Jennifer Francella-Medeiros
Jennifer Francella-Medeiros is running for Councillor in Ward 4 in Sault Ste. Marie.
Jennifer Francella-Medeiros (she/her) is a working mother of two, a member of Batchewana First Nation, and the daughter of an Italian immigrant. Born and raised in Ward 4, she moved away in 1998 to pursue makeup artistry and special effects before returning to Sault Ste. Marie with her husband and children in 2017. Her parents, local artist Attilio Francella and nurse Marie Bradford, helped shape her connection to the community. Jennifer brings more than 30 years of experience in customer service and the food industry and currently works in food services at Sault Area Hospital. She and her husband also owned and operated an Amazon business. Her education includes Food Service Worker training and studies in Small Business Entrepreneurship Management at Centennial College. She values hard work, clear communication, and following through on commitments.
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running because I want our city to look better, feel cared for and thrive. We have so much right in front of us—our waterfront, natural surroundings, local talent and resources—and I want us to make more of those strengths. That starts with getting the simple things right: maintaining our parks and public spaces, keeping neighbourhoods clean and taking pride in what we already have. Raising our everyday standards gives us a stronger foundation to attract visitors, support businesses and create a community people want to stay in. As a councillor, I would push for those improvements, follow up and keep residents informed.
What do you love most about your community?
I love the slower pace of life here and the way people care about one another. After living in southern Ontario, I appreciate having room to breathe, enjoy the simple things and spend time with family and friends. Whether it’s being by the water or running into someone you know, there’s a sense of connection that makes the Sault feel like home.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your municipality right now?
I see homelessness, mental health, addiction and affordability as our biggest challenges. I support OBCM’s Solve the Crisis campaign and stronger access to housing, treatment and ongoing support. Residents also deserve action on neglected properties and properties linked to drug activity and stolen goods. I would push for coordinated follow-up between bylaw enforcement, police and housing services, along with higher standards for maintaining our neighbourhoods and public spaces.
If elected, what is one thing you would like to accomplish during your term?
I want to build a stronger connection between residents and their councillor. Through regular ward updates, community conversations and following up on concerns, I want people to know they can reach me and get an answer. At the end of my term, I’d like to be remembered as someone who showed up, followed through and helped bring the community closer together.
What is one thing you would like to see your municipality do differently?
I’d like the city to oversee the quality of its work, scrutinize spending and consistently enforce its bylaws. That means clear standards, accountability and follow-up so residents see value for their tax dollars. I’d also like a simpler, more coordinated permit process for businesses of all sizes looking to open or expand, with clear requirements, realistic timelines and someone to help them navigate departments.
How do you approach working with people who disagree with you?
I love people, and I believe we’re all basically looking for the same result. We might just have different ideas on how to get there. I want to understand why people see things differently and how can we come together to move forward. I’m comfortable explaining my position, and I’m open to learning from others. In the end it’s what is right for the community.
What does having more women in local leadership change?
It shows that times are changing and women have a voice in shaping our communities. I want young women to see that they can speak up, lead and go after their goals. If seeing me step forward encourages someone else to believe she can do it too, that matters to me.
What is something about you that you would like voters to know that they might not learn from your campaign platform?
I love learning and often take free university courses online to explore things that interest me. I’m especially passionate about nutrition and the effects of processed foods and sugar on our health. I’m also hands-on and have taught myself home improvement skills, including drywall and painting.
Where can people find you?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593009547588
