Your Custom Text Here
Lindsay Koch
Lindsay Koch is a councillor in Kenora.
In our ongoing effort to spotlight the experiences of women in municipal politics, we reached out to those elected in the 2022 municipal elections in Northern Ontario. We asked these newly elected councillors and trustees to share their insights and reflections on the transition from candidate to council. Here are their candid and firsthand accounts of the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned along the way.
Lindsay Koch is a councillor in Kenora.
What initially inspired or motivated you to run for council, and how did you envision your role before being elected?
I’ve been involved in my community in a number of ways for so many years that it was only a matter of time. The timing wasn’t necessarily right for me for this election, but the timing for the community was - we needed some new faces and new generations making decisions for us, so why not go for it! Is anything ever truly the right time, anyway? I envisioned lots of meetings and hand-shaking. I envisioned working as a team with others who were elected and hearing many different points of view which would ultimately help to inform my votes and our collective decisions.
How did your expectations or perceptions change once you took office?
The Municipal Act really precludes us from functionally doing business. I’m all for transparency and making efforts to keep the public informed about processes and decisions, how they can engage and participate, etc., but I’m disappointed by how hard it is to get anything done because of legislative restrictions and the policies that have been generated at a local level in response to provincial requirements. Much of what I perceived this would look like holds true, but the barriers that exist and the challenge of making effective change and keeping up with the times lead to frustration for me and others around our council table.
Were there any surprises or unexpected aspects about the role?
I thought I would hear from people more. There’s an assumption that people complain to councillors any chance they get, but I don’t get a lot from people, even when I ask!
What were the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from a candidate to an elected official?
The relationship with Administration was a challenge — knowing council’s role versus administration’s; knowing when to push back or push for more, and sorting through how to support and manage our one employee (the CAO) in a way that is helpful in meeting the objectives of the corporation and our strategic plan, helpful for council, and helpful for every other staff person who ultimately relies on us to be making good decisions to support them in their work. Also jumping right into the budget - what a beast.
Looking back at your first year in office, what were the most rewarding aspects of serving in your municipal role?
Taking the time to share on social media — which can be a tough place — and all the positive engagements and connections made there. I never tire of hearing from people that they know more, understand more, pay attention more, and are more engaged in not just the City or Council but in the many wonderful things happening in our community because so much of it is shared in one place in a consumable way.
What were the significant milestones or accomplishments you achieved during your tenure?
Working hard on addressing violence and harassment in the workplace through continued Provincial advocacy and making some headway! Learning and connecting almost every day with women across the province in similar seasons of life is huge.
On the other hand, what challenges did you face during your first year, and how did you navigate or address them?
I continue to struggle with bringing forward the priorities I campaigned on because of existing policy and procedure requirements. I also very much wish council could gather in a more informal team-building capacity — we’re still in what feels like an early forming stage when I think we could have moved along the forming - storming - norming - performing spectrum in a more timely way if afforded that opportunity. There’s such a fear of ‘advancing the business of council’ in an unsanctioned meeting and the threat of FOI requests, integrity commissioners, closed meeting investigators, etc., that we’re all left a bit disjointed.
What do you wish people knew about working as a politician, based on your experience?
There’s always more to a decision than comes out in public / is reported on, and a lot of it is available for you to read in the minutes or watch in the recorded meeting. Working as a municipal politician is different than party politics because decisions are made by consensus — I can’t make a decision for our community on my own in this capacity. I’m my own person with my own priorities; I work hard to make decisions with this council with the information I have at the time that, based on my experience and the input others have offered, is the best for our community because I signed up to help make positive change and support growth and development and opportunities for residents to thrive. I am not here to raise your taxes for my own gain.
Where can people find you?
These profiles are part of our ongoing series featuring women councillors and trustees elected through the ElectNOW initiative. Surveys were sent to all woman councillors and trustees who participated in the 2022 ElectNOW series. While some answers have been edited for clarity and spelling, the responses provided are the candidates' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PoliticsNOW. If you are a woman councillor, mayor, or trustee residing in Northern Ontario and would like to be featured in this series, please fill out our survey.
