ELECTION ’26: Denise Maynard, Ward 2

Why are you running?

I’m a single mom and Ward 2 neighbour. I’m running to give everyday residents a stronger, practical voice on council, someone who lives the realities of paycheck‑to‑paycheck life, mounting debt, and the daily stresses families face.

I want council decisions to reflect the needs of working households, not just the priorities of well‑connected interests.

My goal is to make municipal government accountable, accessible, and focused on tangible results that improve safety, housing stability, and quality of life.

What are the two biggest issues for the next term of council?

• Public safety and addiction: increasing drug exposure, visible homelessness, and related law‑breaking are harming neighbourhoods and putting children at risk. We need consistent, compassionate enforcement paired with treatment and supports.
• Affordable housing and supports: there aren’t enough affordable or transitional housing options, and investments in addiction treatment and rehabilitation are inadequate. Without housing pathways and wraparound care, people cycle between crisis points rather than rebuild their lives.

What do you hope to achieve if elected?

I will push for measurable outcomes: increase affordable and transitional housing units, expand access to addiction treatment and mental‑health supports, implement community‑based safety plans that protect families, and reallocate municipal spending toward essential services that deliver clear benefits. I will insist on timelines, performance measures, and regular public reporting so residents can see progress.

What skills and experience do you bring?

I bring lived experience managing a household on a tight budget, firsthand knowledge of Ward 2’s strengths and gaps, and a collaborative style: I listen, build partnerships with service providers and law enforcement, and turn community input into practical policy. I am accountable to residents first.

Are you a fan of Donald Trump?

No.