CBC K-W contacted candidates participating in the municipal election to take part in a survey.
They were asked to answer these questions:
Briefly outline your top 3 priorities for this election. Describe how you would tackle priority #1. Describe how you would tackle priority #2. Describe how you would tackle priority #3. Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you and your campaign?
Candidate responses are provided below. CBC K-W has not altered these answers for editorial reasons, though minor changes may have been made for clarity or spelling.
Candidates who haven’t responded can still complete the survey and can contact CBC K-W via email if they need the link.
Voters will head to the polls on Monday, Oct. 26.
Jump to your race:
Mayor
Current Mayor Cam Guthrie is stepping down and not running for re-election.
Candidates:
Leanne Caron (current Ward 5 councillor). Ken Yee Chew (current ward 6 councillor). John Edward Krusky. Ryan Meunier. Evaristo Ramos Jr. Rajee Sinha.
Leanne Caron
Top 3 issues:
Address affordability Encourage an open and collaborative city hall Improve livability in Guelph.
Mayoral candidate Leanne Caron. (Ema Suvajac)
How do you plan to address affordability?
By making smarter choices regarding our planning, spending, and investments.
I’ve put together a detailed affordability plan for Guelph that includes 30 specific actions based on three key strategies: enhancing operational efficiency within the city, making strategic investments that lower long-term costs, and identifying new revenue streams beyond property taxes.
I’ll introduce an annual affordability report card, engage residents earlier in budget discussions, and set measurable targets. We need responsible financial management that relieves pressure on families while safeguarding essential community services.
How will you create an open and collaborative city hall?
By actively listening to residents, being transparent in communication, and uniting people to solve issues together.
I believe city hall belongs to Guelph’s citizens. They deserve a real say in decisions affecting their lives as well as transparency about how tax dollars are used.
My plan includes holding monthly town halls with the mayor, improving public engagement before decisions are finalized, and implementing accountability measures such as a democracy dashboard, capital projects dashboard, and annual council report card.
I’ll also foster a culture of collaboration at city hall where fresh ideas thrive and results matter. Leadership begins with listening effectively.
How would you enhance livability in Guelph?
I’ll invest in programs, places, and people that contribute to making Guelph enjoyable for all its residents.
The livable city initiative focuses on preserving what makes Guelph unique while planning for future growth effectively. This involves maintaining roads, sidewalks, parks; enhancing pedestrian safety; supporting affordable housing; boosting local businesses; investing in libraries; recreation; arts; culture; as well as climate resilience initiatives.
We shouldn’t have to sacrifice core services for quality of life amenities. With proper planning and smart investments we can achieve both objectives simultaneously!
What else do you want voters to know about yourself?
I’ve dedicated two decades serving on council driven by one core belief: effective leadership starts with truly hearing others’ concerns. I’ve held numerous town halls allowing me insight into residents’ views which I’ve worked hard to integrate into decision-making processes shaping our community’s future!
I’m running for mayor with commitment towards transparency accountability along practical plans aimed at improving affordability fostering collaboration creating more vibrant living spaces across town!
Together let’s build pride throughout our wonderful community! P >
Ken Yee Chew
Top three concerns:
Make life more affordable by stabilizing property taxes through stronger committee oversight. Enhance public safety ensuring neighborhoods parks remain safe accessible. Support housing economic development through predictable approvals infrastructure planning robust support local enterprises.![]()
Mayoral candidate Ken Yee Chew.(Submitted by Ken Yee Chew )
How will make life more affordable?
In first hundred days , I’d bring back standing committees including finance committee examine spending year round.
Establish earlier targets budgeting request costed alternatives review program outcomes reduce reliance consultants Residents deserve reliable service clear accountability every dollar spent.
How will improve public safety?
Work alongside police bylaws Wellington County healthcare providers organizations coordinate enforcement outreach treatment pathways housing.
