Victoria Stewart, Candidate for Councillor, Ward 5 – Wallaceburg
What motivated you to run in the 2026 municipal election, and what do you believe you can bring to Chatham-Kent council that is needed right now?
“For nearly six years, I had the privilege of working in Wallaceburg through the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre. Wallaceburg became much more than the place where I worked. I developed strong relationships with residents, volunteers, community organizations, and local businesses, and came to understand both the community’s challenges and its considerable potential.”
“I decided to run because I believe Ward 5 deserves a strong, accessible, and well-prepared voice on council. Right now, residents need councillors who will listen carefully, research issues from all angles, ask difficult questions, and explain their decisions clearly. They also need representatives who will move beyond discussion and follow through. That is the approach reflected in my campaign: thoughtful decisions that lead to meaningful action.”
What are the biggest issues facing residents in your ward and across Chatham-Kent, and how would you work to address them if elected?
“The issues facing Chatham-Kent are closely connected. Our communities need economic momentum that creates good local jobs, supports existing businesses, and broadens the municipal tax base. That will require realistic economic-development efforts and infrastructure planning that supports housing, agriculture, and business growth.”
“Council must also use taxpayers’ money responsibly, set clear priorities, use funds efficiently, seek funding outside where possible, and consider both the immediate and long-term costs of its decisions.”
“Residents deserve to feel safe in their communities. Addressing unsafe behaviour requires appropriate enforcement, but lasting progress also depends on housing, outreach, mental-health and addiction services, and stronger cooperation among the Municipality, police, health services, and community partners.”
“Ultimately, we need communities where people can stay, belong, and thrive. That means protecting access to health care and recreation, creating welcoming and accessible spaces, and supporting the organizations that create connections between people to their communities.”
“If elected, I would approach these issues by listening to affected residents, examining the available evidence, working constructively with council and community partners, and advocating for appropriate support from other levels of government.”
What would you like voters to know about you personally — including your background, experience, and values — as they decide who to support in this election?
“I have lived in Chatham-Kent for most of my life and hold a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Administration and Economics. I currently serve as Executive Director of the Active Lifestyle Centre and previously spent nearly six years leading the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre.”
“My career has given me practical experience in nonprofit leadership, governance, budgeting, strategic planning, grant development, and community partnerships. I understand how to bring residents, volunteers, organizations, and funders together around shared goals.”
“I have also served on several municipal committees, including as Chair of the Chatham-Kent Seniors Advisory Committee, and have experience working with municipal staff, council, and community organizations.”
“My values are straightforward: fairness, compassion, accountability, and respect. I do not believe leadership means pretending to have every answer. It means listening, doing the work needed to understand an issue, considering how decisions affect different people, and being willing to explain and standing behind your choices.”
How can people connect with and learn more about you during your election campaign?
“Residents can learn more about my priorities at https://sites.google.com/view/victoria4ward5/home , follow my Facebook page at Victoria Stewart – Candidate for Ward 5, or email me at victoria4ward5@gmail.com.”
“I also welcome people to speak with me when they see me at community events. I want to hear what residents value, what concerns them, and what they want Ward 5’s next councillors to understand.”
Editor’s Note: The same questions are being sent to each Mayoral, Ward 4 and Ward 5 candidate in the 2026 Chatham-Kent Municipal Election. The questions and candidates responses are above. Watch for more Q&A’s being posted from candidates who choose to participate.
