Avia Eek, King Ward 6 candidate

Yorkregion.com
September 11, 2018

As a two-term Ward 6 councillor, I want to keep serving you, bring my love for our community to the council table and continue to help our township overcome the challenges we may face.

“I have embraced my service to our community with passion, dedication, and a collaborative mind set. Your priorities are my priorities.”

My husband Bill and I own and operate Eek Farms in the Holland Marsh. I’ve lived in Ward 6 since 1988 and Bill is a third-generation Holland Marsh farmer; his great-uncle was one of the first settlers in Ansnorveldt in 1934.

My work on council includes the redesign of the former Holland Marsh District Christian School; furthering local road works projects; updating King’s official plan and working to implement tasks defined by York’s agriculture and agri-food strategy. I take pride in collaborating with all levels of government --I helped reinstate Canada Post mailboxes. I helped garner support for the University of Guelph’s pollinator project with five sites around the Holland Marsh.

“The teamwork required to run a successful farm business has prepared me for the teamwork and collaboration necessary to effectively represent our community. My focus remains dealing with what matters most to our Ward 6 residents --agriculture, economic development, and the environment.” 

Being the elected municipal representative is about showing up, listening to resident concerns, helping to facilitate solutions, working with all levels of government and agencies. Understanding the process and council/staff relationships is essential to effectively represent constituents.

I continue to serve on numerous boards/committees, including the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, King’s sustainability advisory committee; Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance and the York Region Agricultural Advisory Liaison Group. I also support the King Chamber of Commerce, Ladies in Philanthropy for Southlake, and Run/Walk for Southlake.