Lauder seeking another term on Woodstock council

Connie Lauder. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Connie Lauder has served the people of the Friendly City for nearly 18 years, and she’s hoping to make it 22. She has served on many Boards and Committees, including approximately 10 months last term performing mayoral duties.

“This term I have served as an alternate at county council. Before being successfully elected to council, I was employed by the city as the tax collector, where I had an in-depth knowledge of what is involved in the operation of the municipality of Woodstock. In addition to my position on council, I was invited to work part-time for the Town of Tillsonburg in the tax department for a period of 6 years,” explained Lauder.

She grew up on a farm in Zorra Township with her parents and five brothers, and after getting married she moved to Woodstock where she and her husband raised their two children. She now has four grandchildren.

“My husband and I enjoyed travelling, which I still do. I love to get out on all our wonderful trails for long walks as time permits, exercise at South Gate, theatre and bridge.”

Lauder said during her first council term, she served on the boundary adjustment committee bringing the land into the city for Toyota.

“This city has experienced exceptional growth ever since. Since then, I have served on at least 4 more boundary adjustment committees.”

She believes in vision forward; issues facing citizens are ever-increasing taxes, homelessness and affordable housing.

“With the growth the city has experienced over the years the next term of council will have many decisions to make recreation facilities, library expansion, servicing the next tract of industrial lands owned by the city, looking at fire and police department expansions, (affordable housing and social services both county responsibilities), all while figuring how any or all of these will be paid for, it cannot be done solely by tax increases. Determining wants and needs will be important. I want to be there to help responsibly make these decisions.”

Lauder said one top priority is maintaining the city’s capital assets such as buildings, vehicles, infrastructure and recreational facilities to ensure they are in a good state of repair. She added the city has had the good fortune of selling most of its serviced industrial land, which will result in additional revenue and generate employment as these builds come on stream.

“The city is now in the position of servicing its next parcel of industrial and commercial owned land, approximately 230 acres, which comes at a great cost. This servicing is important for growth, new tax dollars going forward and providing employment and good-paying jobs in our city to entice our young people to make their home in Woodstock.”

Lauder pointed to decisions she made during this council term, including voting no to Dundas Streetscape Phases 1, 2 and 3.

“As city councillor alternate for county council, I voted against the $3 garbage bag fee; I voted against the bylaw approving the 2026 budget, for which we pay approximately 36 per cent. I have voted against planning matters regarding reduced parking. It is important as a member of council in a two-tier system to know the obligations of the city and the responsibilities of the county.”

During the current council term, she has served on the Woodstock Police Board, South Gate Centre Board, Art Gallery Board, Woodstock Hospital Board of Trust, Boundary Adjustment Committee, Alternate at County Council as required, and apart from those duties, as a Director for the Woodstock Non-Profit Housing Board. Previously, she served on the city’s Accessibility Committee and spent nine years on the Woodstock Hospital Foundation Board.

“Having a tried and proven track record serving on municipal council for 18 years following my city employment as the tax collector, I feel I have the necessary decision-making and leadership skills to serve my community for yet another term. I am aware of being fiscally responsible when budgeting, determining wants and needs. I am approachable, a listener, trustworthy, financially responsible, accountable, transparent, and I serve the public with no hidden agenda.”

Lauder said her knowledge is current, and her commitment strong.

“My track record speaks for itself. We live in a progressive city, and I want to work together to see its potential. I want to continue to serve, helping to move Woodstock forward into an exciting future.

I am proud of our city and want to do the best for its growth.”