David McLeod for Mayor of Welland

Born in Welland. Built a Family in Welland. Working in Welland.

After earning my business degree, I left Welland for seven years to pursue my corporate career, which was an incredible experience.  In 2004, I had the opportunity to return to Welland and raise my family.  In 2010, I decided to step-up and give back to my community by running for city council.  My motivation was simple,  to help give my kids a Welland with a better future, one decision at a time.


Since returning to Welland, I have continued to work in the private sector, providing small business & property management.  Together, that is 29 years of combined corporate and small business experience, plus 16 consecutive years at Welland city council - giving me an intimate understanding of how corporate businesses,  local small businesses, Welland city council and Regional government work.  


Welland needs stable, experienced, straightforward leadership -  Now.  Leadership that can deliver efficiencies and results, while not sacrificing our future.  It needs honest, experienced leadership at City Hall and the Region - That is why I stepped up to be your MAYOR.  


I appreciate your consideration and your trust in me.  I am ready to be the Mayor Welland needs.


Sincerely, David

Family of four with a dog posing outside a house.

BORN IN WELLAND

BORN IN WELLAND

BORN IN WELLAND

 My parents planted their roots in Welland in 1967, both of them dedicated their careers to teaching in Niagara.  They built a bungalow on Montgomery Rd, where they raised 7 boys - Yes 7.  I am incredibly grateful for my family and family values they instilled in me.


I attended Lloyd Rice school (now Nouvel Horizon), Quaker Rd elementary school, Glynn A Green for French Immersion, Centennial High School (French Immersion program), Earned a degree in Business Administration from Brock University.


Working for Sears Canada had Tamara and I living in a few cities around Southern Ontario - then came home to Welland to start our family.

OUR FAMILY

BORN IN WELLAND

BORN IN WELLAND

Happily married to Tamara for 26 years.  Our children Payton and Isaac grew up in Welland and embraced the city's strong French community - La Boite a Soleil, Nouvel Horizon, Franco Niagara, Welland Centennial Secondary (French Immersion).  


Both of our children have chosen paths that are community facing.  Which is pretty cool.


Isaac has chosen to stay in Welland and attend Niagara College's Paramedic program.  


Payton completed her Honours Degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy from University of Guelph, and has started her Law degree at University of Windsor.

MY CAREER PATH

BORN IN WELLAND

MY CAREER PATH

 Education
Honours Business Administration, Brock University. More than a degree — it taught me how to think, and that's served me in every role since.


Corporate Experience — Sears Canada
Started on the floor at Seaway Mall Sears, in the hardware department. From there, built a career across store, regional, and national levels: sales and retail management, purchasing, and eventually leading a 26-location auto centre region — 390 employees, $40 million in annual revenue. Went on to serve as National Process Manager, overseeing standards across all 66 Sears Canada auto centres.


Small Business Experience
Managed small business operations with Konsept Construction, and provided management services to construction and property service providers across welding, electrical, flooring, concrete repair, and property management.

Proven experience, work ethic

16 Years of EFFORT

Elected Chair Positions:


Vice Mayor - 2 years: Performing the duties of the Welland Mayor


Budget Chair - 7 years: Managing council through the budget process.


Economic Development Commission Chair - 4 years (8 years board member):  Strengthen business networks and find opportunities with staff, community business leaders, educators and organizations to build a stronger business community.


Town & Gown Chair: 4 years: Improving our community relationship between Niagara College, students, residents and community partners.


Boards:


Canal Corporation: 4 years - Increasing canal amenities, sports and community leisure activities on and around the waterway.


Youngs Sports Plex: 4 years - Engaging with sport organization leadership, staff and management to deliver a facility that supports growing sport membership and is fiscally responsible.


Committees:


North Welland BIA - 12 years improving the business catchment area for local businesses.


Green Committee: 4 years - Promoting green initiatives Welland, including growing our tree canopy and public education on how they can contribute.


Affordable Housing Committee: 2 years - Working with Organizations, Social Developers and community partners to deliver affordable and deeply affordable housing.


Senior Advisory Committee - 2 years assisting with membership, management and engagement of the community center.


Emergency Preparedness: 1 year - Assessing and preparing for community emergency situations.