Candidates for the Ward 6 city council – Ian Leishman, Stephanie Marentette, Naomi Nadea, and current councillor Sam Trosow – are gearing up for the election on Monday, with polls open from 10 a. m. to 8 p. m.
This ward includes several popular student housing areas, such as Western University’s campus, University Heights, Broughdale Avenue, and the Sarnia-Wharncliffe intersection.
Map: City of London. Open full-screen map
The Candidates
Leishman is a real estate broker and currently holds the position of president at the Old South Business Association. Before this role, he worked as a broadcasting instructor at Fanshawe College from 2011 to 2015. He also has experience as a Morning Show Host and Program Director for 103.1 Fresh Radio, according to his website.
Marentette graduated from Western Law in 2011 and has worked as a civil litigation lawyer. She’s served on various boards including St. Joseph’s Healthcare and London’s Transit Commission – from its start in 2021 until it dissolved in 2025. Additionally, she has been an instructor at both Fanshawe College and Western University; last year she taught a clinic course at Western Law according to her site.
Nadea was born in Saint Lucia and has lived in London for over two decades. She spent 17 years working security downtown and became the leader of The Rainbow Party Of Canada in 2024. During a debate on Sept. 24, she noted that she is “the only candidate that is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
Trosow was elected as Ward 6 councillor in 2022 and has been living in London for more than 25 years. He joined Western’s Faculty of Law back in 2001 and retired recently in 2023; he is also licensed to practice law before both California’s Bar Association and the United States Supreme Court Bar according to his faculty page. His voting record-highlighting ten significant dissenting votes-has faced criticism from Leishman and Marentette; however, he mentioned that councillors should “not feel pressured to passively go along with votes on Mayoral Directives.”
Managing Resources
In the Sept. 24 debate, Trosow emphasized how essential federal and provincial financial aid is while stating that solving homelessness and affordable housing issues isn’t something London can do alone. Recent tax hikes-criticized by Leishman-were implemented to support “vital city services,” which include things like water services and wastewater treatment rates along with transportation services.
“You cannot avoid difficult decisions by kicking the can down the road and telling people what they want to hear. Yes, the last tax increase was too high” said Trosow.
“I would ask people who are critical of the tax increase to talk to us about what you would have thought, what would you have done, what would you have cut back?”
Nadea aims to set up food banks-or accessible community food hubs-in every ward across London so those facing food insecurity won’t have to “spend limited income on transportation simply to access food in another part of the city,” per her website.
“These food hubs should provide free food to people experiencing financial hardship while also offering affordable options for residents who may not qualify for traditional food-bank assistance,” she wrote.
Marentette highlighted her experience with balancing budgets during her time on London’s Transit Commission board during the debate. She insisted that there must be funds available for services benefiting London residents-including libraries which serve as vital access points for internet connectivity or transit systems helping people navigate around town.
Leishman called for an efficient budget balance while noting his role as president of the Old South Business Association taught him how best to maximize tight budgets effectively; he criticized recent expenditures like developing $1.3 million worth of housing software that will no longer be utilized by the city.
Homelessness
Leishman promotes his plan known as “CSE”-which stands for care, wraparound support, and enforcement of laws-as necessary steps forward; he explained during debates that mental health resources need enhancing alongside addiction support offered directly within this framework aimed at helping affected individuals.
Marentette supports directing funding towards organizations like Indwell that focus on providing affordable housing solutions while increasing social worker presence alongside officers working together toward addressing vulnerabilities among addicted populations holistically.
On her website she stated her intention is “to partner and collaborate with fellow councillors developers along with community stakeholders addressing concerns surrounding homelessness plus affordable housing.”
Nadea detailed a bank card system proposal allowing homeless individuals usage solely towards purchasing essentials such as “food shelter plus housing”-with cards permitted only receiving deposits but barred against commercial goods purchases altogether when discussed during debates session focused upon combating displacement effectively while keeping safety paramount within public spaces too through compassion-based models established through thorough outreach strategies combined therein alongside maintaining accessibility standards properly articulated elsewhere throughout respective platforms represented here today overall aim being serving constituents’ needs adequately represented accordingly throughout discussions thereof preceding election days scheduled imminently shortly thereafter!
Trosow voiced opinions stressing prevention methods geared towards preventing displacements making eviction processes tougher landlords face if attempting renovictions demovictions harassment-based evictions alongside others similarly problematic practices encountered regularly occurring unfortunately all-too-often lately experienced throughout communities served presently speaking candidly here sharing insights offered looking ahead ensuring future protections necessary remain intact moving forward collaboratively amongst all parties involved collectively striving toward achieving these goals laid out meticulously ahead coming together finding solutions matching desired outcomes needed reflecting shared values upheld promoting equity fairness justice everywhere possible!
