Candidate Q&A Lakefield Ward: Sue Amsbury
Discover Lakefield has invited each candidate running in the 2026 municipal election in Selwyn Township to participate in a written Q&A. The candidate Q&As are being published from October 5-8, 2026, with candidates in each ward answering five questions.
The fourth and final Q&A in the series is Sue Amsbury, who is running for Lakefield Ward Councillor.
Responses are published as submitted, with only minor edits for spelling or grammar if necessary.
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to run for Selwyn Township Council.
I’m a fourth-generation Selwyn Township resident. I grew up in Bridgenorth and now proudly call Lakefield home. I’m a wife, mother and grandmother. After a 35-year career with a large corporation, I’m now retired and have the time and energy to dedicate to Council. Supporting my community has always been important to me, and I’m a proud member of the Lakefield Village Lions. My community involvement, fundraising and business experience have strengthened my desire to give back. I’m running to be an approachable councillor who listens, asks questions, supports residents and makes sure their voices are heard.
What do you see as the biggest issue or priority facing Selwyn Township over the next four years, and how would you approach it?
I believe one of our biggest challenges will be managing growth while keeping taxes and services affordable for residents.
Growth brings opportunity, but our roads, water and wastewater systems, recreation and other services need to be properly maintained. I would approach decisions carefully, listen to residents and municipal staff, ask questions and consider both the immediate cost and the long-term impact. We need to plan ahead rather than simply react as challenges arise.
Sue Amsbury is running for Lakefield Ward Councillor in Selwyn Township. (Photo submitted by Sue Amsbury)
Selwyn Township is expected to experience considerable growth over the coming years. How should the Township prepare for and manage this growth while maintaining the community’s character and quality of life?
Growth is coming, and I believe we need to manage it thoughtfully.
Development needs to go hand in hand with infrastructure and services. Residents should also have meaningful opportunities to be heard as our communities change.
At the same time, we can't lose sight of why people love living here in the first place. Our small-town atmosphere, natural surroundings, local businesses and sense of community are worth protecting. We can welcome new residents and new opportunities without losing the character that makes Selwyn special.
What do you see as the most important priorities for Lakefield Ward over the next four years, and what would you like to see accomplished in the community?
I want Lakefield to remain a vibrant, welcoming village where people know their neighbours, support local businesses and feel connected to their community. Preparing for growth will be important, but so will maintaining our roads, parks, trails and recreational spaces and supporting a healthy downtown. I would also like to see strong communication between Council and residents. People deserve to know what is happening and to feel comfortable bringing their concerns and ideas forward. Four years from now, I would love residents to be able to say that Lakefield has moved forward while still feeling like Lakefield.
What can Selwyn Township do to support a vibrant Lakefield community for people of all ages, including young families, while continuing to support seniors and longtime residents?
A vibrant Lakefield should be a community where people of every generation feel they belong. Young families need recreation, parks, programs and welcoming spaces to spend time together. I would like to work toward developing a recreation area, including a new playground for children and families. Seniors and longtime residents need accessible services, social connections and opportunities to remain active and involved. Supporting our local businesses, service clubs, volunteers and community organizations is equally important. I want Lakefield to remain a place where families put down roots and seniors continue to feel connected, valued and at home.
Selwyn Township will offer internet and telephone voting for the 2026 municipal Election. Voting in Selwyn Township opens on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00 a.m. and runs until Monday, October 26 at 8:00 p.m. Prior to the election, eligible electors will receive a personalized Voter Information Letter (VIL), which will include the website address and toll-free phone number for voting, a unique personal identification number (PIN), and instructions for casting a ballot.
For more information on voting in the Selwyn Township municipal election, visit www.selwyntownship.ca/2026election.
Editorial Note: This article is published by Discover Lakefield to inform the community about the 2026 Selwyn Township municipal election. Discover Lakefield does not endorse or oppose any candidate. Election coverage is intended to be factual, impartial, and in the public interest.