Let’s come together to build a more affordable, connected, and people-first Guelph!
Elect Dakota Cherry for Guelph City Council, Ward 5 this Fall!
Campaign Priorities
These are living priorities that are continuously evolving based on conversations with constituents in the community. For more details, please visit the articles 'About' section.
Investing in What Matters
I will make taxpayer dollars work for us, and eliminate city-wide inefficiencies. We're a growing city with growing city needs, and I will ensure investment dollars go towards real needs.
Your Voice at City Hall
As Ward 5's Councillor, I will practice meaningful engagement, creating more regular opportunities for residents to directly contribute to decision-making, ensuring Council decisions are continiously and meaningfully informed by the people they represent.
Food Security for Guelph
Costs are rising, especially for essentials like food. Drawing on nearly ten years' experience working across the food system securing more than $1 million in federal and provincial funding, I am confident we can implement tangible, evidence-based policy solutions we can use to address affordability by leveraging the nearly $3 billion federal investment in a National Food Security Strategy.
Q&A
1. Should Guelph do more to combat climate change?
Yes. Combatting climate change is natural outcome of policies that can also reduce the cost of food, improve human health, as well as support local farmers, economies and people.
2. Can private contractors be considered for municipal services to improve efficiency?
I am heavily influenced by the work of Mariana Prado who introduced the concept of "institutional bypass" wherein, like a coronary bypass, parallel systems that have been introduced alongside the clogged original ones, have proven to be more effective and preferred by users than the original, ultimately leading to them becoming the dominant channel. If municipal services are not working properly, it is our responsibility to explore external possibilities.
3. What about building more homes?
The current "build more" strategy to address the housing crisis has clearly failed to meaningfully improve the state of affordability. There are other ways that we can support our economy outside of accelerating the construction of homes, including through vacant home and commercial building taxes, which are already underway.
4. What is my stance on bike lanes?
Bike lanes provide a safer space for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike. My personal preference is for painted bike lanes as they are cost-effective, make snow clearing easier, and provide cyclists with greater flexibility than fully separated lanes.
That said, every street is different. I look forward to working with experts, City staff, and residents to identify best practices and develop solutions that address the unique implementation challenges we face in Ward 5.