I was born and raised in New Tecumseth. My parents, Wayne and Carol Soloduik, lived on Orsi Court in Tottenham and we welcomed my sister Sheri two years later. We moved to the farm on the 4th Line of Adjala when I was eight – the year before the Tottenham Tornado struck and destroyed my neighbours’ house. It missed us by mere feet. I attended St. James Catholic Elementary School in Colgan, ON, until the new school in Tottenham – Father F.X. O’Reilly Catholic Elementary School – opened.

I remained in Tottenham after graduating high School at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, and was accepted to the University of Toronto where I completed one year towards my degree in Political Science program before leaving to work.

I had my son, Logan, when I was 27. At the time I was living in Mississauga and working in Oakville. We returned to Tottenham to raise our son in the community I grew up in. I ended up raising Logan as a single mom, and, despite his unique needs, I cared for my son while I grew my role with the local newspaper. My love for the community led to a long and fulfilling career with the paper, and when the editor emeritus moved on to pursue local politics I was in charge.

Although my career with the paper spanned almost two decades, fitness was my true passion and I returned to finish my post secondary diploma at Humber College in the area of Fitness Leadership.

My love of fitness taught me discipline and the value of hard work, core vales that led to new opportunities including two television shows on Rogers 65 Alliston/Borden and a host of volunteer positions within New Tecumseth.

Ten years ago I met my love Craig, and we were married 14-months later. His children, Brodie and Braedon attended school in Alliston, so we moved into Ward 2 where we could live together as a family. This dwelling, once just a house in an unfinished subdivision is where we reside to this day.

Eight years ago I began my career with a local car dealership as the Marketing Manager and Lincoln Concierge, a role that has allowed me to feed my creative spirit while working close to home. I made my intentions to run for council known during my on-boarding process, but I waited to put my name forward until my three children were finished school and I was less needed at home. Brodie has gone on to become an RCMP Officer, Braedon has joined his father working at Honda, and Logan also works for a subsidiary of Honda, cleaning at night.

Today is the day that I take all of those life experiences, my knowledge of council – including its history and decision making process – plus my love for the community and my commitment to myself and run for council. Honestly, it’s been an honour to just see my name on the ballot.

If elected, I promise I will do my very best. Acting with integrity and honouring my family, this community and the residents who rely on town council to make a positive difference. I love this town and its people.

On October 24th, 2022, please vote Wendy Gabrek for Ward 2.