Strong Leadership. Uniquely Rural.

A Plan for a Better Osgoode Ward

Osgoode Ward is a great place to live — but we can make it even better. I will focus on what matters most: safe streets, reliable core services, thriving rural villages, and a proud, active rural lifestyle. This plan is about smart investments, transparent governance, and building a stronger community from the ground up.

1. Get back to basics: Improve Core Services and Accountability

We need to get the basics right — and that starts with knowing where we stand and  engaging residents in the decisions for our ward.

Actions:

• Focus investments on core services - roads, ditching, emergency services, and traffic measures. Priorities are identified by the community. 
• Engage communities and bring greater transparency to development projects, prioritizing the Carlsbad Springs Community on Tewin.
• Publish data on service levels across the city and drive measures that speed-up emergency service response times for rural communities.
• Provide responsive, practical support and offer regular open-door office hours and town halls.
• Support a stronger mandate for ARAC so rural councillors can take direct decisions on rural projects.
• Promote measures that keep government small, taxes low, and demonstrate value-for-money.
• Set-up a ward advisory table and task-teams focused on key longer term projects e.g., emergency management, truck traffic, agricultural education and Bank Street Enforcement.

Goal: Rural residents get comparable response to urban neighbourhoods, can see how their tax dollars are being used and there is greater accountability for City spending.

2.  Thriving Rural Villages

Our villages are the heart of Osgoode Ward — but too often, we feel overlooked. Let’s change that.

Actions:

• Advance the commitments made in the Rural Summit, drive a renewed rural lens and push for flexibility so local improvements don't always need to meet urban standards.
• Improve and grow our recreational spaces for youth and adults: Advance upgrades at Larry Robinson Arena; champion a new community space in Vars; work to expand the Greely Community Centre and explore more recreational options, including via private partnerships. 
• Advance park projects including Green Jacket, Cedarlakes, South Creek Village, improve accessibility of McKendry Park and identify solutions for stalled park projects like Quinn Farm park.
• Help businesses and farmers navigate bureaucratic hurdles and get a clear pathway to approval.
• Prioritize livability with roadworks- paved-shoulders to improve pedestrian safety, safe crossings, and traffic calming in speeding hot spots.
• Support seniors by enabling more senior housing, promoting services to age in place and explore alternative transit options like on-demand vans.
• Reduce burden on community associations and local organizations as they carry the weight of community programming. 
• Ensure recreation programs are balanced across the ward, including Vernon, Carlsbad Springs, Vars and Kenmore who have no or limited options.

Goal: Strong, vibrant villages where families can grow, businesses can thrive, and residents                    feel connected.

3. Celebrate Rural Living

Our deep agricultural roots and rural identity is something to be proud of — not just defended, but embraced. 

Actions:

• Remove barriers and act on issues that slow down farm operations — ensuring agriculture can thrive without unnecessary delays or interference.
• Promote the education of City staff and residents about farming through tours and communications.
• Promote Osgoode Ward as a destination for tourism and agri-tourism supporting our museums, festivals, farmers markets, rural fairs and family attractions.
• Support the Metcalfe Agricultural Society's initiatives, including the Metcalfe Fair, and its fairgrounds expansion plans
• Support organizations that promote responsible rural recreation - hunting, fishing, ATVing, snowmobiling, and biking - and recognize the economic benefits that they bring to our villages.
• Promote beautification projects for our villages including public art.

Goal: Position Osgoode Ward as a rural gem within the city — a place where outdoor living, recreation, and nature have deep historical roots and remain part of daily life.

Conclusion
This plan is about building a better Osgoode Ward —  basic services done well, stronger villages, and transparent rural investments, we can grow while staying true to who we are. I’m ready to get to work — with you and for you.

Dear Neighbours,

Osgoode Ward is ready for new energy, fresh ideas, and strong leadership.

Greely has been my home for 14 years. I've raised

my family here, and understand what our community needs to thrive. I’m not just running—

I’m here to drive change.

For over 20 years, I’ve cut through red tape and championed smart, efficient solutions in government.

I know how to reduce burden and ensure value for money. Osgoode Ward needs well-maintained roads, reliable services, and rural-focused solutions — not “one-size-fits-all” thinking.

I’ll challenge unfair levies, protect our uniquely rural way of life, and support safer neighbourhoods, thriving local businesses, and a greater police presence.

I am a community-builder and dedicated leader. As the President of the Greely Community Association since 2022, I’ve worked to keep family fun local, engage youth, and improve public spaces. I’ll bring that same commitment to City Hall.

Serving on the Osgoode Ward Advisory Council has deepened my understanding of the needs of our communities, farms, and small businesses.

You deserve someone who listens, keeps you informed, helps and will fix what's not working — that’s exactly what I’ll do.

I’ve stepped away from my career in the federal public service to serve Osgoode Ward—not as a job, but as a calling. I’ll work transparently and tirelessly to keep taxes low and decisions local.

Vote for energy. Vote for accountability. Vote for a bright future in Osgoode Ward.

Let’s make it happen—together!

Sincerely, 

Isabelle