Candidate record
Offices held or sought
- Appointed to Ward 5 council in September 2017; elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
Prior election results
- Appointed to Ward 5 council in September 2017; elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
Background and community work
Connection to Welland and the ward
- Lifelong Welland resident; 55 years in Ward 5 as of September 2026.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
- Ward 5 councillor for the 2022–2026 term.
Education and credentials
- PMAC certification through Niagara College.
- HGS leadership training in performance appraisals, associate relations management, coaching, time management, interdepartmental teamwork and human resources.
Work and leadership experience
- More than 40 years in senior management roles in Welland, Niagara Falls and Toronto.
- Opening-team member and manager at both Niagara casinos, including hiring Welland residents affected by workplace closures.
Municipal and public-service record
- Appointed to Ward 5 council in September 2017; elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
Committee and community service
- Seven years as Welland Figure Skating Club president, including work organizing Learn to Skate programs.
- Involvement with the Welland Sports Council, Welland Recreation, Rose Festival and United Way.
- Named Welland Sports Council Executive of the Year.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
- More than five years volunteering with Welland Recreation and the Rose Festival.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
- Council-representative experience includes the Welland Hospital Initiative, a business improvement committee, the Rose Festival, the arena advisory committee and a neighbourhood homeless shelter committee.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
- Council representative on the Welland Arenas Advisory Committee, appointed for January 31, 2023 to November 14, 2026.
- Serves on Welland Rose Festival Inc.
Campaign priorities
- Prioritizes agricultural-land protection, road and infrastructure maintenance, traffic, speeding and property upkeep.
Other positions
Reasons for running and priorities
- Identifies responsible development, high taxes, transparency and resident input as citywide priorities.
- Disagrees with the choice of location for the homeless shelter.
Budget and financial experience
- Managed multimillion-dollar annual departmental budgets at both Niagara casinos.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
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: 905-735-7543 · crichard17@cogeco.ca.
- City office: claudette.richard@welland.ca.
2022 campaign finances
Ward 5 councillor · Jul 22, 2022 to Dec 31, 2022
- Total contributions: $3,683.63
- Total campaign income: $3,683.63
- Total campaign expenses: $3,624.69
Contributions are included in income. Totals include reported goods and services.