Dear Ward 7 Neighbours,

For 19 years, Ward 7 Markham has been my home. As your neighbour, I understand the concerns and growing needs of our community, and as your Councillor I have advocated for you on many important municipal issues. I’ve been a dedicated community leader at city and neighbourhood meetings for over 15 years with many successful results, and continue to be a strong and trusted voice for you on Markham’s City Council.

As your Councillor, I’ve made it a priority to be accessible, responsive and accountable to you. Every day I connect directly with residents, listen to feedback, and take action to improve our community and city services. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with many residents, community leaders, businesses, schools, senior groups and youth organizations, attending a variety of community events, cultural celebrations and charity initiatives.

Representing Ward 7 is something I take very seriously and work 7 days a week to ensure your voice is heard. Recently, I supported the Markham Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, the new School Zone Safety Guide, as well as voting in favour to allow speed cushions to be a traffic calming tool in areas where they are needed the most. I initiated a community meeting for Ward 7 neighbours about the Steeles Avenue Expansion and also initiated a full analysis of 14th Avenue which is currently underway. There are many intersections around the ward that have been studied and multiple new crosswalks, and traffic signals are being installed and evaluated. I also successfully advocated for new transit stops and a new park being built. Our community is getting real results and there is more I want to help get done!

As a volunteer, I've taken on many leadership roles to support and strengthen our community as: co-chair of Ward 7's largest Residents Association, Neighbourhood Watch leadership team, Community Centre Board member, Community Safety Committee lead, chair for local elementary and secondary School Councils, and a member of many other committees and organizations. As your Councillor I also serve on many City committees as well.

Over the years, I have gained extensive experience representing residents of Ward 7 on important municipal issues related to: traffic, speeding, zoning amendments, parks, development, waste management, snow removal, affordability, bylaws, forestry, sustainability, neighbourhood services and more. I also interact frequently with law enforcement about important concerns related to crime, and co-hosted the “Your City, your Services, Your Safety” event along with crime prevention sessions. I have launched the "Slow Down For Us" initiative and a Ward 7 Community Safety Committee. In addition, I have successfully advocated for safe crosswalks near our parks, businesses and schools. Our community’s safety matters!

In addition to having a proven track record of supporting the community, I’ve organized many community events, neighbourhood clean-ups and charity initiatives. I support local businesses, organizations, our youth and seniors. As your Councillor, I formed the YR7 Young Residents of Ward 7 Committee to engage our youth. For over a decade, I have volunteered at my children’s schools and have chaired both the elementary and secondary Parent Councils. I’ve received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Award and I’m currently featured in Markham Museum’s "Everyday Superheroes" exhibit.

I care about the area we live in. It would be an honour to continue to serve as your Markham Ward 7 Councillor.

Nimisha