Background and community work
Connection to Welland and the ward
- Born in Welland, raised her family here and has lived in urban and rural parts of Ward 5.
- Her campaign emphasizes the needs of established neighbourhoods, growing communities and rural areas within the ward.
Education and credentials
- Honours BA in Geography; attended Western and Brock universities. Certificate in Urban Environmental Studies from Brock University.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
- PROSCI Certified Change Practitioner.
- Completed DeGroote governance training through McMaster University at the Ron Joyce Centre.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
- Obtained LEAN certification through Niagara Region.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
Work and leadership experience
- More than 30 years working with municipalities in Ontario and across Canada on service improvement, accountability and transparency.
- Retired municipal IT professional; casual employee at Niagara College.
Municipal and public-service record
- Member of the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee.
Committee and community service
- Serves on the Heritage Advisory Committee, whose listed appointments run until November 14, 2026.
- President of MISA Canada and past president of MISA Ontario.
- Served as president of the Cooks Mills community group.
- Member of Brock University’s Niagara Community Observatory Community Advisory Committee.
- Former chair of the Welland Heritage Advisory Committee.
Source: Candidate submission · 19/09/2026
Campaign priorities
- She proposes testing major spending for need, affordability and benefit to residents.
- She proposes balancing development with protection of Welland’s quality of life.
- Prioritizes safer parks and public spaces, traffic, road and sidewalk conditions, and protecting farmland.
Other positions
Reasons for running and priorities
- She calls for residents to be informed early and heard respectfully during decision-making.
- Believes the Ontario Road shelter lease was approved without meaningful prior community input.
Budget and financial experience
- Her proposed spending test considers need, affordability and benefit to residents.
Campaign contact details
- Campaign: conniemccutcheon.com · conniemccutcheonward5@gmail.com.