Aurora Today has released responses from three of four candidates vying to represent Ward 2 on Aurora council in the Oct. 26 municipal election. The publisher said responses were submitted with strict word limits and left unedited. One of the published respondents, Angela Daust, outlined municipal experience, residency and a focus on infrastructure funding among her priorities.
Candidate background and priorities
In written answers provided to the questionnaire, Angela Daust said the two top qualities required of an effective municipal representative are municipal experience and being a ward resident. Daust, who noted she has lived in Ward 2 since 1996, highlighted a 30-year career in municipal-related work at the City of Toronto, in roles covering policy research and public engagement. She also described herself as a current member of Aurora’s Environmental Advisory Committee and said she is retired and able to dedicate full time to the councillor role.
Daust listed the two most important issues for her ward as:
- Considerate development in neighbourhoods, reflecting residents’ concerns about how growth is managed;
- Rising household costs, specifically taxes and water bills.
“A dream project for me would be to bring community spaces to Ward two. Currently Ward 2 is a facility desert, with only one arena built in 1967.”
In the same submission, Daust said the most important issue for council and the school board in the next term is allocating more funds to infrastructure repair and replacement. She warned that ongoing funding shortfalls could lead to higher taxes if left unaddressed.
Accountability and community access
When asked how she would ensure accountability to her constituents, Daust pledged to be accessible via email, phone or message at all times and to answer residents’ questions. She framed accessibility as a core component of representation in a ward she described as having limited public facilities.
Daust also identified a priority municipal project she would pursue: creating new community spaces across Ward 2, including small neighbourhood facilities with rooms for interest groups and activities. She characterised Ward 2 as a “facility desert” and pointed to a single arena built in 1967 as evidence of limited local infrastructure.
What Aurora voters should expect next
Aurora Today said it invited all municipal candidates — including those acclaimed to positions — to complete the questionnaire and that responses were constrained by set word limits. The publisher intends to share additional candidate answers and related profiles before election day.
Voters in Ward 2 will be choosing among multiple candidates on Oct. 26. With infrastructure funding and neighbourhood development appearing as recurring themes in the responses made public so far, the coming weeks will likely see further discussion about how the town balances growth, fiscal pressures and local amenities.
| Topic | Angela Daust response |
|---|---|
| Top qualities | Municipal experience; Ward resident |
| Top ward issues | Considerate development; rising taxes and water bills |
| Accountability | Accessible by email, phone or message |
| Dream project | More neighbourhood community spaces |
The Aurora Today questionnaire also noted that one Ward 2 candidate, Phiona Durrant, chose not to respond. The publisher will continue to post candidate material and related election coverage ahead of the vote.
Reporting is based on the candidate questionnaire published by Aurora Today; answers were provided by candidates and published verbatim by the outlet.
