Candidate record
Offices held or sought
- Ward 6 councillor since 2014; seeking re-election in 2026.
Prior election results
- Re-elected as a Ward 6 councillor in 2022.
Background and community work
Connection to Welland and the ward
- Dain City resident since 1959.
- Ward 6 councillor for the 2022–2026 term.
Work and leadership experience
- Retired corporate accountant with 30 years at a Welland manufacturer, following finance roles at Wabasso and TRE Incorporated.
Municipal and public-service record
- Ward 6 councillor since 2014; seeking re-election in 2026.
- Current Accessibility Advisory Committee member. Her campaign biography also lists past service on Arts and Culture and Water and Wastewater committees.
Committee and community service
- 58 years as a church organist and choir director across two churches.
- Past shelter volunteering and involvement with the Mandolin Orchestra of Niagara.
Campaign priorities
- She supports urban growth alongside environmental protection.
- She prioritizes storm-sewer upgrades, road replacement and reducing flooding.
- She proposes a coordinated approach to homelessness involving housing, healthcare and support across levels of government.
- Wants an alternative service model and location for the Ontario Road shelter, working with Niagara Region.
- Opposes replacing agricultural land with residential development or intensification.
Other positions
Reasons for running and priorities
- Priorities include financial responsibility, effective policy and quality city services.
- Raises concern that strong-mayor powers can limit council’s effectiveness.
Budget and financial experience
- 30 years of experience as a corporate accountant and financial analyst.
Council size and representation
- She raised concerns about committing to a fixed council size during the September 3, 2024 debate.
What is their position on Niagara amalgamation?
- Raises concern that amalgamation could weaken Welland Council’s voice and emphasizes representing residents.
Conduct findings and outcomes
- The Integrity Commissioner found no Code breach in the joint complaint about recount-related votes, in the report published in August 2023. That finding concerns this complaint only.
Campaign contact details
- Campaign: bonniefokkens.ca · 905-328-3898 · info@bonniefokkens.ca.
- City office: bonnie.fokkens@welland.ca.
2022 campaign finances
Ward 6 councillor · May 10, 2022 to Nov 18, 2022
- Total contributions: $2,769.30
- Total campaign income: $2,769.30
- Total campaign expenses: $1,833.71
Contributions are included in income. Totals include reported goods and services.