This entails consistent enforcement related use bylaws concerning public space protecting schools childcare facilities alike. p >
I’d prioritize traffic safety near schools gathering partners prevent another rowdy homecoming event establishing clear responsibilities along regular reporting processes too! How address housing economic growth? Focusing my efforts mainly growing zones major corridors transit-friendly areas suitable commercial downtown spots while addressing infrastructure needs established communities. Drawing upon background urban design planning ensures coordinated site assessments permits inspections consistently applied throughout entire development stages. It’s important retain current employers attract new investments help small businesses flourish thereby creating jobs bolstering economies here within Guelph area! What else should voters be aware of? Moved here over ten years ago studying university ultimately settling down here with wife Joey. Holding degrees landscape architecture rural planning development from University presently work experience spans fields ranging building homes municipal staff roles serving Ward six counselor previously. Understanding intricacies surrounding operations at City Hall helps shape approach advocating practicality listen carefully determine priorities follow-through ensure accountability results achieved. Learn more chewforguelph. ca. John Edward Krusky Top three issues: Affordability. Human security. Accessibility.![]()
Mayoral candidate John Edward Krusky.(Submitted by John Edward Krusky) How will address affordability? Affordability remains pressing concern among many locals right now due soaring taxes barriers hindering small businesses too! Plan tackling this revolves examining city budget looking closely where excess costs could trimmed keeping taxes manageable. Focus changes necessary management budgets operations alongside backing crucial infrastructure projects rather than overspending unnecessary ventures like lavish developments elsewhere instead! Also promote large-scale affordable apartments townhouse complexes built around town encourage diverse living options available locally ! How would human security be approached? Human security encompasses food security aiding vulnerable individuals addressing homelessness crime prevention shelters adequacy too. Campaign platform aims focus meeting shelter requirements social assistance assisting those needing basic provisions keeping properties secure preventing crime rising poverty rates which often lead them higher ! Coordinated outreach efforts through agencies established partnerships ensure better integrated supports available aimed helping transition individuals experiencing hardships back stable situations quicker paths toward thriving lives again soon thereafter! Additionally Food insecurity requests NGOs operating locally seeking improved coordination centralized under municipality manage resources effectively ! How handle accessibility ? Accessibility represents policy challenge guaranteeing everyone access vital services related information regarding actions being taken municipalities today. Proposed measures include extending operating hours front desk at City Hall providing interactive website allowing voluntary census participation statistical data collection gauging resident initiatives support best ! Doubling appearance time before Council compared previous length used ensures representation increased coverage engaging communications team streaming archiving meetings events openly utilizing platforms such as You Tube channels efficiently reaching wider audience base without limitations imposed otherwise! What additional points wish voters understand about yourself? Running mayoral campaign designed primarily focused solving systemic challenges prevalent across nation especially trying relieve burden faced taxpayers maintaining high-quality municipal service delivery concurrently ! Some commentary seen online might confuse intentions expressed restructuring management notably position Chief Administrative Officer previously stated clearly nothing intends undermine relationship between council staff further affirming openness transparency during conversations discussing matters affecting residents daily lives directly impacting them adversely if left unchecked long-term consequences may arise down road inevitably leading dissatisfaction frustration latter stages whenever expectations unmet communication falters trust erodes quickly ruining progress built upon mutual respect cooperation shared goals overall ambitions common success forward journey ahead seeking positive change soon enough! Ryan Meunier I’ve received many survey requests lately but prefer directing inquiries back towards updated website hosting direct citizen responses covering various topics arising regularly whenever needed explanations arise clarifying position regarding matters presented going forward efficiently ensuring accessibility clearly answering queries posed even after completion other resources reviewed provided satisfactory enough then it leads continual direct conversation explaining perspectives communicating openly allows comfort discussing views shared freely amongst all parties involved henceforth moving onwards towards understanding collective vision alignment solidifies resolve commonality fostering good relationships together supporting growth successfully! Ward One Two representatives elected present Coun Erin Caton opting out re-election bid continuing past experiences reflecting knowledge accumulated thus far benefiting constituents overall efforts achieving goals reached collaboratively worked diligently accomplishing much overcome challenges met throughout tenure!! Candidates: Tammy Corbin Dan Gibson(in incumbent) Daniel Kaufmann Marcel Dion Lambert Owen Martens Evan Silva Dave Williams Mustafa Zuberi Dan Gibson Top Three Issues: Finishing York Road redevelopment project Completing Watson Parkway/Starwood commercial node initiative Continued fight advocating Affordability at City Hall![]()
