Candidate record
Offices held or sought
- Elected as a Ward 3 councillor in 2022; seeking re-election in 2026.
Prior election results
- Elected in Ward 3 in 2022 with 961 votes; certified to run again in 2026.
Background and community work
Connection to Welland and the ward
- Ward 3 councillor for the 2022–2026 term.
Education and credentials
- Graduate of Queen’s University and the University of Waterloo.
- Certified Human Resources Leader designation.
Work and leadership experience
- Experience in public service, human resources and nonprofit governance.
- Executive coach with the Ontario Public Service.
Municipal and public-service record
- Elected to AMO’s Small Urban Caucus in 2024, one of four successful candidates in a field of eleven and the only Niagara representative elected in that contest.
- Serves on AMO’s board as a Small Urban representative; the City also lists Ontario Small Urban Municipalities executive membership.
- Advocacy for neighbourhood safety and proactive bylaw enforcement.
- Advocacy for access to programs serving families, seniors and small businesses.
Committee and community service
- City appointments include the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and the Downtown Welland BIA board.
- Former Equal Voice national board chair and Amnesty International Canada president.
- Recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, awarded April 21, 2022.
Campaign priorities
- She has advocated for improved neighbourhood safety, proactive bylaw enforcement, and stronger support and access to programs for families, seniors and small businesses.
- Prioritizes affordable housing, responsible growth and good-paying jobs.
- Wants to raise South Pelham Road sidewalk delays with the province; says City construction depends on Niagara Region completing road and drainage work.
Other positions
Reasons for running and priorities
- Stated values: care, compassion and accountability.
Campaign contact details
- Campaign email: hello@sharmila.ca. Councillor website: sharmila.ca.
- City office: sharmila.setaram@welland.ca.
2022 campaign finances
Ward 3 councillor · Aug 4, 2022 to Dec 31, 2022
- Total contributions: $4,448.77
- Total campaign income: $4,448.77
- Total campaign expenses: $4,356.58
Contributions are included in income. Totals include reported goods and services.