elect a new council in this post-pandemic world. She has never shied away from taking on large, politically sensitive files. She has served Northwood for the last 8 years with my shoulder to the wheel of $16 million in infrastructure, crossovers, a youth centre, splash pad, Conservatory upgrades and active transportation upgrades that make our neighbourhood walkable and liveable. She would be honoured to continue serving Thunder Bay's citizens with her sleeves rolled up and ready to take on the challenges before the community.
Why are you running for this position?
After 8 years of serving Thunder Bay in the Northwood Ward, I’ve developed a skill set that would serve the constituents as a whole. I’m looking forward to putting my shoulder to the wheel and get to work on the issues that we need tackled.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
We can no longer afford to keep the status quo on policing. For too long we’ve underfunded and haven’t invested in the modernization of the police force. We need a police station that is safe, and secure and we need officers who are ready to meet the needs of our changing community. While not particularly innovative, sometimes doing the difficult thing, that is the right thing, is better than waiting for an invention to save us.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
Love this question!! I’d put this into our Community, Youth and Culture envelope of funding and invest in post-pandemic things to re-connect our community. We receive $7 for every $1 spent in this program and I’d like to see this investment pay dividend.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Policing, lack of urban density and infrastructure gap.
Other than the official communication methods (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
I think we need to put funding into youth councils to build a foundation for a lifetime. It’s a long term goal with an even longer pay off but too often adults are left without any interest or knowing about how government works.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
Nothing beats the sunrise over the Sleeping Giant.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Women come with different lived experiences that can change the outcome of decisions on council.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
A city in which all genders are equally represented.