Kelsie Van Belleghem
Kelsie Van Belleghem is a councillor in Kenora.
In our ongoing effort to spotlight the experiences of women in municipal politics, we reached out to those elected in the 2022 municipal elections in Northern Ontario. We asked these newly elected councillors and trustees to share their insights and reflections on the transition from candidate to council. Here are their candid and firsthand accounts of the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned along the way.
Kelsie Van Belleghem is a councillor in Kenora.
What initially inspired or motivated you to run for council, and how did you envision your role before being elected?
My original motivation for running was based on two concepts: privilege and diversity. Based on my understanding of how City Council roles were created (aka for retired white men), and as a person who has the privilege(almost) of a retired white man in so much as financial resources and family/community support, I knew I was someone who could do the job while mitigating the risks to my family/financial needs, and because I firmly believe that it is of the utmost importance to have diverse leadership. I have a background in finance, and everyone knows that you "shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket," and I believe that to be true of leadership. Boards of corporations that have and meet DEI minimum standards for leadership are more profitable because they do a better job of mitigating risks. This is because, at the end of the day, we all only know what we know — and if the group of people at a decision-making table know more things collectively because there is a myriad of lived experiences at that table, then it’s going to do a better job of charting a sustainable, or even thriving course for its organization. My vision, once elected, was to make well-informed decisions based on best practices and evidence-supported outcomes and to offer my perspective and voice to the table.
How did your expectations or perceptions change once you took office?
My expectations are still the same as those I envisioned for the role, but I have been disappointed in the barriers I still see as a (younger) woman in this role. I have watched myself and my female council colleagues be talked over, or silenced, and even shouted or shushed outright. I have watched the power dynamics play out amongst the gender roles in a way that I find disheartening, and I have noticed as a younger member on council how there is a lack of appreciation of my "experience" held by the community and even colleagues, at times. As noted in the last question, I am a person of privilege. I am white, able-bodied, cis, heterosexual, and so I don't often allow myself too much grace of discrimination in places because, frankly, my experiences are minimal. However, what has made me worry since being elected is that I have struggled so much, even with so many things "going for me" (I mean that facetiously), and since one of my major goals for this term is to make council more accessible to more diversity, I feel really worried about asking anyone else to step into this role knowing the challenges they will face. It's made me incredibly sad because I want everyone to be involved and get to participate in shaping their community from the top down, so to speak.
Were there any surprises or unexpected aspects of the role?
The procedural formalities of the role caught me off guard more than I anticipated. I am by no means a governance expert, but I did/continue to do my best to learn and show up properly. This is a barrier that I didn't anticipate.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from a candidate to an elected official?
Getting to create interpersonal relationships with council colleagues that do not contravene the Municipal Act. It is very difficult to create positive working relationships with people when there are so many restrictions around meeting together.
What do you wish people knew about running for office, based on your own experience?
Your voice matters, your experience matters, and you are needed in leadership. Please do not wait for someone to ask you to step up. Know that the requirements to be elected to City Council are minimum age restrictions and being a resident of that community—THAT IS IT!
Looking back at your first year in office, what were the most rewarding aspects of serving in your municipal role?
I have connected with so many incredible people who I probably wouldn't have if I had not run. These connections have been hyper-local and countrywide, and I am so grateful for everyone who shows up to create community and support community, however, wherever they can. It brings me so much hope and strength in my role.
What were the significant milestones or accomplishments you achieved during your tenure?
I have had a number of motions passed last year, including TRC reporting and advocacy to create community spaces 24/7 all year. But the most significant milestone a year is the whole year. The amount of knowledge I was able to consume and digest in the last year has helped sharpen my focus and increased my determination to show up better this next year and the rest of the term.
On the other hand, what challenges did you face during your first year, and how did you navigate or address them?
