Local Linda
Your choice for community in Ward 4 on Guelph City Council
I have lived in Guelph for over 45 years and in Ward 4 for over 20 years. We have raised our family here and I am actively engaged as a volunteer locally through the West Village Co-op. You might see me in the community gardens, at the Food Hub, in the park at one of the many events I run or helping people with their taxes. Or you might remember me as a public school board trustee from 2006-2022.
Community Priorities
Housing
While the development of affordable housing is very important, there is also a serious need to protect our stock of low-cost affordable rental housing and advocate with all levels of government for an investment and the immediate development of community public, rent geared to income and supportive housing.
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Why are you running in this election?
We all want healthy, safe, livable neighbourhoods for our families and the community as a whole. While this is what we want to achieve we’re also trying to balance the cost. Many candidates speak about affordability as a local property tax burden, the reality is that affordability is compounded by the rising cost of rent, family food, transportation, utilities, clothing and health care. As a municipality we are in a time when our growing community has increased service expectations, a backlog of infrastructor projects, and yet our ability to generate revenue to meet our city needs is constrained.
As a current city councillor, I have advocated for affordable unit requirements in housing development applications, supported Affordable Housing seed grants for the development of low-income housing and supported Renter Protection measures.
As your elected representative I would continue to be your community voice on council, making decisions informed by our many conversations.
Why should people vote for you?
Over the past 20 years I have held various leadership roles in the community but I am most proud of my responsive volunteer action at the grassroots here in Ward 4, this is where I see the biggest impact of my efforts for individuals and families. When families struggled with food access during the pandemic I developed a free on-line order and delivery system for vulnerable households. When isolation and food insecurity was on the rise I led the development of a large garden, and a neighbourhood Food Hub and partnership pilot with the Guelph Food Bank.
When families shared that they could not afford recreation programs for their children, we developed free soccer, cricket, basketball, adult fitness and other programs to keep the community active, healthy and provide fun activities for children and youth. This has been done in our neighbourhood, listening, and responding as volunteers for over 20 years.
I have conversations with residents of Ward 4 on a daily basis, and not just during an election campaign - at the food support program, community gardens, at tree plantings, the Fall Fair event, the free recreation programs, and speaking with parents at the splash pad, parks and playgrounds. Always listening, making connections and helping residents access services and supports, working on issues important to local residents and now informing my work as a City Councillor
While the years of elected public service are important, the governance and fiscal responsibilities, it is the connection to the community that sets my candidacy apart.
Land Acknowledgment
The city of Guelph is situated on the Dish With One Spoon Territory, the ancestral and treaty lands of many indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. I acknowledge and honour the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Today Guelph is home to many First Nations and I will work to strengthen my relationship with our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaune, Métis and Inuit peoples.