Grigg seeks third term on Zorra council, this time as mayor

Katie Grigg. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Katie Grigg has been Zorra’s Ward 2 councillor for nearly eight years and she feels that experience has prepared her to become mayor.

“With nearly 8 years experience as an elected official, I'm passionate about this municipal work and enjoy applying the knowledge I have acquired to achieve positive outcomes for the community,” explained Grigg. “I'm both a quiet observer and a creative problem solver, and through this combined lens I often discover new ideas to bring to the table to evaluate with council colleagues, in consultation with staff. I love Zorra Township, and while I still have new ideas, see opportunities, and have the skills to contribute to moving us forward, I believe I can best contribute by running for mayor.”

Born in London, Griff went to school in Toronto and Italy for art before settling in Thamesford where she has lived for the past 18 years. She has been involved in the community through parent council, coaching sports teams, and she was president of Calithumpian for five years.

“I have developed wonderful relationships and gained a deep appreciation for the community through volunteer work. I'm a strong advocate for building healthy communities and am proud to be raising my children with my partner Ryan here in Zorra,” said Grigg.

She added a lot of our challenges are not so different from our neighbours, however our solutions should be unique to who we are as a rural community and how we live, work and play.

“We are facing growth and affordability pressures in an ever-changing society and provincial framework. While growth is inevitable, we need to guide it in a way that leads us to healthy functional communities for the long-term. The data demonstrates the incredible benefits of social connection, active transportation investments, true inclusion, and access to meaningful support.”

Grigg added there is a limited ability for seniors and young people to stay in the communities they are comfortable and connect to - which is heavily impacted by access to goods, services, employment, and housing variety.

“Part of this can be achieved with planning tools we can use locally, and the other part is having meaningful conversations with our provincial partners to advocate for more ability for municipalities to achieve housing units with the best outcomes for those who live here. We know our communities best!”

She said while Zorra may not have the large encampments seen in larger cities, the experience of being or becoming unhoused is a reality for a growing number of our residents even though it is often hidden from plain sight.

“We need to ensure that supports that are centralized in our neighbouring urban communities have meaningful outreach so that rural communities are not left behind.”

Zorra is one of the top 10 aggregate producing municipalities in the province, and Grigg said they need to continue to advocate for fair funding, improved oversight and enforcement, reduced negative impact on residents and wildlife, and improved rehabilitation for long-term environmental protections and preservation of our farmland.

She added she is committed, prepared, and will put pen to paper to move things forward.

“I am always willing to make the tough decisions, coming from a place of being informed and having listened to all sides. I stand behind the work and how I contribute. I am proud of the work I have contributed to this term around rural school advocacy, rural road safety advocacy, and implementing new policies to continue to define and improve municipal service delivery, such as our new recreation service levels.”

She added her true value lies in the collaborative work she has done over the last two terms.

“Working to understand staff input and the concerns and priorities of my council colleagues to envision what can best move us forward as a community, and that I can stand behind. And that isn't MY record, but my contribution to the record of Zorra Council. While not flashy or exciting for a news story, that is really important to me.”

Grigg said Zorra needs to position itself to be ready for the future, and ready to respond to the changes and pressures that inevitably arise.

“Both ensuring that reserves are appropriately built for fiscal responsibility and also planning for upcoming projects so that we are set for success when the time comes. It's about balance.”