And then there were two: We have candidates in Ward 5

We now have two candidates running in Ward 5 for the upcoming municipal election. 

Corey Gardi, a longtime employee of the Huron-Superior District Catholic School Board, and Sault Area Hospital data analyst Matt Scott have filed their papers to run as candidates for city council.

Gardi, a graduate of St. Mary’s College and Algoma University, currently serves as a vice-principal for the Catholic school board, where’s he worked since 2001.

According to his press release, Gardi wants to continue city council’s efforts in revitalizing the downtown, securing provincial and federal funding to improve infrastructure, and development and implementation of the city’s community development initiative.

Gardi says that one way of supporting the local business community is to capitalize on the people who pass through Sault Ste. Marie each year.

“Whether people are arriving from the north, east, by the bridge or by the water, we need to make it a more inviting place to stay for a couple days,” Gardi stated via email. “I have some ideas that I will discuss over the course of the campaign.”

Economic diversity and supporting the knowledge economy is critical to the success of any city moving forward.

That’s why Gardi is pushing to “work closely with Sault College and Algoma University to ensure that programs are being developed to help diversify our economy.”

“Through the efforts of these institutions, along with the Innovation Centre and local entrepreneurs, I know we can grow and foster our knowledge economy,” Gardi said.

Matt Scott, an employee of Sault Area Hospital and treasurer for the Sault Ste. Marie Museum board of directors, says that he has deep roots in the west end, having lived in Ward 6 - now known as Ward 5 - for the past 30 years.

A graduate of Korah Collegiate and Algoma University, Scott says that he’s thrilled to run in the ward that he grew up in, and relishes the opportunity to give back to the community.

“As a member of city council, I will strongly represent the people of the ward and make sure their voices are heard in City Hall,” Scott said. “I see the struggles that our city faces and will make sure that the residents get the representation they deserve.”

“My campaign will be focused on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and bringing new ideas and views to council.”

The City of Sault Ste. Marie has an updated list of all candidates that are running in this year’s municipal election.