Alyssa Blais, executive director for the Agapè Centre, and former Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre business consultant, announced her candidacy for Cornwall City Council.

A resident of Cornwall for more than 5 years after having lived in Quebec, Blais says choosing this city as her home has been perfect and it’s time for her to give back.

“I wasn’t born in Cornwall,” Blais states, “however, I have chosen to sink my roots here. It is a good choice for me, and I want to ensure it remains a good choice for my future grandchildren.”

As the executive director of the Agapè Centre, Blais has a deep understanding of the issues facing the community and has forged relationships with citizens across the city. Not one to shy away from becoming involved in issues she is passionate about, Alyssa remains active in the volunteer community. Alyssa devotes her time to supporting some of her core values, such as health, equality, culture, and the arts. As a member of the Cornwall Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), Director of Aultsville Theatre, Board Member of The Seaway Valley Community Health Centre and member of the Culture Plan Committee, Alyssa’s volunteer experience and core values are as diverse as the community in which she lives.

Committed to a healthy lifestyle, Alyssa understands the importance of Cornwall’s green spaces and, perhaps the region’s greatest asset, the stunning waterfront of the St. Lawrence River and the important role it plays in Cornwall’s leisure and recreation opportunities.

Alyssa says her campaign will focus on improving participation in city government by the residents of Cornwall, working to reduce the levels of poverty in the community, supporting a greener Cornwall, and creating an identifiable public place for the arts and culture.

“Cornwall needs strong leaders with different perspectives who can come to the table and work together,” Blais says. “I look forward to serving our community and will represent our entire city, including our youth, our families, and our seniors.”