Longtime resident, community advocate, and retired frontline healthcare worker Lori Borthwick has officially announced her candidacy for Ward 1 (Belleville) City Council in the upcoming municipal election.
Borthwick, who dedicated over 30 years to serving local residents as a respiratory therapist at Belleville General Hospital, is shifting her focus from bedside care to advocacy at City Hall. Her campaign centers on critical municipal issues including, environmental stewardship, public healthcare access, smart infrastructure growth, and sustainable community programming.
“After three decades on the front lines of healthcare in Belleville, I understand the direct connection between municipal policy and the everyday well-being of our residents,” said Borthwick. “Belleville is growing rapidly, and we need forward-thinking leadership on council that prioritizes smart development, protects our green spaces, and ensures that everyone—from families to seniors—has the support they need to thrive.”
Her key campaign priorities include;
- Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability: Enhancing Belleville’s urban canopy, preserving public parks, and adopting climate-ready municipal strategies.
- Strengthening Community Well-being: Leveraging her healthcare background to advocate for better social determinants of health, mental health resources, and inclusive community support systems.
- Responsible Growth and Housing: Working toward sustainable, attainable housing solutions that align with the city’s infrastructure capabilities.
Borthwick is already a well-known voice in regional advocacy, previously championing public interests and environmental causes across the Bay of Quinte. Her deep-seated commitment to transparency, collaboration, and grassroots engagement promises to offer Ward 1 voters an authentic and proactive representative on council.
The campaign will kick off its community outreach initiatives this month. Residents are invited to connect, or learn more about Borthwick at her website loriborthwick.ca
Borthwick joins eight other candidates for Ward 1 seats, Barb Enright-Miller, Garnet Thompson, Kelly Henderson, Margaret Seu, Ted Barfett, Alex Bruce, Maury Flunder and Cathy Polan.
Meanwhile in Quinte West, Brian Crews has filed in Ward 3 Murray for the fall election, competing against fellow prospective newcomer Ed Santos.
The municipal election runs on October 26.
