Lauren Melanson
Electoral Area C
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
No. I’m running as an independent.
Do you live in the municipality where you are running, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to that community?
Yes. I have lived here for 30 years.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
I’m a health and safety officer. For 1 year.
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
I am currently the Alternate Director for Electoral Area C. I have previously been a volunteer for several community recreation groups.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
My deep roots in Area C drive my passionate approach to local issues. Our community needs a director with the energy to fight for what matters most to our residents. I believe I have the drive to pursue new ideas, while simultaneously protecting our community’s unique identity.
What are your top three issues?
-Protection and support for our local fire services.
-Rehabilitation and refurbishment of recreation areas, roads and public spaces.
-The management of our local water sources and aquafers.
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
Area C in not one single community. It is several. All with unique histories and identities. As an electoral area it is incredibly diverse. However, our communities do share a love of rural living and open spaces. I believe that the director of this area needs to be a caretaker for those unique identities. I would encourage growth that benefits the residents, while being careful not to compromise the character of our community.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
I think it is important to recognize that Area C is compromised of several small but distinct communities. Any “big” projects in one community pull resources from other small communities. As such, it is important that large projects can justify that expenditure. It is often more prudent to “spread the wealth” across the area by endorsing many smaller projects which can have a big impact. This could include refurbishing recreation trails/fields, rehabilitating dated infrastructure or adding small community projects.
