I'm a solo mom of two, a professional communications strategist and designer, a charity founder, and a longtime community volunteer. But more than anything, I'm someone who believes that a strong community doesn't just happen. It takes people who care enough to show up, speak up, ask questions, and get things done.

Coalhurst is home, and for more than two decades, I've poured my time, energy, and heart into helping make it a place where people feel connected, included, and proud to live.

From organizing community events and supporting local initiatives to founding a charitable animal rescue, I've never been one to sit on the sidelines. I believe in rolling up my sleeves, finding creative solutions, and bringing people together to turn good ideas into action.

I'm naturally curious. I ask a lot of questions (sometimes the tough ones!), I value different perspectives, and I believe listening is just as important as leading. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I'm not afraid to dig in, do the homework, and challenge the status quo when there's an opportunity to do better.

As a candidate for Coalhurst Town Council, I want to bring that same energy, curiosity, and commitment to the table. I believe in transparent, accountable municipal leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and contruibuting to a council that genuinely listens to the people it represents.

I want Coalhurst to continue being a community where families can thrive, youth have opportunities, seniors feel valued, local organizations are supported, and residents of all ages feel heard.

I'm not running because I think everything needs to change. I'm running because I care deeply about what we've built, I see the potential in what's ahead, and I believe there's always room to make a good community even better.

I love the small-town feel of Coalhurst. The kind of place where neighbours wave hello as they pass by, where the people at the post office know you by name, and where community still means something. That's the Coalhurst I love, and it's something I want to help preserve as we grow.

I believe in thoughtful, sustainable growth that strengthens our community without losing the character that makes it special. That means exploring ways to attract new businesses, supporting our local non-profits and community organizations, and creating opportunities for people of all ages to thrive.

It also means thinking about the people who have helped build this community and finding solutions that allow them to stay. I want to explore opportunities for seniors' housing and other housing options so that our aging Coalhurst residents don't have to leave the community they love simply because their housing needs have changed. Our seniors deserve the opportunity to age in the community they've called home, surrounded by familiar faces, neighbours, friends, and family.

I believe we can welcome new families, attract investment, support local businesses, and create opportunities for the next generation while still honouring the people and the community spirit that got us here.

Because at the end of the day, I don't just want Coalhurst to be a great place to live. I want it to be a place where people can put down roots, raise their families, grow older, and continue to belong. A community we're all so proud to call home that we can't help but brag about it to everyone else.

I've spent years showing up for Coalhurst. Now I'm ready to bring that commitment to the council table.

Community First. Action Always.

- Steph