Laura Cusack
Laura Cusack
Candidate for Ward 5 Councillor
Laura Cusack is running for Ward 5 Councillor after more than 15 years of community volunteering and involvement in Stouffville’s local business community.
A resident for more than two decades, she identified Main Street reconstruction, traffic management, growth-related environmental considerations, and infrastructure capacity as priorities.
- Downtown Reconstruction: Cusack wants clearer communication and support for Downtown businesses ahead of Main Street reconstruction.
- Traffic Management: She cited concerns about traffic flow and traffic calming on the surrounding roads expected to absorb Main Street traffic throughout the project.
- Infrastructure Capacity: She said responsible growth must account for sewer, water, and electricity capacity, pointing to recurring power outages in parts of Ward 5.
- Environmental Considerations: She says development proposals must account for environmental impacts, including the potential effects of building on reclaimed swampland and floodplains.
- Community Advocacy: Cusack said she is prepared to advocate for residents who feel unheard or are unsure how to raise concerns with the Town.
Why did you decide to run for office?
Having raised three children in town, Cusack said she has seen how residents’ needs change over time, from access to services and activities for young families to affordability, transit, employment opportunities, and support systems for young adults.
Cusack also established a business in Downtown Stouffville and was involved with the local business community, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Stouffville Working Group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she said she worked to help businesses navigate the difficult period and support new businesses getting established.
She said residents and businesses are struggling to adapt to faster growth, and that her community involvement has given her an understanding of the challenges they face.
What do you think is the leading issue in your ward, and how would you address it as Councillor?
Cusack identified two connected priorities: supporting Downtown businesses through the upcoming Main Street Reconstruction project and addressing potential changes to traffic patterns.
She said her experience in the Downtown business community gives her detailed knowledge of the challenges businesses may face, emphasizing the need for communication and advocacy to help owners prepare for disruptions.
The Ward 5 hopeful also cited concerns about traffic flow and traffic calming, including what might happen on Millard Avenue, Bayberry Street, and nearby side streets if they become busier routes during construction.
“There’s not a lot of answers out there,” Cusack said. “The reconstruction’s supposed to start this fall, and there’s still not a lot of information to help people plan out what they’re gonna do.”
She also identified the Stouffville Market as a community priority, saying its location in Ward 5 makes it important to consider how the market will be supported during reconstruction.
What does responsible growth look like to you?
Cusack said responsible growth means “asking the right questions at the right time” when development proposals come forward. She cautioned against judging proposals solely by their appearance or height, arguing that decisions require a broader understanding of their potential impacts.
She said much of Stouffville, particularly Ward 5, was built on reclaimed swampland and floodplains, raising concerns about the environmental effects of further backfilling and development.
Cusack said Council should examine environmental reports and advocate for infrastructure that can accommodate proposed development. That assessment, she said, should extend beyond sewer and water systems to include electricity capacity.
She pointed to power outages affecting a large section of Ward 5 and said the Town may need to advocate with Hydro to ensure adequate support for the community.
Cusack added that some residents feel they have not been heard and are unsure how to advocate for themselves. She said she is prepared to stand up for those residents and use her voice to represent their concerns.
