The News Had Some Questions - Here's What I Told Them

Occupation:

Director of Business Education and Financial Literacy at John F. Ross CVI

How long have you lived in Guelph?

Since 1999.

Do you reside in the ward/city you are running in?

Yes. I have lived in Ward 5 for my entire time in Guelph. More than 25 years ago, my wife and I chose Guelph as the place to build our lives and raise our family. We have been proud Ward 5 residents ever since.

Living in Ward 5 for over two decades has given me firsthand experience with the opportunities and challenges facing our neighbourhoods. I understand the concerns residents have about affordability, traffic, safety, responsible growth, and protecting the character of established communities because I live those realities alongside my neighbours every day.

I am not seeking office as a stepping stone to something else. I am running because I care deeply about this community and want to use my experience as an educator, leader, and advocate to ensure Ward 5 residents have a strong voice at City Hall.

One question I’m often asked at the door is the: “Why are you running in this election?”

In the bigger picture.

Because of Donald Trump.

His rise showed what can happen when people lose faith that government can deliver for them. The answer isn’t louder rhetoric — it’s doing the basics well: delivering services, being fiscally responsible, and earning the public’s trust every day.

When government loses that trust, it opens the door to charlatans and those who succeed when people lose hope.

That’s why local government matters. Guelph deserves leadership that listens, delivers, and earns that trust every day.

Ward 5 deserves experienced, community-rooted leadership. Having lived in the ward and spending my career helping people solve problems and make informed decisions, I bring both local knowledge and professional experience to the role. After a rewarding career in education, I want to continue serving this community as your Ward 5 City Councillor.

I am running because I believe residents deserve a councillor who listens first, engages regularly, and works every day to earn their trust. Too often people feel their concerns disappear into City Hall without answers or action. My goal is to empower the voices of my neighbours by bringing their concerns directly to council and actively advocating to city staff until issues are addressed.

Whether it is traffic, neighbourhood safety, affordability, infrastructure, or development, residents deserve timely communication, transparency, and results. I want to provide the kind of public service that restores confidence that taxpayers are receiving value for their hard-earned dollars.

Being a councillor is not about holding a position. It is about serving people. I am committed to listening, communicating openly, and working hard every day on behalf of Ward 5 and all Guelph residents.

Why should people vote for you?

People should vote for me because I have spent more than 25 years serving this community as an educator, leader, volunteer, and neighbour. I understand the importance of listening, building consensus, and finding practical solutions to real problems.

I am committed to being a councillor who is accessible, responsive, and accountable. I will engage with residents regularly, not just during election campaigns, and I will work hard to ensure their voices are heard at City Hall. When concerns are raised, I will actively advocate with city staff and fellow councillors to get answers and action.

I also believe Guelph needs strong leadership on affordability. Families, seniors, and young people are feeling the pressure of rising costs. I will fight to keep property tax increases below the rate of inflation while ensuring residents continue to receive quality services.

Guelph is a vibrant, evolving city; I support responsible growth that protects the diverse character of established neighbourhoods while encouraging development where it makes sense. Most importantly, I will work every day to help build a safer, more affordable, and more prosperous Guelph for everyone.

What do you see as the three top issues facing Guelph residents right now?

1. Affordability: Residents consistently tell me they are concerned about rising costs. Property tax increases that continue to outpace inflation are not sustainable. I will not support budgets that fail to bring future tax increases below the cost of living while maintaining essential services.

2. Responsible Growth: Growth is important, but it must happen in a way that respects existing communities. Too many mature neighbourhoods are experiencing significant infill pressures and converted student housing that strain infrastructure and change neighbourhood character. We need to encourage density and development where it makes sense and where services can support it.