There have been a lot of interpersonal conflicts that I am still working through. We are all new to each other as a group, and at times, it's been painful to work together.
Were there specific instances or experiences that significantly impacted your approach to governance or leadership?
I think a general understanding of the society we currently live in is based on the policies enacted by the few and that it is important to create a society in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive in their chosen society however they can or want to. I try and keep that lens on everything I do, although I have many blind spots so I also rely on lived experience and experts for the knowledge I don't have.
What valuable lessons have you learned or insights gained that you'd like to share with others considering a similar path in politics?
It's okay to cry; you probably will. It's okay to want to quit, but please don't. I believe this job is hardest on the people who deserve to be, and are needed to be, in it the most, so please stay in and make it easier for someone else to do it.
What do you wish people knew about working as a politician, based on your experience?
It's cool to care about politics because politicians decide how we live in the community. Be engaged and make sure they care about the right things.
Where can people find you?
These profiles are part of our ongoing series featuring women councillors and trustees elected through the ElectNOW initiative. Surveys were sent to all woman councillors and trustees who participated in the 2022 ElectNOW series. While some answers have been edited for clarity and spelling, the responses provided are the candidates' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PoliticsNOW. If you are a woman councillor, mayor, or trustee residing in Northern Ontario and would like to be featured in this series, please fill out our survey.
Barbara Manson
Barbara Manson is a councillor in Kenora.
In our ongoing effort to spotlight the experiences of women in municipal politics, we reached out to those elected in the 2022 municipal elections in Northern Ontario. We asked these newly elected councillors and trustees to share their insights and reflections on the transition from candidate to council. Here are their candid and firsthand accounts of the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned along the way.
Barbara Manson is a councillor in Kenora.
What initially inspired or motivated you to run for council, and how did you envision your role before being elected?
I was motivated and inspired as I did not like the direction Kenora was headed. I envisioned a productive and get-things-done attitude.
How did your expectations or perceptions change once you took office?
Frustration following the governance model and the slowness of government actions.
Were there any surprises or unexpected aspects of the role?
The diversity of council—both a good and bad aspect. The time it takes to accomplish goals. The lack of proper funding from the provincial and federal government in regard to infrastructure projects ([for example, bridges — which were downloaded to the Municipality) and policing costs in Kenora.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from a candidate to an elected official?
Finding the time to attend all meetings, being prepared and trying to find solutions.
What do you wish people knew about running for office, based on your own experience?
Time commitment is huge. Know how to research and defend your decisions within a diversified group of peers.
Looking back at your first year in office, what were the most rewarding aspects of serving in your municipal role?
Bringing in a budget our taxpayers could swallow, seeing the growth in housing [and] starting to solve our community and safety well-being issues.
What were the significant milestones or accomplishments you achieved during your tenure?
Hiring a Community & Safety Well-being Supervisor [and] lobbying the Provincial government to help with policing costs (which they did 2 years in a row).
On the flip side, what were the challenges you faced during your first year, and how did you navigate or address them?
Changing the mandate of our police force to more “walking the beat” hours. ([which is] still a work in progress). Starting to find solutions regarding our social issues—community formed and working on a 5-year plan.
Were there specific instances or experiences that significantly impacted your approach to governance or leadership?
Coming prepared to Council meetings, [and] rephrasing how to bring your ideas forward in regards to the personalities on Council.
What valuable lessons have you learned or insights gained that you'd like to share with others considering a similar path in politics?
Be prepared and be prepared to defend your decisions.
What do you wish people knew about working as a politician, based on your experience?
It’s harder than it seems. It is more time-consuming than you can imagine. Solutions sometimes take time, longer than you would like [and] not everyone thinks the way you do.
Where can people find you?
These profiles are part of our ongoing series featuring women councillors and trustees elected through the ElectNOW initiative. Surveys were sent to all woman councillors and trustees who participated in the 2022 ElectNOW series. While some answers have been edited for clarity and spelling, the responses provided are the candidates' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PoliticsNOW. If you are a woman councillor, mayor, or trustee residing in Northern Ontario and would like to be featured in this series, please fill out our survey.
