Olivia Duke is running for councillor in Ward 4 because she sees a lack of communication and responsiveness. In her view, “Your job is to represent people. We need to get back. …We deserve better.” As well as participating in the Ward 4 candidate event at Port Nelson United Church, Olivia hosted two meet-and-greets: at Tansley Woods on October 6 and at Port Nelson United Church on October 7.
She lives in Ward 4 and says she loves municipal politics. Since 2018, she has chaired the Pearson Community Co-operative Nursery School board, resulting in the re-location of Pearson Nursery to Brant Hills Public School, working with the Halton District School Board and Halton Region.
While COVID-19 has been challenging, there have also been opportunities to collaborate, through Zoom, MS Teams, and others. She wants to improve efficiency and provided several examples: waiting 10 months for a permit, residents not experienced with the permit process, and missing “the mark on common sense.” Traffic calming measures on Palmer that confuse drivers, cyclists, and walkers, painting happy faces on tree stumps of removed trees, inconsistent signage, speeding on Spruce Avenue and Pine Cove Road, and other examples were shared. “We need to do better.”
At the regional level, road operations, waste management, and opportunities for citizen feedback were mentioned. Olivia commended the efforts of the public health staff at the region as well as the team at children’s services. She indicated that the $10-a-day daycare provincial government promise meant that regional staff were “trying to fly a plane that they’re building.”
In terms of development, she used the description “gentle density” and I wanted to understand that better. In summary, she means opportunities for mixed-use residential: condominium, townhouse, semi-detached housing, single family homes. She suggested that the property at Burloak and Upper Middle Road could be re-zoned to mixed-use residential. If thoughtfully done, this could be a meaningful step forward. She commented that affordability “doesn’t exist” in Burlington at the moment.
Olivia is currently in the research stage of her doctorate, having completed the course work. The topic: social psychology with a focus on mental health and illness. Her previous work with a German technology firm involved lots of travel and managing the North American market. As a small business owner, she has helped other local businesses with marketing and business development.
When asked what she brings to the council table, Olivia indicated that she is organized, approachable, and is and will be available for resident questions and concerns. “Call me.” She has experience managing staff and feels that it’s time to get going, be present, and be available to residents. Olivia came across as well-spoken, enthusiastic, and described herself as very collaborative. She believes in working together.
Tony Brecknock, Olivia Duke, Shawna Stolte and Eden Wood are the candidates for councillor in Ward 4.
