Dee Tosto vying for seat on town council

Dee Tosto. (Contributed Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

A Tillsonburg businesswoman is the latest to file her papers to run for council.

Dee Tosto, who moved to Tillsonburg three years ago, found Tillsonburg quickly felt like home and became involved in the community. She runs deeify.ca, a graphics and corporate events company.

She is involved with Community Living Tillsonburg, the Station Arts Centre, the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA, the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce, and the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society.

Tosto has more than 35 years of experience in communications, project leadership, and collaboration across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. A graphic designer and project manager by profession, she has spent her career bringing people together, both by working independently and as part of a team. She is also a member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers.

Asked why she decided to run for council, Tosto answered because she cares about the community and wants to contribute.

“I have always believed in being involved, whether through volunteering, serving on boards, or supporting local initiatives. Running for council feels like a natural next step,” she said. “Now is the right time because I have built strong connections through community involvement and developed a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Tillsonburg. I believe my experience in collaboration, communication, and project leadership can help move important initiatives forward. My campaign is built around a simple belief: collaboration builds community.”

Tosto sees the big issues over the next four years as managing growth while preserving the qualities of Tillsonburg, access to health care and enhancing regional transportation options.

“Supporting our regional hospital is important to ensure residents have access to timely, high-quality care close to home, and to strengthen the overall health system that our community depends on,” she said.

Tosto suggested building stronger partnership with neighbouring communities to help better connect the communities.

“Underlying these challenges is the need for strong communication and public engagement so residents are informed, heard, and involved in decisions affecting their community,” she said.

Tosto watches the replay of council meetings, reviews the agendas and listens to the weekly meeting updates from Coun. Kelly Spencer. She also garners feedback from being involved in the community and attending events.