You never know who you’ll meet at the door. That’s one of the things I love about canvassing in Ward 1 — every street brings a new conversation, and every conversation reminds me why I’m running. But every once in a while, one of those conversations stays with you.
Earlier this month, while my husband Paul and I were out knocking on doors, we met a Ward 1 resident who was out for a walk. We ended up chatting for a while about Barrie, local politics, and the upcoming municipal election. He happened to mention that he had worked as an advisor on the campaign of a winning Barrie city councillor in a previous election — so he knows local politics from the inside. We talked the way neighbours talk: honestly, openly, no scripts.
A few days later, I learned he had shared his first impressions of our conversation publicly on Facebook. I was genuinely touched. He was clear that he wasn’t endorsing anyone — and that made his words mean even more to me. He had no reason to write what he did except that it was how he honestly felt.
She came across as approachable, sincere, and—most importantly—she actually listened. She wasn’t trying to rush through a rehearsed speech or talk over me. We had a real conversation about Ward 1 and the community.
— Spencer Verkerk, Ward 1 resident, in a public Facebook post
That’s the Ward 1 I want to represent at City Hall — a community where we listen to each other, even when we don’t agree. Listening isn’t a campaign tactic for me; it’s the way I’ve worked for more than 30 years in communications and strategic leadership, and it’s the way I’ll serve you as your councillor. I’m not interested in rehearsed speeches or talking over people. I want to hear your questions, your concerns, and your ideas.
If we haven’t met yet, we probably will. Paul and I are out in the ward most days, and I’d love to have a real conversation with you too. In the meantime, you can reach me directly at pstevenson4ward1@gmail.com, or follow the campaign on Facebook. And if we’ve already met at the door — I’d love to hear how that conversation went. That’s what this campaign is all about.