The job description of a municipal councillor includes:
- representing the public
- considering the well-being and interests of the municipality
- engaging members of the public on issues and considering their feedback
- ensuring the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality
Some councillors choose to inform and engage residents on the activities of their municipal government.
Video (Youtube) and podcast updates
Councillor Glen Gower, Ottawa
Councillor Gower sends a weekly video update to subscribers from locations around Ward 6.
The videos are typically 7 to 10 minutes in length, covering upcoming local events, fundraisers and activities as well as development applications and zoning bylaw changes and are published in video and podcast formats across major platforms:
Town halls
Councillors Carr and Brown, Ward 2, Bellevile
Town halls are one method used by councillors to solicit feedback on specific items, such as the operating or capital budget.
Email newsletters
Councillor Wilson Lo, Ottawa
Councillor Gower sends out a weekly newsletter informing residents on his activities, public consultation opportunities, safety tips, deadlines and how to access new programs. Sections include:
- Councillor’s corner
- City and Ward updates
- Development
- Crime report
- Get involved
- Community events
- News from the Ruth E. Dickinson library
Councillor David Hill, Ottawa
Councillor Hill sends out a weekly newsletter informing residents on his activities, considerationg of zoning bylaw changes, support for the police service, public transit improvements and words of appreciation for snow clearing teams. Sections include:
- Councillor’s Update
- Community Safety Report
- Community News & Events
- City News & Messages
- City Hall Corner
- Gallery
As your city councillor I have grappled with two big (and sometimes competing!) concerns on this file. We are in a housing and affordability crisis. Young professionals are being frozen out of owning homes despite working hard. Seniors are having to choose between downsizing and losing much of their nest egg, or living in homes that no longer fit their needs. I want my daughters to be able to afford their own home one day, and that’s not possible without making it easier to build new homes. On the other hand, Barrhaven has been on the frontlines of new home builds. We’ve seen massive growth in our community and the infrastructure we need to match has not met the pace of that growth. So, my goal when approaching this new zoning bylaw was twofold: make it easier to build affordable homes in Ottawa, and release pressure on Barrhaven by spreading development to other parts of the city. I think we’ve achieved both goals in this new zoning bylaw. By making it easier to build “infill” development in the downtown, this new bylaw will incent developers to start building in the urban neighbourhoods inside the Greenbelt. The old rules protected the downtown while pushing greenfield development in the suburbs. I think we’ve gone a long way to fixing that formula with this new policy. In the meantime, I will continue to focus on getting the infrastructure Barrhaven deserves and needs. More information on the zoning bylaw in the City Hall Corner below.
Websites
Councillor Claire Holloway Wadhwani
Councillor Holloway Wadhwani’s website features a bio, her vision for Port Hope and answers to questions asked by media outlets, organizations, and citizens:
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