My Letter to your Community Association
In February 2025, I sent each of the community associations in Ward 9 this letter by mail. I have heard from two, and have not heard from the rest. I’ve been told that it could be seen as an “unfair advantage” to engage with me as a candidate without including the other candidates. I respect this decision, as it obviously comes from experience. Though it’s unfortunate to not see the benefits of this kind of proactive approach. I wanted you as residents of Ward 9 to know of the work that I have been doing to properly inform myself and the campaign of the needs and wants of your community.
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Members of the Board,
My name is Harrison Clark and I am running for City Councillor of Ward 9, which encompasses your great neighbourhood!
I have been an active participant in my community in a number of ways. I run a small business in Inglewood, where I have worked to build and share my creative visions at “Murphy’s Mid-Century” for the past 7 years. I rode out the pandemic alongside my small business neighbours. I’ve built great friendships with a diverse group of folks at the Renfrew Pool and Recreation Centre, where anyone can join a class and make some friends. I volunteered my time as a Director of the Board for our local BIA. And so much more.
It’s easy to tally up the number of ways we interact with our communities on a daily basis. I love to stop in at the Bridgeland Market on my way home and see what’s new with the folks there. With that said, since deciding to run for councillor in Ward 9, I have been actively participating in other community events. I’ve spoken with volunteers and neighbours across the Ward and still have many stops to make.
I believe that our community associations are an integral part of our neighbourhoods. They represent connection points to share our diversity, and opportunities to collaborate on the shared visions for where we live. This is a long standing tradition, with many of Ward 9 Community associations being 50 years old or older. This is astonishing if you stop to think that they exist because of the volunteer time and energy of neighbours.
In my tours I have noticed that many of our community associations are in need of support. All of our association buildings are in need of more than fresh paint. Many need integral upgrades to their infrastructure, like electrical and plumbing. And as our communities grow and evolve, so do the needs of our associations for programming and projects that represent our community today.
I believe a city councillor has an obligation to ensure that our community associations are healthy and thriving. The collective needs of our neighbourhoods are voiced through these associations. It is at your tables that the broader decisions of and for our communities should be made.
As your independent candidate for Ward 9, I will advocate for this and much more. I would love the opportunity to speak with your board and learn more about your specific needs and wants. Where you are succeeding and where you could benefit from more support. This will greatly inform my understanding of the issues at hand in your neighbourhoods, and allow me to authentically bring your messages forward.
I have included some pieces of my campaign literature for you to review. I would love a short opportunity to connect with you at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Harrison M. Clark