Meet Jessica LaHay: A Dedicated Voice for Ward 1
Discover Jessica's deep roots in Welland, her commitment to the community, and her vision for Ward 1. Learn about her journey and why she is the passionate leader Ward 1 needs on City Council.
My Journey and Connection to Welland
My connection to this community runs deep, starting in Cooks Mills where I spent my youth tending to farm animals, learning our local history, and discovering firsthand why our agricultural lands are worth protecting. Over 15 years ago, I moved to Ward 1 to care for my grandmother—a decision that grounded my life in family and community care.
For a decade, I poured my heart into an administrative and caregiving role at a local group home for teen boys, providing a safe haven for youth who needed it most. When COVID-19 forced the home to close, I channeled my administrative experience into entrepreneurship, building a landscape design business from the ground up over the last five years. Most importantly, running my own business gave me the flexibility to fulfill a promise I made as a child: ensuring my grandmother could age comfortably in her home.
My passion for serving Welland extends directly into civic action. I served as Vice Chair on the Welland Heritage Advisory Committee to protect our local history until I was removed by city staff shortly after running in the 2022 municipal election. That experience only strengthened my resolve to advocate for transparency, accountability, and true community representation at City Hall. Since 2022, I have also served with the Welland Rose Festival—eventually taking on leadership as President—and actively supported numerous local grassroots events to keep our community vibrant, connected, and celebrated.
Ward 1 is where I live, where I am growing my business, and where I am building my family. Whether advocating for our heritage, supporting youth, families, and seniors, running a business, or organizing community festivals, my commitment to Ward 1 is rooted in action, accountability, and keeping my promises. That is the exact dedication and voice I will bring to City Council.
Experience and skills for City Council
As a dedicated local business owner, community leader, and longtime resident of Ward 1, I bring a practical, hands-on approach to the City Council.
Business & Operational Management
As the founder of Visionary Garden Concepts, I bring direct experience in bottom-line fiscal management, contract negotiation, project timelines, and operational planning. I know how to stretch a budget and deliver results.
Municipal Governance & Public Service
Through my leadership as President of the Welland Rose Festival and past role as Vice Chair of the Welland Heritage Advisory Committee, I have built deep, practical experience navigating municipal policies, managing large-scale public logistics, and collaborating with local stakeholders.
Complex Care & Community Advocacy
A decade in administrative care at a local youth group home grounded my work in high-stakes problem solving, dispute resolution, individual advocacy, and strict compliance with public care standards.
My life in Ward 1—rooted in the protection of our local agricultural heritage and my journey as a business owner—has always emphasized accountability and action. I am committed to providing transparent, responsive representation for our community on City Council.
Why I am the best choice for Ward 1
1. A Practical, Business-Minded Approach to City Spending
City Hall needs leaders who treat taxpayer dollars with respect. My experience growing a business from scratch means I evaluate municipal decisions through a lens of fiscal discipline, practical efficiency, and long-term accountability.
2. A Dedicated Champion for Our Local Heritage & Farmlands
Ward 1 is defined by its strong roots, vibrant community spirit, and vital agricultural lands. My track record proves that I don't just attend community events—I organize them, defend our historical integrity, and actively stand up to protect our local environment.
3. Deep Local Roots & Proven Personal Integrity
From ten years advocating for vulnerable youth to fulfilling a personal promise to care for my grandmother right here in Ward 1, my commitment to this community is personal. I offer accessible, responsive representation that puts our residents' voices first at City Hall.
"Jessica is the kind of leader that Ward 1 needs! She's dedicated, experienced, and totally accountable. You can count on her to get things done while keeping everything transparent along the way.
"Jessica LaHay is exactly what Ward 1 needs: a passionate, experienced, and accountable leader who truly understands our community."
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