Ward One Candidate Dan Gibson(submitted image) Reflecting attempt progress made launching York Road reconstruction process already underway anticipated conclude next two years moving forward focused maintaining funding availability navigate associated lane restrictions during this period smoothly transitioning experience leveraging expertise gained successfully managing engagements relevant stakeholders involved anticipating potential hurdles encountered quickly resolving any concerns arising timely manner!!! Concerning Starwood/Watson development interactions critical remaining attentive prioritizing quiet family-oriented atmosphere throughout construction stages encouraging upgrades road networks implementing intersection signals facilitating appropriate traffic flow patterns while ensuring integration existing infrastructures maintained well addressed collectively enabling future prosperity build towards healthier environment around us !! Advocating consistently addressing Affordability remaining committed voice reason persistent deliberation regarding tax increases rationality evident decision-making assuring citizens receive fair value behind every expenditure undertaken diligently pursued mandated checks balances instituted garner trust revitalizing faith restoring positive rapport between administration community leaders working harmoniously striving improvements despite obstacles faced ahead paved pathway success achievable outcome achievable reachable milestones worth pursuing!! What else should I convey constituency members?” It has been profound honor representing Ward since taking office seven years ago devoted tirelessly fulfilling promises made initially still determined bringing progress continuing strive improvements witnessed firsthand alongside constituents collaboratively executing visions materialize opportunities seize each moment embrace lessons learned history unfold future becomes bright productive jointly served together!! Mustafa Zuberi Top Three Issues: Affordable Living Responsible Property Taxes Quality Infrastructure & Growth Planning Ensuring Neighborhood Safety![]()
Ward One Candidate Mustafa Zuberi (submitted photo) Speaking specifically dealing Affordable Living issue directly impacts everyone residing locality particularly homeowners facing challenges covering expenses incurred steadily climbing inflation rates essentially prices spiraling upward understandably brings anxiety worry among families grappling income instability fears unforeseen circumstances threaten stability existence prompted revisit fiscal policies adopt strategic measures implement efficiencies curtail frivolous expenditures maximize value delivered citizens obtain best possible benefits derived taxation contributions sustained guaranteed funding models!!! On Roads Infrastructure planned carefully paving way developing communities encompass holistic strategies promoting sustainable approaches enhancing transportation systems gradually evolved responsibly assure longevity inhabitants enjoy environments conducive health happiness respectively supported ongoing maintenance practices followed ensure durable resources allocated appropriately mitigating stressors experienced day-to-day basis witnessed firsthand realized importance investing wisely prioritized essentials fostering positive outcomes generally prevalent atmosphere invigorating revitalized sense belonging nurtured cultivated mutually enriching connections bind us closer together encouraging cohesion driving growth fulfilling aspirations generated dynamically animated lively settings promising prosperous futures lie ahead!! Further embracing attention placed neighborhood safety aspects coordinating closely allied partnerships entities creating supportive frameworks facilitates access preventive care mechanisms enhance empowerment surrounding marginalized populations thereby enabling successful transitions rehabilitative pathways oriented sustainability longevity centered principles dignity compassion rooted firmly midst complexities realities confronting society herein espousing unity diversity celebrating richness textures weave fabric vibrancy echo resonates spirit solidarity fosters inclusion intertwining harmony nurturing flourishing environments capable uplifting every individual grows thrives amidst journey traversed gracefully onward continuously progressing heights attain remarkable accomplishments reaching pinnacle achievements genuine joy satisfaction enduring purpose fulfillment guiding endeavors aligned collective vision brightened horizons shine brightly illuminating path tomorrows unveiled promising endless possibilities awaiting exploration unfolding adventures await inspired refreshed renewed hope lies spark ignites curiosity limitless potential arises born courage determination propelling strive excellence fuels innovative solutions dreamed envisioned come fruition crafting brighter tomorrow awaits !!! [.. content continues..] “`
