Moments from frontline work, family life, and community that shaped how I think about leadership.
At Children's Aid I learned there were two ways to work with a family: tell them what to do, or work with them on a plan. Whenever a family had real input, the likelihood of success was high. People who have a say are invested in making it work. That's how I'll show up at council; listening first, then acting.
A few years ago I auditioned for the Peterborough Singers I hadn't sung in a choir since I was a teen, but I got in. It became a community of people of every age and stage, all working toward one goal. I'm now on their board. It's a small, vital community in Peterborough that we need to cherish.
Over a decade ago, during a difficult stretch in my life, I did something out of character: I walked into a local Muay Thai gym and signed up to learn how to fight. What I found there was more than a workout. It was a community. No matter your skill level or reason for being there, you were accepted. I learned to be vulnerable, to trust a sparring partner, and to push myself alongside people from every walk of life. My priorities have shifted since, but I still consider those training partners friends. Two lessons stuck with me: never underestimate the capabilities of a community, and never underestimate the capabilities of a woman determined to make change.
Approximately a year and a half ago, my landlord applied to the city for approval for a condominium conversion to where I live. This very much concerned myself and my neighbours for several reasons; mainly because of complete lack of maintenance to our units and the fact that many of the units are considered affordable housing. Myself and my neighbours did something that many people in our community do. We engaged in the process. We asked questions. We spoke with our councillors. We also spoke at city council. What happened was something great. City council and my neighbours were on the same page and council did not approve the condominium conversion. This has taught me that when a community comes together and works with city council, good things can happen.
My landlord has since appealed this decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal and it is still an active case throughout my campaign. Below are links to news articles that you can follow along to.
In healthcare, I help connect seniors to community supports, but those supports are limited. I see seniors every day who need more help at home and can't get it or can't afford it. When their needs grow, the only path left is hospital, then long-term care. Telling someone who has spent their life contributing to this community that there are no real options for them is heartbreaking.
Many seniors live on fixed incomes. They can't afford a retirement home, and the wait list for social housing is long. What if we integrated the two: municipally supported suites in retirement homes, rented to seniors at a reduced rate so they get the care they need without losing their independence? Ideas like this are how we improve quality of life for seniors. It just takes leadership at the municipal level to make it happen.
I grew up in Peterborough's north end, and like many residents, my connection to this community is built on countless everyday memories. From spending my childhood at local hockey rinks, attending Edmison Heights and Adam Scott, grabbing pizza with friends at Gino's pizza, going to the mall with friends, playing in the arcade at Brookdale plaza, going rollerskating at Spinners, and taking part in community traditions like watching the fireworks at Del Crary Park, Peterborough has always been home.
As I grew older, my experiences continued to be shaped by the people, businesses, and gathering places that brought our community together. Whether it was riding the bus to Fleming College, supporting local entertainment venues (Jericho's Wall at the Red Dog!), or simply spending time with friends in the places that defined our youth, I developed a deep appreciation for the community spirit that makes Peterborough special.
These memories may seem simple, but they reflect something important: the sense of belonging that residents feel when they are connected to their community. That's why public engagement is at the heart of my platform. I believe the best decisions are made when residents have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of our city. Peterborough's story is made up of thousands of individual experiences like my own, and I want to ensure those voices are heard, valued, and reflected in the decisions made at City Hall.