Charmaine's Northcrest Ward 5 Campaign Policies
Democratic Accountability & Transparent Governance
Believes in a council that listens first and decides in the open.
Opposes the use of Strong Mayor powers, which erode local democracy and sideline residents' voices.
Advocates for collaboration over concentration of power.
Committed to ensuring Northcrest residents are never again left feeling demobilized and unheard, as they were during the Mayor using the Strong Mayor Power to build the Brock Mission off of Chemong Road.
Will push for a council that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to its citizens.
Fiscal Responsibility & Major Capital Projects
Champions fiscal responsibility on large-scale investments.
Insists that major capital projects — such as the proposed $171M MUSEC facility — only proceed after confirmed provincial, federal, and private funding is secured.
Believes taxpayers should not be left to shoulder the burden alone.
Affordable, Inclusive Community for All
Believes democracy is working when every resident has a safe place to sleep, enough food to eat, and the security to build a good life.
Committed to a Peterborough that is affordable, welcoming, and full of opportunity for families, youth, and seniors.
Advocates for the inclusion of all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, and age.
Arts, Culture & Community Wellbeing
Firmly believes art is not a luxury — it is the heartbeat of a healthy city.
Will advocate for vibrant cultural programming.
Committed to keeping the arts central to community life and civic identity.
Environment, Green Spaces & Active Living
Committed to protecting and expanding Peterborough's natural spaces.
Will work to protect existing green spaces.
Advocates for expanding safe cycling infrastructure.
Supports intergenerational environmental leadership.
Committed to improving the public transit system.
Families, Children & Neighbourhoods
Believes a healthy city is one where families feel supported, children can thrive, and neighbours look out for one another.
Will ensure city services and council decisions reflect the real, everyday needs of Northcrest families.
Focused on building a stronger, more connected community across all of Peterborough.
Community Leadership & Lived Experience
Brings lived experience, positive energy, and a fresh perspective to the Councillor role.
Co-founder of the Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough.
Chairperson of the Community Race Relations Committee.
Has a proven record of showing up — at the doorstep, at the rink, at council, at the shelter, and at the concert hall.
Believes being "in community" means doing the ongoing, committed work of listening and getting things done.
Ready to fight for fairness, affordability, and opportunity for all Peterborough residents.
Community Safety & Neighborhood Well-Being
A safe neighborhood is the foundation of a strong community.
Expand community-based safety initiatives, including mental health response teams and neighborhood support programs.
Advocate for improved street lighting, traffic calming, and crosswalk safety
throughout the ward
Advocate for stronger partnerships between police, social services,
and outreach teams
Support recreation, youth programs, and seniors; activities that strengthen
community connections
Advocate for funding for a pilot program in the Northcrest Ward through the Student
Nutrition Program to provide a nutritious meal to every student, in partnership with
Peterborough Child & Family Centres (PCFC).
Establish at least two community events per year:
○ Summer — a community picnic at the Riverview Zoo
○ December — Holiday Cheer for all ages at Activity Haven Senior Centre
Peterborough is a city with enormous potential. My commitment is to ensure that potential is shared by every resident — regardless of where they live, what they earn, or where they come from.
What This Means for NorthCrest
This experience has given me something no campaign can manufacture: deep roots in this community, a proven ability to lead, and the relationships needed to get things done at City Hall. I know how to chair difficult meetings, build consensus across differences, advocate for those who are often overlooked, and, hold institutions accountable. I will bring all of that — every day — to represent the people of Northcrest Ward.
Those seeking the position of Councillor: would you allow or participate in any use of Strong Mayor Powers?
I would not allow or participate in any use of Strong Mayor Powers as Ward 5 Councillor. I believe that Strong Mayor Powers erode democracy and minimize the role of local governance. I oppose a system where the Strong Mayor has control, via minority executive authority, to make unilateral decisions. This creates an imbalance on council and allows the leadership, ie Mayor Jeff Leal, to have the control and power to bulldoze his own agenda onto council.
We witnessed that with the Brock Mission new build off Chemong Road. There was little to no consultation with the neighbours, or even with the Mayor’s fellow councillors. I believe there were nefarious dealings and that there was some back-door commitment with the leadership of Brock Mission because, according to the timeline, Mayor Jeff Leal announced it on a Monday, and by the end of the week they had shovels in the ground. There are usually permits and other necessary documents needed before any company can start building its structure.
Peterborough needs a council that is transparent and accountable to its citizens. In 2023, Mayor Jeff Leal used the Strong Mayor Power four times and in 2024 six times. How many times will the next Mayor use the Strong Mayor Power in 2026? Only 50% of the 216 municipalities implemented the Strong Mayor Power, and we should be included in that 50%. Unfortunately, this current Mayor has sought to minimize local governance in order to advance his own agenda. This must stop with the new council, and I would advocate for the non-use of the Strong Mayor Power.
Will you publicly speak out against the use of Strong Mayor Powers as part of your campaign?
As stated above, I would speak publicly against the use of Strong Mayor Powers. Northcrest citizens were demobilized and demoralized by Leal's use of Strong Mayor Powers over the Brock Mission build, so they are going to be thinking about that.