Lindsay Koch
Lindsay Koch is a working professional, wife, and mother who jumped into giving back to her community following university through participation in various boards and committees related to economic development and tourism, business development, arts, community service, and social services, in addition to working with various groups on their fundraising efforts. Lindsay is a life-long learner who believes that when you know better, you do better. Relevant strengths include a background in policy and governance, open-mindedness and a willingness to consider other perspectives, the ability to respectfully engage in challenging debates and discussions, and most importantly, the drive to do what it takes to take care of what we have and grow to make us better.
Lindsay Koch is running for Council in Kenora.
Lindsay Koch (she/her) is a working professional, wife, and mother who jumped into giving back to her community following university through participation in various boards and committees related to economic development and tourism, business development, arts, community service, and social services, in addition to working with various groups on their fundraising efforts. Lindsay is a life-long learner who believes that when you know better, you do better. Relevant strengths include a background in policy and governance, open-mindedness and a willingness to consider other perspectives, the ability to respectfully engage in challenging debates and discussions, and most importantly, the drive to do what it takes to take care of what we have and grow to make us better.
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running because it feels like Kenora is at a turning point - we either adjust course now or we continue down what’s not a very promising-looking rabbit hole. This community is asking for change, innovation, and a council who will listen to hear them, and I’m ready to work for all of that.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
Infrastructure to support active transportation and enhanced ways, without barriers, for people to enjoy life outdoors. Isn’t that why many of us live here?
A celebration of culture! We live in Treaty 3 Territory and the Métis homeland. We are surrounded by land and knowledge keepers and we know the importance of keeping language and culture alive for generations to come. There are so many ties to reconciliation in this work.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
$1 million doesn’t go a long way, but I would earmark it for delivering infrastructure to developable land to support increased housing availability.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Unity - Kenora feels fractured. Forward motion, innovation, and development only happens when we can come together to achieve long-term, common goals. Recognizing that not everyone will agree on priorities, but that everything is interconnected. There are big picture issues like housing, homelessness, mental health and addictions issues in our downtown, and other competing priorities like road maintenance, tax and service inequities.
All of these issues and the varying perspectives around them feel completely splintered and a bit like no matter which is tackled first, it’s not going to be the right answer.
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 like the idea of some kind of in-person event periodically where community members can come talk to Council and Municipal leadership informally.
I know this says “other than official ways,” but I think there’s something to be said for reviewing the official ways and ensuring they’re digestible by highlighting some of the main things people want to know like timelines, where the funding comes from, how/if people will be impacted.
I’m not opposed to crowd-sourcing. If the loudest voices are the only ones we’re responding to, I don’t think that’s how we make the best decisions. If there’s a decision to be made that will impact our community, we need more active engagement to seek that feedback - not just wait for complaints to roll in or hope people will fill in a survey.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love to hit the trails - all of them. We’re so lucky to live where we do with all this nature in our backyard.
I also love to grab a coffee from one of our local shops and wander through the small businesses in town with my husband. We love to support local and chat with the owners and people we see along the way. It’s a well-spent Saturday when we do that.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
For me it’s balance - women tend to observe things differently, I find, and give more intentional thought to implementing decisions. Women’s voices are an important piece of the puzzle - how often, even now, are we seeing decisions made that impact women that are based solely on a man’s point of view.
Equally important, women need representation at this level so we can show our young people that they can do this too - no matter how they identify.
Our communities are better when there is diverse representation in civic leadership.
Please identify the most critical policy, project, or initiative in your platform that addresses systemic barriers faced by women in your municipality, and describe why:
I think most visibly for Kenora, it’s that nearly half of those seeking a seat at the council table are women. We’re talking with one another and sharing publicly that ‘the way things are’ doesn’t have to be the only way they can be. We’re working professionals, mothers; we have families and commitments and call on the City structure and voters in Kenora to stand alongside us as we call for change and representation. While this isn’t directly platform material, there’s a big statement being made here about there being room for women at all levels of leadership and government and that we’re willing to show up where and when it matters because that’s how we do life.
