Focused on What Matters Most to Ward 4
Affordability. Reliable City Services. Strong Neighbourhoods. Accountability.
Dear Ward 4 Neighbours,
I’m running for Ward 4 City Council because I believe residents deserve representation that listens, spends responsibly, and focuses on the services people rely on every day.
Ward 4 has been home for most of my life. It is where I grew up, where Hilary and I are raising our two boys, and where I’ve built a business and stayed involved in the community.
Over the coming months, my campaign will be built around listening first. I want to hear what is working, what needs to improve, and what you expect from City Hall.
Ward 4 deserves practical leadership, strong representation, and a councillor who stays connected after election day.
I’d be honoured to earn one of your two votes.
Brendan Clark
Meet Brendan
For almost three decades, Ward 4 has been home.
My family moved to Ward 4 in 2000, and I have proudly called this community home ever since. Long before I ever thought about running for City Council, I was riding my bike through these neighbourhoods delivering newspapers. That paper route took me down streets I still drive today, past parks where my children now play, and to homes where many of those same families still live. It gave me an early appreciation for the people and sense of community that make Ward 4 such a special place to call home. Over the years, I have watched our neighbourhoods grow, new families move in, and our city evolve. Today, my wife Hilary and I are raising our two boys here, and we have lived in four different areas of Ward 4 along the way. From first-time homebuyers to growing families and long-time residents, we have experienced many of the same opportunities and challenges that our neighbours face every day. Ward 4 isn't just where we live. It's where I grew up, where I built my life, and where my family is building its future.
Community Involvement
A lot of my community involvement has come through youth sports. I coach and manage my sons’ hockey and soccer teams, and I also spent years coaching youth lacrosse. It is a lot of time, planning, communication, and commitment from coaches, parents, and families. Practices, games, tournaments, schedules, emails, and helping families stay organized all become part of the routine. It has also given me the chance to meet a lot of local families and hear what matters to them. You hear quickly how busy families are, how much they rely on local facilities, and how important it is that the basics in our neighbourhoods are done well. Things like safe neighbourhoods, good parks, accessible recreation, and strong community facilities make a real difference in day-to-day life. Those experiences have helped shape the way I think about City Hall and the kind of representation Ward 4 deserves.
Professional Experience
My wife and I own and operate a local construction company specializing in basement apartments and housing renovations. Through our work, we have helped homeowners create additional housing, generate rental income, accommodate multi-generational living, and make better use of existing homes. Working closely with families, homeowners, tradespeople, and local businesses has given me firsthand insight into the challenges people face when it comes to affordability, housing, and rising costs. I have also seen how municipal policies, regulations, and approval processes can directly impact housing supply, investment, and the cost of building in our community. Those experiences have provided me with a practical understanding of the issues facing homeowners, families, and small business owners across Guelph today.
Family Roots
My grandfather spent his career in Guelph as a principal, superintendent, and Chair of the Guelph Police Board. My mother spent more than 30 years teaching with the Upper Grand District School Board, helping shape the lives of local students and families. My father spent countless hours coaching me and my three brothers in local sports, teaching us the value of hard work, teamwork, and showing up for others. Growing up, I saw how much stronger a community can be when people get involved. Whether it was education, coaching, or local service, my family showed me the importance of putting in the time and caring about the people around you. That example has stayed with me. It is a big part of why I coach, why I volunteer, why I listen, and why I am running to represent Ward 4.
Why I'm Running
I love Guelph. It is where I grew up, where I built a business, where my family has been involved in the community, and where Hilary and I are raising our two boys.
Over the past several years, I’ve spent time meeting residents at their doorsteps, in coffee shops, at hockey rinks, on soccer fields, and at community events across the city. While every resident has a unique perspective, the concerns I hear most often are remarkably consistent:
✔ Better value for every tax dollar
✔ A City Hall that listens, communicates, and is accountable
✔ Reliable roads, snow clearing, and core city services
✔ Safe, clean parks and recreation opportunities
Residents aren’t asking for grand promises. They’re asking for the basics to be done well and for their voices to be heard.
That’s why I’m running for City Council: to bring a practical, independent voice to City Hall that listens first, works collaboratively, focuses on what matters most, and delivers results for Ward 4 residents.
MY PRIORITIES FOR WARD 4
Listening First. Spending Responsibly. Delivering Results.
I'm running to bring a practical, resident-first approach to City Hall.
My priorities are shaped by what I'm hearing from people across Ward 4:
Keep life affordable, Improve core services, Build safer neighbourhoods, Stay accountable, and Manage growth responsibly.
AFFORDABILITY & RESPONSIBLE SPENDING
Better value for every tax dollar.
BETTER CORE SERVICES
Roads, snow clearing, parks, and customer service that works.
SAFER & STRONGER NEIGHBOURHOODS
Safe streets, quality parks, and connected communities.
ACCOUNTABILITY & RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT
Safe streets, quality parks, and connected communities.
ACCOUNTABILITY & RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT
Open communication, resident input, and a City Hall that listens.
MANAGING GROWTH RESPONSIBLY
Smart growth that strengthens our community and protects taxpayers.
Every decision I make at City Hall will be guided by one question:
"Does this provide good value for taxpayers and improve life in Ward 4?"
ACCOUNTABILITY & RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT
Open communication, resident input, and a City Hall that listens.
A Better Way to Stay Connected
Many politicians show up to ask for your vote every four years. I wanted to create a way to hear from residents every day in between. The Ward 4 Community Portal is a place where residents can:
✔ Share feedback
✔ Participate in surveys
✔ Stay informed about local issues
✔ Learn about community events
✔ Read council meeting summaries
✔ Connect with neighbours
Listening shouldn't begin on election day and it shouldn't end there either.
HELP BUILD MOMENTUM WITH BRENDAN ACROSS WARD 4
Winning Ward 4 starts with neighbours helping neighbours.
Whether you can spare one hour or several, every volunteer helps us reach more residents and strengthen our campaign.
Free
Delivery
Free
Installation
Removed after Election Day
JOIN THE TEAM.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Every hour you give brings us closer to a stronger, more connected Ward 4
Volunteer opportunities include:
• Literature delivery
• Door knocking
• Lawn signs
• Event support
• Election Day assistance
HERE TO SERVE
OUR WARD 4 COMMUNITY
Stay up to date with the latest info and news
THOUGHTS FROM THE DOOR STEP
The best ideas and solutions for our city aren't going to come from City Hall alone.
They're going to come from residents.
Over the past several years, I've spent countless hours speaking with residents at their doorsteps, in coffee shops at hockey rinks, on soccer fields, and at community events across Ward 4 and the city of Guelph.
Those conversations have reinforced something I strongly believe: the people closest to the challenges are often closest to the solutions.
Thoughts From the Doorstep is where I share what I'm hearing from residents, the concerns being raised, and the ideas that deserve a bigger voice at City Hall.