Our Platform

A stronger McKellar Ward starts here. Practical leadership. Clear communication. Real action for our community.

Our Core Values

Let’s make McKellar Ward better together

Transparency →

Residents deserve to know what is happening at City Hall and how decisions are being made.

Transparency means clear communication, open decision-making, and making sure residents have access to the information they need. People should not feel left in the dark when it comes to major projects, spending, community planning, or decisions that affect their neighbourhoods.

Key message:
You deserve to know what decisions are being made, why they are being made, and how they impact you.

Possible talking points:

  • Clearer communication from Council to residents
  • Easier access to information about city projects and spending
  • More open conversations with the community before major decisions are made
  • Keeping residents informed, not just during election season, but year-round

Accountability →

Leadership means taking responsibility for decisions, following through on commitments, and being honest about progress.

Accountability means residents should be able to see action, not just hear promises. When goals are set, there should be follow-up. When concerns are raised, they should be addressed. When decisions are made, leaders should be prepared to explain them.

Key message:
Promises should come with action, follow-through, and honest updates.

Possible talking points:

  • Holding Council accountable for the commitments made to residents
  • Tracking progress on key priorities like housing, safety, and infrastructure
  • Being honest when something is delayed, changed, or not working
  • Making sure residents feel heard after they bring forward concerns

Responsibility →

City decisions should be made with care, common sense, and long-term impact in mind.

Responsibility means thinking beyond the immediate issue and considering how today’s choices affect families, seniors, businesses, and future generations. It also means being responsible with taxpayer dollars and focusing on solutions that move the city forward.

Key message:
Thunder Bay needs responsible leadership that focuses on real solutions, not short-term fixes.

Possible talking points:

  • Making thoughtful decisions with long-term benefits
  • Spending taxpayer dollars wisely
  • Supporting practical solutions for housing, safety, and economic growth
  • Building a stronger future for the next generation

Our Key Areas

What We’re Focusing on in McKellar Ward

Community Safety and Revitalization

People deserve to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, downtown areas, parks, and public spaces.

Community safety is not just about policing. It also means addressing mental health, addictions, homelessness, lighting, infrastructure, and neighbourhood revitalization. McKellar Ward needs practical solutions that support both safety and compassion.

Key message:
Safe communities are built through action, support, and investment.

Possible talking points:

  • Improve street safety and neighbourhood visibility
  • Support local policing and community-based safety initiatives
  • Advocate for better mental health and addiction resources
  • Revitalize core areas so residents and businesses feel supported
  • Work toward safer, cleaner, and more welcoming public spaces

Affordable Housing

Affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing McKellar Ward.

Young adults are struggling to gain independence, families are feeling squeezed, and seniors are having a harder time finding housing that fits their needs and income. The focus needs to shift from talking about housing to building housing.

Key message:
We need shovels in the ground, not just more conversations.

Possible talking points:

  • Support more affordable and attainable housing options
  • Encourage housing solutions for young adults, families, and seniors
  • Push for faster movement on housing projects
  • Support mixed-income and accessible housing opportunities
  • Work with community partners, developers, and all levels of government

Economic Development

A stronger McKellar Ward needs thriving businesses, active streets, and renewed investment.

Economic development means creating an environment where entrepreneurs want to open businesses, where existing businesses feel supported, and where core areas become active, welcoming places again. Mixed-use development can help bring more life into the ward by combining storefronts, services, and housing.

Key message:
When local businesses grow, the whole community benefits.

Possible talking points:

  • Incentivize entrepreneurs to invest in core areas
  • Support small businesses and local job creation
  • Encourage mixed-use development with retail below and housing above
  • Bring more foot traffic and activity into McKellar Ward
  • Create stronger connections between business, residents, and City Hall

Unity and Full-Time Representation on City Council

The issues facing Thunder Bay are complex and require focused, consistent attention.

Moving toward six full-time Councillors would allow elected officials to spend more time working with residents, City administration, local businesses, and community organizations. This approach would encourage stronger collaboration, better planning, and more unified decision-making for the city as a whole.

Key message:
Thunder Bay needs focused leadership that works together for the whole city.

Possible talking points:

  • Strengthen collaboration between Council, administration, businesses, and residents
  • Give complex city issues the full-time attention they require
  • Move away from division and toward shared solutions
  • Focus on the long-term future of Thunder Bay
  • Build a stronger city for the next generation