Former council candidate weighing return to municipal race

As Sarnia looks ahead to the 2026 municipal election, one familiar name is emerging in local political discussions.

Michelle Parks, who narrowly missed election to city council in 2022, finishing just 55 votes behind Anne-Marie Gillis, is now considering another run. Parks received 4,902 votes, compared to Gillis’s 4,957, in one of the closest races in the city’s recent political history.

While she has not yet made a final decision about returning to the ballot, Parks says she is giving the matter serious thought and is weighing the personal and professional demands that come with public office.

“I am considering a run for city council. However, I will make a final decision after discussing it thoroughly with the important people in my life,” she said.

Parks has lived in Sarnia her entire life and describes herself as deeply rooted in the community. She is married and has two young adult children who also live and work locally. Her background includes experience in tourism, real estate, and local governance. She previously served as a school board trustee and has been involved in community initiatives focused on families, education, health, affordability, and access to essential supports.

Although encouraged by her strong showing in 2022, Parks acknowledges that the political environment has become more challenging.

“Today’s political climate is very different than it was even ten years ago,” she said. “I’m still weighing whether I want to take on the added stress and frustration that can come with public office, especially when it comes to the impact on my family.”

Despite ongoing challenges, Parks remains optimistic about Sarnia’s potential. She says the city has strong foundations that can be built upon with thoughtful planning and investment.

“Sarnia has tremendous potential for growth and prosperity,” she said. “With my background in tourism and real estate, I see many opportunities to better showcase what our city has to offer and to strengthen areas that can drive long-term economic success.”

Looking ahead, Parks identifies infrastructure and economic renewal as urgent priorities. She says a coordinated waterfront plan and renewed focus on tourism and the downtown core are needed to strengthen the local economy.

“We need a vibrant waterfront master plan and a renewed focus on rebuilding our tourism sector and downtown core,” she said.

She also emphasizes the importance of maintaining and upgrading essential services, including roads, sewers, parks, and active transportation infrastructure, and ensuring that flood-prone areas are addressed in municipal budgets.

“Continued investment in roads, sewers, parks, and bike trails is essential, as is ensuring flood-prone areas are a priority in the budget,” she said.

Supporting young residents is another concern she frequently raises.

“We also need to focus on creating more job opportunities for young people so they can build their futures here,” she said.

Parks says she would like to see greater cooperation and professionalism at the council table, noting that recent terms have been marked by public conflict and negative attention.

“I want to see council working together again,” she said. “The last three councils have attracted a lot of negative attention.”

While acknowledging that debate is part of democratic governance, she argues that residents benefit most when elected officials work constructively with one another.

“Residents deserve leadership that is focused, respectful, and collaborative,” she said.

For Parks, effective leadership begins with trust and a clear understanding of municipal responsibilities.

“Integrity builds trust, and that’s where everything starts,” she said. “At the municipal level, it’s also critical to understand your role, what you’re responsible for, what you can influence, and what you can’t.”

She adds that strong working relationships with staff, community partners, and fellow councillors are essential for making progress on complex issues.

When asked about her long-term hopes for the city, Parks outlined a broad and inclusive vision focused on affordability, sustainability, and social well-being.

“I see a future for Sarnia that is strong, welcoming, and full of opportunity, a city where people of all ages and backgrounds can afford to live, work, and thrive,” she said.

Her priorities include expanding affordable and diverse housing, investing in reliable infrastructure and climate resilience, improving transit and active transportation, and strengthening the local economy through business support and job creation.

She says social services and community development must be treated as core municipal priorities, alongside infrastructure and economic planning.

“I envision a healthy and caring community with strong mental health, addiction, and social supports, and vibrant downtown and neighbourhood spaces that celebrate arts, culture, and local business,” she said.

Parks says collaboration will be essential to achieving these goals.

“By working collaboratively with residents, community organizations, Indigenous partners, and all levels of government, we can build a city that is livable, resilient, compassionate, and prepared for the future,” she said.

With a proven base of voter support and one of the closest finishes in recent municipal history, Parks remains a notable figure as the next election approaches.