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
www.lkochkenora.wixsite.com/2022
I will be at the Olfman Pop-Up shop on Monday, October 17th, from 10am -5pm at 239 2nd St S in Kenora and at any candidate forums our community chooses to host.
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Barbara Ann Manson
Barbara (she/her) was born in Keewatin, happily married to a Norman boy for 32 years and raised two sons in Kenora. She worked for the Town of Keewatin for 5 years and the City of Kenora for 25 years, retiring as Parks Supervisor. Her experience within the City (almost all departments), has given her a wealth of knowledge of the inside workings of the City. In any department she worked, she left it in a better position. She has volunteered on Committees, including as the Director, of the Kenora Community Foundation, Common Ground - A Sharing of Stories, Lake of the Woods Historical Society, Kenora Heritage Committee, Business Incentive Commiittee etc. She won Employee of the Year for the City of Kenora (the only year the Chamber presented the award). Her crowning achievement working for the City was co-ordinating the Festival of Lights at the Cemetery — the year she retired, there were 8,000 candles lit on Xmas Eve. She also brought a successful air show to Kenora in 2013, with an attendance of over 8,000 people. She takes pride in all she does.
Barbara Ann Manson is running for Council in Kenora.
Barbara (she/her) was born in Keewatin, happily married to a Norman boy for 32 years and raised two sons in Kenora. She worked for the Town of Keewatin for 5 years and the City of Kenora for 25 years, retiring as Parks Supervisor. Her experience within the City (almost all departments), has given her a wealth of knowledge of the inside workings of the City. In any department she worked, she left it in a better position. She has volunteered on Committees, including as the Director, of the Kenora Community Foundation, Common Ground - A Sharing of Stories, Lake of the Woods Historical Society, Kenora Heritage Committee, Business Incentive Commiittee etc. She won Employee of the Year for the City of Kenora (the only year the Chamber presented the award). Her crowning achievement working for the City was co-ordinating the Festival of Lights at the Cemetery — the year she retired, there were 8,000 candles lit on Xmas Eve. She also brought a successful air show to Kenora in 2013, with an attendance of over 8,000 people. She takes pride in all she does.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for Council to be a valuable voice at the table, to promote a strategic and fiscally responsible direction for Kenora. To work together as a team to make wise, informed and responsible decisions for the benefit of all residents. I want to play an active role in making Kenora prosper into a place our children and grandchildren can proudly call Kenora home. I will listen and learn with a desire to understand your concerns, ideas and perspectives. I have the knowledge, the talent, the skill and ability to make a difference. I have the willingness to overcome obstacles and make Kenora a place known for its progressiveness to move forward, its compassion, diversity and hospitality. Home is where your heart is and mine is here. I want us all to be proud to live, work and play in Kenora, on beautiful Lake of the Woods. I vote for improvement. A common sense vote at the table.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
A consorted effort by the City of Kenora, the police, indigenous communities, mental health services, northwestern health unit and anyone else who would like to be a the table to devise a plan to address our social issues within the City.
I would like to streamline and make the process easier for developers to build new projects within the City without too much red tape, which will help with the housing shortages.
Increase our tax base by enticing businesses to Kenora. Make it easy for these businesses to invest here. It will then take some of the burdens off the residents.
Pride in Kenora starts at home; spruce up your yard, the City will do their properties, which will entice people to come here, stay here, work here. I will start the process to bring pride back to our fair City.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I would suggest to Council to build a tiny house village for the homeless, with mental addictions office and staff on site. It would give them self pride back and offer an alternative to the lifestyle they now only know. It would in turn, help to clean up our downtown area. Have bus service available to and from the village. They would be responsible for their own tiny house and yard and have a central building to meet, eat and socialize. A start in the fight against homelessness.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
The biggest issues facing the City of Kenora (like most other Cities) is housing shortage, social issues, shortage in all health professionals and economic development. All areas need to be worked on at the same time for Kenora to thrive.
