Duhaney sets sights on Ward 1 council seat

A member of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s inaugural Anti-Racism Advisory Committee is now vying to be a member of town council.

Cheraldean Duhaney is one of five residents in the running for the Ward 1 spot, held in the current term by Coun. Raj Sandhu, who is running for deputy mayor in the October election. She looks to her four children and pride in her community as the reason she wishes to serve.

“I want to make this community an even better place to live,” she said. “BWG is growing rapidly and I believe it's important to elect people who represent our diversity and have shown strong leadership and an understanding of the needs and priorities of the community.” 

Duhaney and her husband, Gregory, the owners of GQ Tech in downtown Bradford and have been residents of Ward 1 for 14 years. She is also a medical device technician at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket.

Alongside her time on the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee, Duhaney’s volunteer experience is based on her belief that “the best investment we can make is in our youth,” as she is the founder and executive director of Impact Youth and Cultural Centre. She is also a founding member of Rise Up BWG and a member of the Bradford Women's+ Group. She has also sat on the Parent Councils at Bradford District High School and Chris Hadfield Public School.

Working with youth in the community has shaped some of the priorities she wants to see the next council tackle.

“Our community is facing many challenges and Ward 1 residents have told me they want to see change in BWG,” Duhaney said. “(We need) more programs and services for youth, families, and seniors, including more multi-purpose community spaces, building an inclusive community that recognizes everyone's strengths.”

That includes a proper youth centre in the community and making sure as many people can utilize the new facility at 177 Church St.

“I will continue to advocate for a youth centre in BWG and for accessible spaces for residents and community organizations in the town's new community hub building,” she said.

Duhaney also highlighted better traffic management - especially in school zones - affordability, growth, housing, employment and transportation as important issues for residents not only in Ward 1 but also throughout the community.

If elected, she wants to be part of a council that comes together quickly as a cohesive unit.

“I want the new council to build strong relationships, work together to set priorities for the next budget, and review the Town's by-laws to make sure opportunities for the community to participate in decision-making are accessible and meaningful,” Duhaney said.

As important as being a council that can work together, having councillors that listen to their constituents is key to the town’s continued success. Duhaney is committed to being able to mesh her own priorities with the needs of her ward and the entirety of the town.

“While I have my own priorities, as councillor I will be a strong advocate for the concerns of people from Ward 1,” she said. “I believe in working with the community all year round, not just during an election, and that comes with respect, listening, and relationship building. I have demonstrated that I am a strong leader who believes in listening and I will be a responsive resource that will take all concerns and ideas to the town council.” 

To learn more about Duhaney’s platform, visit www.cheraldeanduhaney.com.

Also running in Ward 1 are Al Bonura, Aftab Hussain, Randy Hutchings and Rahmat Mansoor.

Election day is Oct. 24.