Listens · Learns · Leads

My vision for our city has always been one of optimism, and I'm enthusiastic about continuing to work together with the citizens of Cambridge to decide what's best for our community, now and for future generations.

When I became Mayor, I made a commitment to meet people where they were at. I made it a priority to re-establish community engagement as a normal, expected, and healthy function of public discourse and municipal decision making.

That's why I initiated my Pop Up Mayor program, to bring City Hall directly into our neighbourhoods year round, whether at an arena, festival, parks, civic square or markets, and create more opportunities to listen, connect, and hear firsthand what matters most to residents.

From conversations about local issues to hearing ideas, input on the City budget, concerns, or simply why you feel good about living in Cambridge, how happy you are with your decision to live here, and hopes for the future, every interaction has been meaningful. I'm grateful to everyone who has stopped by, shared a story, asked a question, or simply taken the time to say hello.

It has been an honour to greet thousands of residents in person during the past four years throughout the city at the Pop Up Mayor booth.

Being Mayor is about serving the people of our city, and there is no better way to do that than by being out in the community, face-to-face with the people I have the privilege of representing. Listening compels me to continue to LEARN.

An effective leader LISTENS and understands that it is a sign of strength to welcome honest differences and new ways of thinking, then LEADS by taking action based on meaningful dialogue.

From there, we can bring our community together, consider and analyze possible solutions, and make informed decisions based on sound evidence and the needs of our community. When we take action, it should be thoughtful, informed, and meaningful, and most importantly, it should make a difference for the people who call Cambridge home.

Thank you for welcoming me by embracing this initiative. I continue to look forward to meeting residents across the city at the Pop Up Mayor booth.

Under my leadership as Mayor, your participation is ensured.

I live in Cambridge, I'm invested in Cambridge, and I will LEAD by continuing to involve residents in decision making to create a safe, healthy, and prosperous community.

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Community Wellbeing

Our community's wellbeing affects every citizen of Cambridge.

As both a resident and Cambridge's Mayor, I am aware of the concerns regarding members of the community who are unhoused. People experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and in the grip of addictions require crossover levels of service to help them restore their dignity and reintegrate into the community. I have confronted this task wholeheartedly and am ready to carry on pursuing effective remedies.

As Cambridge's Mayor, I consistently lobby for our needs with all related sectors and agencies, at the local, provincial, and federal levels of government. I pursue reinforcing those services we currently have, identify gaps that demand action, and advocate to meet the increasing pressure for public services as our population increases. Our infrastructure facilities and professional personnel must be capable of meeting our needs, right here in our community. This remains a top priority.

In 2025, I united with other Mayors from across the country to review and establish best practices to reduce mental health and drug and alcohol addictions. We met both in person and virtually, and were hosted by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addictions.

Safety and Security

I believe Cambridge can be a place where everyone feels safe in their own neighbourhood, in our parks and downtowns, and throughout our community spaces. That means increasing the visibility of police and enforcement where residents need it most.

With stronger enforcement of bylaws, and laws that directly affect residents' quality of life and their sense of safety, we can be proactive in shrinking the incidents of property crime, vandalism, disorder, and unsafe behaviour—before problems escalate.

I intend to carry on working closely with Waterloo Regional Police and community partners to ensure residents feel safe in their homes, businesses, and public spaces. Over the past two years, it has become increasingly clear that this collaboration has made a meaningful contribution to improving the walkability, accessibility, and overall safety of our downtown cores.

At the same time, safety requires more than enforcement alone. I am offering a balanced approach that combines effective policing and bylaw enforcement with prevention, outreach, and community-based solutions.

We must also ensure that our streets, trails, parks, and public spaces are clean, well-lit, well-maintained, and welcoming for everyone.

Ultimately, I am working towards our common purpose of a city where people can walk downtown, enjoy our parks, operate a business, and raise a family with confidence and peace of mind.

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Prosperity

Prosperity is the foundation on which our future depends.

Cambridge was founded by hardworking, industrious, and innovative pioneer builders who were visionaries. Their legacy continues, and today we are home to a wide range of organizations, professional institutions, and manufacturing. Our business parks attract and cater to cutting edge industries, including campuses for in-demand skilled trades, and the nuclear, aerospace, food, auto, and medical technology sectors. Our geographic position, our educated and prepared workforce, our infrastructure, and our municipality's intentional support all combine to create the optimum conditions for businesses to locate and thrive here.

To me, prosperity is not simply about economics but about having options and being in a position to seize beneficial opportunities. As your Mayor, I'm already dedicated to creating those conditions needed to sustain innovation and growth. I'm resolved to continue this momentum for our community and reinforce seeing Cambridge flourish and excel, even more so in the face of global challenges.

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Livability

Cambridge is where we want to call 'home.'

Livability is evaluating our community's convenience, safety, amenities, and infrastructure, followed by enhancing them so that they contribute to our sense of well-being. By having our community's daily needs met, by being welcoming and accessible for all, we create a sense of belonging.

Cambridge has been my home for over four decades; it is the home of my children and grandchildren, my friends, clients and colleagues, my neighbours. I believe strongly in the capacity of my fellow citizens to help make Cambridge a dynamic, caring, and welcoming community to call home.

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Accountability

Accountability is the obligation and willingness of elected officials to answer to their constituents.

For over a decade, as both a Councillor and Mayor, I have emphasized that it is the obligation of elected officials and city staff to be accountable to the public. Taxpayers expect evidence that tax dollars are being spent on defined priorities and are delivered with the highest value for money that council can provide.

I came into this office as a businesswoman, not a career politician. I have signed the front of a paycheque, not just the back of one. That shapes how I look at every dollar this city spends.

Public annual budget consultations are critical, but close scrutiny is required year round by every member of council and staff. In order for the public to directly communicate their concerns, I directed staff to maintain the annual survey not just at budget time, but throughout the year. I believe there is an implicit contract between our ratepayers and city hall.

Strong Mayor Legislation

The Strong Mayor Legislation could not have been more inappropriately titled. From day one, the name created negative connotations and became a form of rage-baiting, leading people to assume the worst before understanding what the legislation actually does.

There are countless myths, rumours, and misinformation about the powers vested in Mayors throughout Ontario. We should focus on the facts, what mayors can and cannot do, rather than allowing an inflammatory label to shape public perception.

As Mayor of Cambridge, I am responsible for adhering to the Provincial Government's directives, and I welcome the citizens of Cambridge to review the provincial mandate and examine a complete record of the duties and actions undertaken by me as it applies to this legislation.

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I offer voters my background, and my experiences from my eight years on council as well as four years as Mayor. I offer my connections at all levels of government and industry essential to have our voices heard. I have made a life-long commitment to the wellbeing of Cambridge.

I remain ready and eager to LEAD.