Candidate record
Offices held or sought
- Contested Ward 2 in 2022.
Prior election results
- Received 512 votes in Ward 2 in 2022; certified to run in Ward 2 again in 2026.
Background and community work
Connection to Welland and the ward
- Director on The Hope Centre’s board.
- He was born and raised in Ward 2, has lived there for more than 50 years, and runs a business there.
Source: Candidate submission · 21/09/2026
Education and credentials
- A directly opened REALTOR.ca profile headed Steve Yochim states that he has Canadian Mutual Funds and Mortgage Agent licenses.
Work and leadership experience
- Real estate and mortgage work, with previous roles in mortgage management at TD Canada Trust, credit advising at PenFinancial Credit Union, and district management at Wells Fargo.
- At least 35 years of experience in the financial-services industry.
Source: Candidate submission · 14/09/2026
- Experience in strategic planning, financial accountability and streamlining corporate structures.
Source: Candidate submission · 14/09/2026
Committee and community service
- Serves as a director on The Hope Centre’s board.
- He previously served as vice-chair of the Welland Downtown BIA.
Source: Candidate submission · 23/09/2026
- Founder of Niagara's Skate for Kids program.
Source: Candidate submission · 23/09/2026
- Skate for Kids received skates, helmets and jerseys through NHLPA Goals & Dreams, with former NHL player Brad Boyes serving as the program's ambassador.
Source: Candidate submission · 25/09/2026
- Founder of the Robert Petruniak Memorial Golf Tournament.
Source: Candidate submission · 23/09/2026
Campaign priorities
- Clearer city financial reporting, a review of major spending, and a four-year freeze on mayor and councillor salaries.
Source: Candidate submission · 21/09/2026
- Prioritizes roads and sidewalks, protection of Chippawa Park, and development that accounts for traffic, stormwater and green space.
Source: Candidate submission · 21/09/2026
- Regular opportunities for Ward 2 residents to speak with him, ward updates, and help navigating City services.
Source: Candidate submission · 21/09/2026
- Wants community groups to maintain Chippawa Park's pond for skating and to support existing and new Ward 2 businesses.
Source: Candidate submission · 23/09/2026
- Supports working with Niagara Region, community organizations and other levels of government on transitional housing, addiction treatment and mental-health services.
Source: Candidate submission · 21/09/2026
- Supports exploring help for people returning to employment, backing existing community organizations, and seeking measurable results from publicly funded programs.
Source: Candidate submission · 21/09/2026
- Opposes the Ontario Road shelter decision, citing inadequate transparency for the affected neighbourhood.
Other positions
Campaign contact details
- Listed contact: steveyochim.com · 905-328-8872 · syochim33@gmail.com.
2022 campaign finances
Ward 2 councillor · Jun 29, 2022 to Dec 31, 2022
- Total contributions: $3,500.00
- Total campaign income: $3,500.00
- Total campaign expenses: $3,487.46
Contributions are included in income. Totals include reported goods and services.