3. Safety and Quality of Life: Residents want a city that is safe, clean, and welcoming. That means addressing graffiti, improving traffic flow, supporting effective community policing, and ensuring those facing challenges can access appropriate support services. We need vibrant public spaces, thriving neighbourhoods, and a downtown that attracts residents, businesses, and visitors alike. By investing in public safety, cleanliness, accessibility, and community well-being, we can strengthen both our local economy and our quality of life. A safe, inclusive, and attractive city benefits everyone and reflects the values that make Guelph such a great place to call home.

Addressing these three priorities starts with listening to residents and working tirelessly to turn their concerns into action.

What is the most important thing you want to see changed in Guelph?

I want Guelph to embrace renewal, economic growth, and innovation while remaining true to the values that make our city special. We need to create the conditions for prosperity so that we can fund the services, infrastructure, and community support that residents expect without continually relying on large property tax increases.

I believe Guelph has tremendous untapped potential. We should strengthen partnerships with the University of Guelph, Conestoga College, local businesses, and entrepreneurs to create technology incubators, innovation hubs, and opportunities that attract investment and high-quality jobs.

I also want to see us think bigger when it comes to tourism and economic development. Guelph should be a destination city that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and showcases our unique history, culture, and agricultural heritage. By growing our economy, supporting innovation, and attracting new investment, we can build a more prosperous and affordable city for current residents and future generations.

Most importantly, I want residents to know that City Hall is listening, responsive, and focused on delivering results that improve everyday life.

What is the most important thing you don’t want to see changed in Guelph?

The one thing I never want to see change is Guelph’s strong sense of community, civic engagement, and pride. One of the reasons my family chose to make Guelph our home more than 25 years ago was the people. Residents care deeply about their neighbourhoods, their city, and each other.

Guelph has always benefited from engaged citizens who volunteer, support local businesses, participate in community organizations, and take an active interest in local government. That spirit is one of our greatest strengths and something we must protect as our city continues to grow.

This election is important because the decisions we make today will shape the future of our neighbourhoods, our affordability, and our quality of life. Growth and change are inevitable, but they should never come at the expense of the community spirit that makes Guelph unique.

As councillor, I will work to strengthen public engagement, listen to residents, and ensure their voices remain at the centre of decision-making. A strong city begins with engaged citizens, and Guelph has some of the very best.

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Is Guelph growing too fast, just the right amount, or not fast enough?

The answer depends on where you live. Many of my Ward 5 neighbours, particularly in mature neighbourhoods, tell me growth feels like it is happening too quickly. They are concerned about infill development, converted student housing, increased traffic, and growing pressure on local infrastructure and services.

At the same time, Guelph needs more housing, more jobs, and continued economic growth. The challenge is not whether we grow—it is how we grow.

I support responsible growth that creates housing and economic opportunity while respecting the diverse character of existing neighbourhoods. That means encouraging density where it makes sense, where infrastructure can support it, and where residents have confidence that growth will enhance rather than diminish their quality of life.

Too often, residents feel decisions are made without meaningful consultation. As councillor, I will make engagement a priority by listening to residents, advocating for their concerns, and ensuring their voices are heard before important decisions are made.

Growth should happen with communities, not to communities. If we get that balance right, Guelph can remain affordable, livable, and prosperous for generations to come.

What makes Guelph great?

Guelph’s greatest strength is its people. This is a city with heart, pride, and an incredible sense of community. People care about their neighbours, support local businesses, volunteer their time, and work together to make Guelph a better place.

What also makes Guelph great is its potential. We have outstanding educational institutions, innovative businesses, beautiful natural spaces, vibrant neighbourhoods, and a rich history. We are large enough to offer opportunity and small enough to maintain a strong sense of community.

For me, Guelph represents the best of both worlds—a city that honours its past while embracing the future. With responsible leadership, thoughtful growth, and engaged citizens, I believe our best days are still ahead of us.

Guelph is great because of its people, its potential, and its heart.

Any link to an election website or social media account?

Website: gregcawsey.ca

Residents can connect with me through my website for opportunities to share their concerns and ideas.

By Greg Cawsey