She stresses you have to go for it.
And while Tara McCaulley had hoped to enter municipal politics in 2026, she has moved that schedule up and is seeking a seat on city council in the Oct. 24 municipal election.
She feels her experience over the past 10 years with the Small Business Enterprise Centre and the St. Thomas Economic Development Corp. can be put to good use as the city deals with challenges.
As Tara McCaulley campaigns for a seat on city council, she stresses the need for affordable housing is one of her main priorities, along with the health of the downtown core and preparing for future growth. A spike in housing costs and a declining vacancy rate are a concern for McCaulley.
She wonders if brown field areas in the city could be developed for residential projects.
And what other creative housing solutions may be available.
McCaulley adds she has a good understanding of what people from all demographics are looking for and not just from the business community.
With an intensive focus on downtown St. Thomas, McCaulley concedes there are complex issues in the core area.
She stresses the city has taken positive steps to reduce the rate of homelessness.
Overall, adds McCaulley, the city’s downtown core is “pretty vibrant.”
With the city’s population projected to surpass the 50,000 mark by 2041, she notes the city needs to ensure the infrastructure is in place.
Going door to door and meeting constituents will be an important factor in her campaign.
There are 16 candidates seeking eight seats on city council for the October 24th election.
Written by Ian McCallum