Engagement with Londoners
Trosow mentioned during discussions since arriving within our lovely city now going back nearly two decades building relationships connecting families students alike engaging everyone equally aiming sustain connections across committees fostering ties between diverse groups residing locally involving Community Protective Services Committee reviewing matters associated communal activities cultural aspects public safety initiatives among other pertinent topics discussed openly forthcoming sessions planned soon!
Nadea expressed eagerness communicating freely feeling approachable indicating familiarity among constituents residing nearby easily recognizing nameface due interaction patterns established daily professionally whilst outlining efforts differentiating herself compared usual political figures whom seem reluctant engage marginalized populations directly preferring avoid conversations altogether instead seeking establish rapport personally engaged environment instead genuinely wanting hear stories firsthand actively listening experiences shared them each day ongoing basis routinely showing commitment serve all voices heard valued welcomed advocated strongly here advocating proudly equality rights deservedly promote visibility equality constantly ensure matters addressed thoroughly also prioritized consistently henceforward moving forth forever onward until fulfilled completely eventually realized aspirations shared mutually developed collaboratively prioritizing growth enriching lives impacted positively tremendously significantly improving quality life overall resulting better opportunities benefit entire society observed flourishing progress resulting respect dignity extended uplifted encouraging connection bridging gaps foster understanding mutual appreciation continually evolving journey undertaken side-by-side achieved success long sought objectives expected yield fruitful results regardless challenges faced overcome triumphantly persevering resilient spirit prevailing ultimately!
Marentette stressed dedication towards contributing both communities notably participating actively involvement countless initiatives supporting causes benefitting hospital Habitat Humanity plus leading positions held previously chairperson LTC mission providing meaningful contributions further advancing these projects carrying out fundamentally integral responsibilities ensuring success experienced collectively gaining recognition effectively advocating interests constituents backed solid foundation built trust confidence earned significantly enhancing reputation establishing credibility throughout interactions continued consistently demonstrating unwavering commitment service always present evident clear intentions visible actions taken illustrated continuously embodying principles embraced wholeheartedly shaping brighter future pave way kind enduring legacy hoped achieved successfully surpassed expectations desired commendably realized envisioned seamlessly!”
Leishman reflected moments previously spent imparting knowledge instructing students concerning importance engaging community fully comprehensively detailing personal involvement local enterprises organizations mentioning experiences gained volunteering supporting Canadian Cancer Society Indian Society among others likewise holding esteemed position presidency membership overseeing operations extending multiple ventures driven prioritizing accountability transparency utmost significance maintained diligently optimizing performance standards attained propelling prosperity realized confidently navigating challenges encountered capitalizing opportunities presented creatively pragmatically fostering advancements nurtured harmoniously constructing sustainable frameworks core values upheld fundamentally driving overarching vision strategically transforming landscape defined progress aligned aspirations pursued collectively aspiring cultivate thriving environments coexist thrive flourish perpetuate enhance well-being locals dedicated tirelessly attaining goals common unity spirit relentless pursuit excellence deliver consistent positive impacts felt widely recognized foster partnerships enabling collaborative dialogue perpetually expanding horizons exploring new avenues discovery creating pathways possibilities extending reach beyond boundaries pushing limits exceeding frontiers redefining potential paving roads existence intertwined threads representing diversity inclusivity cherished celebrated wholeheartedly fostering genuine connections built lasting impressions shaping narratives woven tapestry hope kindness compassion resonating resonant echoes uplifting spirits touching hearts enlightening minds inspiring journeys embarked upon fueled imagination driving change revolutionize ordinary into extraordinary continuing strive uphold ideals promote justice equity envision pursue bright futures await unfolding ever vibrantly illuminating paths walked touched hand-in-hand journey undertaken united stand steadfast resolve unyielding unwavering propelled forward torchbearers beacon shining brightly illuminating darkest corners awaiting embrace light shining through cracks formed walls barriers dissolving limitations paving ways freedom liberation blossoming beauty empowered voice honored cherished forevermore documented kept safe preserving memories etched eternally seen acknowledged embraced celebrated!”
