Gaudun Gies running for Ward 3: ‘For farmland. For families. For our future’
By Amanda Nelson
Tammy Gaudun Gies is running for Ward 3 in Wilmot Township because, she says, she is concerned about recent discussions on land acquisition and the threat of an AI Data Centre.
“Five years ago, my husband and I moved from Kitchener to Wilmot with our three daughters. We wanted a small-town community where our kids could grow up knowing their neighbours, playing sports and being part of the community,” said Gaudun Gies.
“The land acquisition changed things for me. Seeing farmers facing the possibility of losing their land, and seeing how much uncertainty surrounded what was being proposed, made me realize I couldn't just watch from the sidelines.”
Since then, she has witnessed rapid development, pressure on farmland and water, and decisions that could fundamentally change Wilmot's character- all things she didn’t expect to see once she moved to the region.
“I believe Wilmot can grow without losing what makes it special,” said Gaudun Gies. “But that requires people at the Council table who will ask hard questions, demand transparency and stand up for the community. That's why I'm running.”
Although the mother of three has not previously served on municipal council, she said she brings a lifelong interest in public service, strong communication experience, and a willingness to learn.
“My grandmother, Sadie Dempsey, was involved in Premier Bill Davis' 1971 campaign,” she said. “I grew up believing that participating in your community matters. I'm now ready to take that next step myself. I'm not coming to council assuming I know everything. I'm coming prepared to listen, learn, ask a lot of questions and do the work.”
Her experience spans technology, business, communications and education. She has worked with organizations including OpenText, Michelin, BlackBerry, the Perimeter Institute, the University of Toronto and CBC.
Gaudun Gies also said her corporate communications work taught her to take complicated information, understand different stakeholder perspectives, and communicate clearly, a skill she believes will help her excel on council.
“As a teacher, I learned something equally important: listen first, understand the problem and find practical solutions,” she said. “I'm also a parent and an active member of the community. Our family is involved in hockey and softball, and I've coached soccer.”
Resources, community and heritage are at the forefront of Gaudun Gies campaign. She says that protecting water, farmland and the natural environment are her priorities.
“Wilmot's water and agricultural land are finite,” she said. “Growth needs to be based on evidence about what our environment and infrastructure can actually support. I want major developments to answer basic questions first: How much water will they use? What will they cost? What infrastructure is required? And who pays?”
“Manage growth without losing Wilmot's rural and small-town character,” continued Gaudun Gies. “I'm not opposed to growth. I am opposed to growth without a clear purpose or a clear understanding of its long-term impact.”
She says that she will focus on helping Wilmot invest in the things that make the region a great place to live.
“That means recreation, trails, safer connections between our communities, opportunities for youth and seniors, local businesses and the community organizations and events that bring people together,” she said. “Growth should strengthen our community—not simply make it bigger.”
Gaudun Gies plans to address the issues as a member of council by asking questions, getting to the root of the issue and then maing financial decisions.
“Then I want to turn those answers into action,” she said. “I will push for growth to be phased with infrastructure, protect water and farmland, demand transparency around major decisions and make sure residents understand what Council is being asked to approve.”
“Wilmot is home because of its people, from young families starting out to active seniors who chose to retire here,” said Gaudun Gies. “Keeping every generation healthy, active, and engaged is a top priority: the Fall Fair, the Mennonite Relief Sale, sports and recreation programs, community organizations and the volunteers who make them happen.”
Gaudun Gies will continue to advocate for building more recreation and summer programming, opportunities for youth and seniors, better use of the facilities and more ways for people to connect and participate.
“I want to give residents a reason to care about this election and a reason to head to the polls,” she said. “My campaign will be honest, positive and focused on ideas for Wilmot's future.”
For those looking to connect with Gaudun Gies, she is available by email at tammygaudungies@gmail.com or on Facebook.
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