Re-elect
Michele Richardson
Ward 3 City Councillor
Rooted in Guelph.
Focused on Ward 3.
I have spend over 50 years in Guelph, caring for my community. I grew up right across from Sunny Acres Park and attended Torrance and Willow Road Public Schools. I’ve spent 22 years working with the County of Wellington in Human Resources and Health & Safety senior leadership roles. My last four years representing Ward 3 has helped me really understand what it takes to move things forward at City Hall.
Being an effective councillor is not simply about having strong opinions, it is about actively listening, asking thoughtful questions, and making decisions that puts its residents first. It is the people of Guelph who make me proud to call this city my home. Their interests are something I aim to protect as this community continues to grow.
Get Involved
Community Safety
When people feel safe in their homes, neighbourhoods, and public spaces, our entire community has the opportunity to thrive. But safety is more than policing, it requires a balanced approach that brings together Guelph Police Service, social service providers, community organizations, and all levels of government. We need to address the underlying issues that contribute to insecurity including access to affordable housing and appropriate social supports. This means making responsible financial decisions, investing where it matters most, and working collaboratively to build a community that is safe, affordable, and compassionate.
Affordability
Affordability is one of the most important issues facing Guelph families today. The rising costs of housing, property taxes, utilities, and everyday essentials is increasing pressure on all households. We need to look carefully at every dollar the city spends to ensure that residents are receiving the best value for their tax dollars. We need to support responsible growth, encourage a range of housing options, and work with community partners, builders, and other levels of government to increase affordable housing stock. We need to remove barriers to growth and ensure positive relationships with all our housing partners.
Responsible Budget
Residents work hard for their money and they deserve to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely, responsibly, and with clear accountability. Municipal budgeting is very complicated and my first term allowed me the opportunity to garner a better understanding of the municipal budgeting process. We have external boards that complicate our budget. However, I believe we can do much better in working towards lowering the current tax rates. 7-8% tax increases are not sustainable. We need to get back to basics, look at what is giving us the best return on our investment, and identify where money is being wasted.