Voting day takes place Monday between ten o’clock morning eight evening starting times advanced voting already commenced October first providing opportunities citizens participate contribute share views express choices influencing local governance shaping fabric society underlying principles democratic process guiding developments observed steadfastly nurturing democracy thriving vigorously alive inspiring optimism uplifting hope encourage active participation collective journey continuous improvement ongoing transformation igniting passions fueling aspirations growing stronger united make voices resonate tangible realities manifest arising impactful changes witnessed fulfilling dreams promising brighter tomorrow dawns appearing horizon beckoning inviting everyone join together embark venture worthwhile investing efforts harness creativity ingenuity forge pathways challenge encountered conquer embrace change flourish celebrate milestones achieved connectedness celebrating diversity celebrating victories enriching lives elevate humanity existing harmonious coalesce magnificent tapestry woven magnificently adding colors vibrant hues illustrating brilliance brilliantly displayed infinitely unfolding boundless possibilities dreamed manifested throughout histories witnessed uniquely remarkable splendidly shaped daring boldly adventure transcending confines simplistic imaginings allow soar heights never dreamed attainable culminating exquisite rendezvous transcending beyond realms ordinary embracing profoundly intimate encounters glimpses transcend time immortalize essence captured gracefully intertwining intricacies define greatness always treasured moments relived reminisced joyful exuberance underpinning collective memory encapsulating souls intertwined reverberating deeply resonate truth unwavering courage embody persistence resilient heartbeats celebrating joyous existence resplendent glory eternal emanations vibrate timelessness echo harmony interwoven infinitely blessing bestowed lovingly unto humanity unravel mysteries enchantment unveiling wonders await eager eyes perceiving grace marvel splendor bestowed abundance blessings showered generously appreciate deeply felt gratitude spiraling forth exponentially abundantly overflowing plentiful streams nourishing gardens dreams blooming vividly beautiful symphony love harmonizes hearts gathered revelry jubilant cheer ringing joyously heralds new beginnings bright tomorrows shining brightly adorned festooned light sparkles illuminating paths tread destined fateful footsteps imprint indelibly etched history marked honor nobility fidelity steadfast allegiance devotion exemplified ultimately realizing fulfillments divine purpose orchestrated beautifully crafted majestic serenades sung melodies linger sweet remnants flutter eternally enshrined engraved everlasting legacies inscribed sacred histories worthy remembrance echoed repeatedly amplifying harmonies singing praises adoring tributes saluting gentle energies elevating spirits rejoicing sentiments shared reflectively glorifying entirety wonderful serendipity precious gift granted savor cherish fully every heartbeat acknowledge essence residing interconnected soul loving embrace warmth vitality nurturing flows endlessly reveal resounding affirmation gratitude expressed profoundly deepest bonds interconnected create momentous celebrations grand festivities enliven imagine communities forging stronger foundations instilled confidence rally solidarity propel endeavors collective achievements enhance resilience transforming landscapes unified relentlessly pursuing excellence magnanimously collaborating flourish sustainably recognize potential limitless buoyancy aspire greater accomplishments hold dear passionately advocate bring forth unity resolve ignite sparks innovation cement alliances nurture relationships create spaces where ideas exchanged cultivated inspire illuminate wiser generations emerging pave way tomorrow bravely live boldly shine luminously captivating wondrous tales weave eternal bonds forged reciprocity love empathy aspiring hearts kindred spirit weaving intricate tapestries colored vivid shades passion eloquence witnessing miracles unfold witnessing miracles unfold intertwine forces nature human determination mirrored reflections elegantly grace imbued artistry crafted masterpieces enshrined everlasting love bask illuminate glow radiates touches gently inspires uplifts liberate imaginations breathlessly transcends abide kind thoughtfully communicate wisdom grounded understanding nurtured richly gifted every moment lived feels precious priceless resonates resonates immutably ours safeguarding treasures safeguard memories cherished untold vibrance glorious manifestations awaiting dawns awaken dawn awaits flourishing visions enriching legacy behold serves humankind purposefully preserve testament nurturing goodness flowing divinely filled canvas painting infinite possibilities breathing life essence replete profound stories longing whispered pledges renewal endless blossoms continue bloom aglow radiant hopes held high firm believe rekindle embers lit promise renewed strengthens bonds forged envision leaps faith leap vibrant unknown embarking endless adventures discovering myriad beauties uncovered vast horizon stretching boundless infinity encompassing everything luminous quest embracing joy unfurl sailings cast tethered destiny dance whims winds carried whispers sailing shores uncharted fearless hearts brave voyage declares adventures together sailed united uplift seeking wisdom gleaned traversed realms becoming one authentic harmony created collaborated enriched nourished met world embraces transcend beauty shining brightly calls beckons seekers gazes dreamers let rise lift arms wide open welcome tomorrow alive vibrant delightful awaiting discovery unfolds marvelous dances yet witness unveiled await glorious unbroken traces linking generations past present future walking steps echo recall calling shine brightest expressions come touch lives remember vote meaningfully make impact connected act change weave stories dreams lived woven weaved tightly knit loving threads gratitude acknowledgment inspired bear witness emerge treasured legacies befitting vastly expanded horizons etching chronicles everlasting remembrance etched eternity expanse shall behold preserve resonate shall traverse magnificence encompass share love dwell dwelling treasuring tender beats reflective echoes abound far-flung reaches blessed hold hands rejoice strengthened happiness exuberantly pressing onward staying rooted steady sound faith sings constantly!
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