Hi, I'm Laura McQuillen.

Like many families in our community, we balance work, kids, bills, school drop-offs, sports schedules, grocery runs, and trying to find time to enjoy life in between.

I became a teacher because I care about people, community, and helping others succeed. I'm not a career politician - I'm just a normal person who cares deeply about this community and wants to help make it even better.

I graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, and my love for nature has stayed with me ever since. You'll often find me out walking trails with my family, birdwatching, or trying to add a new species to my life list on the Merlin Bird ID app. I'm also probably one of the many adults still happily playing Pokémon GO around neighbourhood parks.

Giving back has always been important to me. During university, I volunteered as a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph and as a mentor with Go Girls!. For about eight years, I fostered children through the Children's Aid Society, and I still support a young adult who aged out of care and remains part of our family. I've also fostered a future guide dog through the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and volunteered with events like the Great Downtown Guelph Garage Sale and the Coldest Night of the Year in support of Hope House Guelph.

Ward 6 is home to us. It's where we're raising our children, building our future, and making memories. I'm running for City Council because I believe local government works best when it's made up of people who are genuinely connected to the community and willing to listen, learn, and work hard.

Mostly, I just want residents to feel like they have someone approachable and down-to-earth representing them at City Hall — someone they'd feel comfortable talking to at the park, on the trail, or in line at the grocery store.