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 believe in making yourself available to all citizens of Kenora. I also say if you come to me with a complaint, then come to me with a solution as well. I have and will continue to meet with smaller interest groups, individuals by email, phone or in person. To know what the constituents (residents) of Kenora are thinking and wanting done, you have to talk to them. On important issues maybe even a referendum may be needed (eg. selling the Keewatin Medical Centre). I also believe in coming to them - door to door. I value their input, they live and work here and want a better Kenora too.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
My most favourite thing to do in Kenora, is to pretend I am a tourist for a day. Do all the things a tourist would do. M.S. Kenora Cruise around Lake of the Woods, visit Husky the Muskie, walk on one of our great trails, visit a beach or Hoopla Island or the water park. I would try 3 different restaurants (breakfast, lunch and supper). Then for dessert it would be the Dairy Queen. Our little museum has won a multitude of awards, so it would be worth a visit and end my day with a Cemetery night tour and sit at our Harbourfront to watch the famous Lake of the Woods sunsets. Truly a wonderful place, our Kenora is.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
The representation of women from all walks of live is vital and essential to have on Council and other committees to have that most important female outlook on life, our problems and solutions. Better representation will ensure women's voices are heard and issues fairly recognized. We would serve as role models, which is critical. We could then generate broader societal impacts on pay equity, changing work place policies to benefit both men and women. It would then attract a more diverse workforce, which I believe the City of Kenora is already moving in the right direction on women's issues. We bring different perspectives to drive effective solutions. It is critical that we sit at the table.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
It means equality for all. For me, it is a fundamental freedom to access opportunities and resources of the City. It means we would work across silos to equally support all marginalized groups including, but not limited to, women, whilst simultaneously tackling issues of violence, perception of safety and spatial equality. Building safe, livable spaces that accommodate women and children and everyone else, a safe downtown area, more public spaces and accessibility to transit systems is essential. Claiming our space in a man-made world.
Please identify the most critical policy, project, or initiative in your platform that addresses systemic barriers faced by women in your municipality, and describe why:
I am proud to say the City of Kenora has been good to me as a woman. I was allowed, encouraged and given the opportunities to rise up in the ranks within the City. When I started as a Supervisor, it was a struggle, but with perseverance and the willingness of the City to change, the City of Kenora has been progressive in its approach to women. There are now more women in supervisory positions than ever before. The last hurdle is to make Council more diverse for all minorities and make it accessible and reachable for women especially. This year will be the year of change - you are going to see a woman-driven Council. The constituents will vote with intent to ensure this happens.
Social Media Handles
Barb Manson, Team Barbara Manson
Where can people find you?
Check me out on Facebook and Instagram. Call me, visit me. I will be door-knocking in the near future. I will be visiting all city departments. See you at the upcoming debate. See you at the Council table, please!
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Kelsie Van Belleghem
Kelsie (she/her) is a personal financial advisor, currently on maternity leave with her second child. She and her husband have two children under two and have been married for almost four years. Her husband was born and raised in Kenora, and she has lived there permanently since the spring of 2017. She is currently the treasurer for the Women’s Shelter Saakate House, and has been a volunteer board member for the Festival of Trees. She has spent the bulk of her career, prior to living in Kenora, in Sales and Merchandising. She is a registered investment fund advisor, and has a visual merchandising diploma from Sheridan College and Business Administration from Red River College.
Kelsie Van Belleghem is running for Council in Kenora.
Kelsie (she/her) is a personal financial advisor, currently on maternity leave with her second child. She and her husband have two children under two and have been married for almost four years. Her husband was born and raised in Kenora, and she has lived there permanently since the spring of 2017. She is currently the treasurer for the Women’s Shelter Saakate House, and has been a volunteer board member for the Festival of Trees. She has spent the bulk of her career, prior to living in Kenora, in Sales and Merchandising. She is a registered investment fund advisor, has a visual merchandising diploma from Sheridan College and Business Administration from Red River College.
