Kathy Vassilakos

Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will require a clear vision for the future, one that addresses the challenges created by three years of disruption. But pandemic recovery is not the only challenge we face as a community. Housing, infrastructure, the climate crisis, geopolitical instability, and more add to the complexity of issues that affect our community. My vision for Stratford will continue to be one where every resident and visitor experiences a high quality of life. Live, Work, & Play communities are sustainable and stable communities - environmentally, financially, and socially. I am running to lead an effective council that is solutions-based and highly collaborative.

My educational background is in science (BSc, MSc, PhD in Biochemistry). This gives me a solid foundation in problem-solving and evidence-informed decision-making. During my time on Council, I have been the Chair of several boards and committees, and this has given me the opportunity to develop the leadership skills required to go from Councillor to Mayor.

I was first elected to Stratford City Council in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. During my First term I was a member of the Finance and Labour Relations Subcommittee, Heritage and Planning Subcommittee, and Vice-Chair of the Social Services Committee. In the second term I was a member of the Heritage and Planning Subcommittee, the Social Services Subcommittee, and Chair of the Infrastructure, Transportation, and Safety Committee.

I have represented Stratford City Council on community and advisory boards, including:

• Perth District Health Unit/Huron Perth Public Health (Chair)

• Social Research Planning Council (Chair)

• Active Transportation Advisory Committee (past Chair)

• Spruce Lodge and Non-Profit Housing (Chair of Spruce Lodge Board)

• Stratford Perth Housing Corporation

• Stratford Tourism Alliance

• Gallery Stratford

• Stratford Chef School

• AMO Housing Taskforce

I chaired the steering committee for Stratford Welcomes Refugees community project which supported the sponsorship of several families. As board member of the Ontario Municipal Water Association, I was involved with projects including the promotion of Covid-19 Wastewater Surveillance and co-authoring an OMWA position paper on the removal of lead from drinking water.

My approach to decision-making has always been to read all the relevant documents, do additional research where needed, consider different viewpoints, and ask questions to make an informed decision. In the end, the decision should serve the public interest and improve quality of life in Stratford.

1. What will be your unique contribution to council?

I am the daughter of Greek Immigrants. I was raised on a farm but have lived in small towns and large cities. I have a PhD in Biochemistry which gives me a foundation in problem solving and evidence-informed decision making. The issues we face often require the ability to research and analyze information. My upbringing coupled with my education give me a unique perspective. I have worked on highly collaborative projects and would like to bring that expertise to Council (Stratford Welcomes Refugees, Merger of PDHU; HCHU, OMWA Position Paper on Lead in Drinking Water).

2. How will you tackle urban sprawl and protect prime agricultural land?

The update to the Official Plan is coming up and it is an opportunity for Council to encourage infill intensification and growth that is focussed within the built boundary of the city. Compact growth, focussed on areas of the city that encourages transit and active transportation is financially, environmentally, and socially responsible growth. Incentives for developers to build medium density and multi-residential housing within the city limits rather than expanding into farmland with low density housing should be a priority for the next term of Council.

3. How will you encourage businesses and individuals to respond to climate change?

The city should lead by example and integrate climate action into all city operations - whether it is electrification of our fleet, upgrading existing buildings, requiring net-zero standards for all new city facilities, or tree planting and wilding parkland. But it is not enough to set an example. The city should be finding ways to make it easier for businesses and residents to improve their carbon footprint, perhaps through incentive programs. The city should also lobby the provincial government to add green building standards to provincial legislation allowing municipalities to require LID from developers.

4. What is your idea(s) to attract new industry to Stratford?

One of the main roadblocks to economic growth in Stratford is the availability and affordability of housing for employees. A strategy to increase sustainable and affordable housing will make it easier for the city to market Stratford as a destination for new business. Ensuring affordable and sustainable housing should not indicate a desire on the city’s part to attract businesses that do not pay a living wage. Our efforts at attracting business should be directed at industries that offer wages that support individuals and families such that quality of life is enhanced.

5. How will you address wealth inequality, homelessness and poverty in Stratford?

These are complex issues requiring the concerted effort of all levels of government and service agencies. A few examples where the city can help:

- Expansion of the SHOPP, which is based on a housing first model to address chronic homelessness, should be a Council priority.

- Understanding social determinants of health and how poor health can impact income security can help us allocate resources to upstream interventions and prevent poverty.

- When families have access to affordable childcare the impact on family income is significant. The city has a direct role in providing childcare and early years services.

6. How will you engage and inform the public about current issues and legislation?

I have had many conversations throughout the city and find people have a lot to share. Improving communications with residents should be a continual process. How people receive information and provide feedback has changed, and will change, dramatically over time. City communication have improved significantly since we created the position of Communications Lead, but we should do more. Council and the Mayor can do more direct outreach in the community, meeting with people on an ongoing basis in a less formal format that Council meetings. This can be in real life or using newer online tools.

7. Would you support term limits? Why/why not?

Yes. I support term limits. There are pros and cons to both, however the benefits of bringing new people and fresh ideas to Council outweigh the instability that can come with reduced institutional memory and experience.

8. What is your plan to better engage youth in Stratford?

Council needs to make the effort to connect with youth directly, meeting them where they are rather than expecting them to come to council chambers. Regular meetings, perhaps at the intermediate and secondary schools, should be possible if the mayor and councillors took turns attending. Youth could set the agenda with issues that are relevant to them and where they can provide ideas and feedback. I am committed to trying this and any other method that gets youth engaged with city hall. Tours of city facilities may also help youth engage with local government and the services provided.