Upward running for Ward 1 on platform of listening, learning and representation

Kiera Upward is running for Ward 1 councillor in the upcoming municipal election this fall. Contributed photo

By Amanda Nelson

Listen, learn and represent. Those are the principles Kiera Upward says will guide her as she seeks to represent Ward 1 on Wilmot council.

Upward decided to run for council because she says she cares deeply about Wilmot's future and wants to take a more active role in shaping it.

“I was raised here and hope to build my career, settle down and eventually raise my own family here,” she said. “The decisions being made today will affect what this community looks like decades from now.”

She said going through the process of running for council has also made her realize how disconnected residents can feel from local government.

“I want to help close that gap by being accessible, listening to residents and making it easier for people to understand and participate in the decisions affecting their community,” she continued.

Though she is new to politics, she says she is coming into this willing to ask the hard questions, learn and look at issues with a fresh set of eyes.

“In terms of my experience and background, I'm currently studying actuarial science, which has given me a strong background in math, statistics, risk and critical thinking,” she said. “A lot of what I study involves looking at information, considering different outcomes and using that information to make informed decisions. I think those skills can translate well to the decision-making at council.”

Upward brings an array of work experience to the table, including co-op placements and work experience at several financial services businesses in Wilmot, including RBC PH&H. She also has hands-on experience serving the community at the New Hamburg McDonald’s as a crew member and later as a manager.

“These experiences have taught me how important it is to listen, work with others, take responsibility and consider different perspectives when making decisions,” she said. “In other words, I don’t come into this pretending to have decades of political experience, a pre-existing agenda, or all the answers. What I do bring is a willingness to learn, a deep curiosity and a reliance on my community’s input and feedback to help guide my focus and actions.”

Upward believes one of Wilmot's biggest concerns is how the township manages growth while protecting what makes people want to live in Wilmot in the first place. She says that includes our agricultural land, water, rural character, small communities and quality of life.

“Affordability and municipal finances are also major concerns,” she said. “Residents are feeling financial pressure and deserve to understand where their tax dollars are going, why costs are increasing and how council is planning for Wilmot's long-term needs.”

Upward also plans to focus on trust and communication, as well as issues surrounding land expropriation and water, which she says have personally affected people close to her.

“This has left residents feeling shut out of decisions that directly affect their lives and communities,” she said. “Residents should be able to get answers, understand what is happening at both the township and region and have opportunities to be heard when major decisions are being considered.”

She also plans to tackle everyday issues, including roads, traffic, infrastructure, recreation and municipal services.

“To help close the gap between residents and local government, I want to make information easier to understand, communicate before important decisions are made and be someone people feel comfortable reaching out to with questions or concerns,” she said.

Upward believes the role of councillor is to be the voice of the residents she represents.

“While I can’t promise every resident will always get the outcome they want, I will commit to being their voice,” she said. “There will be difficult decisions and disagreements, but my goal will always be to make decisions that improve the lives of residents. As their councillor, I will be accessible, accountable, prepared and willing to show up on their behalf.”

Residents can reach Upward on her Facebook page or email her at kiera4council@gmail.com.