Why are you running for this position?
I am acutely aware of the privilege a person has to hold in order to run for politics, especially at the local level. Candidates usually self-fund their campaigns and do all the work and organization of their campaigns to become elected. Then, if elected, being a member of the council is a huge time commitment, that is paid, but not at a rate equal to the time put in; therefore, people at different life stages are often unable to offer themselves as candidates. As a financial advisor, I talk about risks and risk mitigation with my members, and when it comes to financial investments the key to mitigating risk is to hold a diverse asset portfolio, we always say, “You don’t want all your eggs in one basket.” This is especially true when it comes to representation. I believe everyone that offers themself as a candidate for local office does so with the best intentions, but everyone is coming at it from their own lived experiences and if you have a council that is only representative of one group of the population, you are leaving yourself open to a lot of risk. At the end of the day, we all only know what we know, and if the group representing your municipality is all homogeneous then the pool of information being drawn from is smaller, which usually leads to less creativity and more missed opportunities.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
We, like everywhere in Canada, are facing a major housing deficit. We do not have a lack of land to build on, we do, however, have very restrictive zoning laws that don’t make building attractive to private developers. I would like to re-evaluate our zoning laws in order to allow developers, investors, and individuals to be able to build creative, sustainable housing options. The single-family unit home is not the only option for everyone, and we have “the missing middle” problem when it comes to our housing options. I would like to see more flex house units, multi-generational condo and/or apartment buildings, and also take advantage of our existing real estate by retrofitting solar panels and/or micro gardens on our downtown buildings.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
Food insecurity is a growing problem everywhere, but food waste is also a huge problem. I grew up in Kimberley BC, and they have set up a food bank program that works in conjunction with the local grocery stores to take any food that the stores are going to throw out but is still useable and give it to anyone who can use it. They also have volunteers come in periodically and take any produce, meats, etc. that are going to go bad soon and cook them into stews, baked goods, etc. to extend the life of the food and offer prepared food options to everyone. I have also seen very successful city-wide composting programs in southern Manitoba, and I would like to see this work in conjunction with a good food bank program so that we are mitigating our waste, extending landfill lifespans and, most importantly, addressing the burgeoning costs of inflation leading to higher food insecurities.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Our biggest challenge in Kenora is one of “Us or Them”. We struggle to act like a community instead of a place where a bunch of individuals reside beside each other. A lot of the things that I hear people are upset about are problems that can be addressed if we choose to all agree that we all live here and that if we work to pull everyone up, we will all benefit, all be raised up, and all be able to live as Us instead.
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?
We have an aging population in Kenora, and we are “trying” to attract younger generations, so it is important to meet everyone where they are at. Social media has a lot of benefits from a cost/reach perspective, but local newspapers are so important still (and I personally hope forever) for community reach and engagement. I also still believe there is a need for regular door knocking or door-to-door notices. Paper is a very profitable recyclable material, and I think the onus is on the city to make sure the residents are receiving the message, not for the residents to have to go and look for the message.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love walking. I live in a central part of town, which is intentional. I walk to work; the kids and I walk to the parks and rec center; we walk to get groceries; and we are so lucky to live within walking distance of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunties, uncles and friends.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Women represent half of the population and going back to my answer about we only know what we know. There is a difference in living in this world in a woman's body, and if that voice isn’t represented there will be things missed. Also, again, women represent half the population so if you want representative representation then that should be considered. There are also two other women in their thirties with families, and full-time careers, offering themselves as candidates in this city council election, and I am so impressed by them.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
Feminism means that all genders have equal rights and opportunities, so a feminist city is one where all genders can thrive.
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
I will be hosting a meet-a-greet at 235 2nd St. S on Wednesday, Sept. 7th. Follow my social media for more upcoming events.