Sam Snyders - candidate for

pickering city councillor, ward 2


About Sam


Sam Snyders grew up in Pickering and is proud to have deep family roots in the community he calls home. After attending Dunbarton High School, he built a career through hard work and a strong belief in bringing people together to solve problems.


From his early days in the telecommunications sector with Bell Technical Solutions (Bell) to serving as President of Unifor Local 1996-O, Sam developed a reputation as a practical, solutions-focused leader.


Since January 2017, he has served as a National Representative for workers, where he has developed diverse and extensive experience across multiple sectors, including aerospace, nuclear, manufacturing, telecommunications, transportation (including Durham Region Transit), auto services, and retail. Throughout his career, Sam has negotiated more than 60 business agreements and worked through complex negotiations, high-stakes disputes, and formal resolution processes involving workers, employers, and government bodies.


Alongside his professional work, Sam has helped organize major food drives supporting the Daily Bread Food Bank and St. Francis Table. He also served for four years as an appointed member of Pickering’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (PAAC), advocating for a community where everyone can participate and thrive.


For more information on Sam's background and to understand why he's running for Ward 2 City Councillor, please click here.


WHY SAM?

  

“Residents have told me they want someone who listens, shows up, and follows through. To me, a Residents First approach means being accessible, being present in the community, and making sure people feel heard.” - Sam Snyders


  • I show up and I follow through. I don't just talk about issues. I bring them forward, stay with them, and push for results, whether it’s accessibility, public safety, or community services.
  • I listen before I decide. I believe good decisions start with listening to residents, parents, workers, and seniors. Your lived experience matters, and it deserves a seat at the table.
  • I ask the hard questions on your behalf. Whether it’s growth, safety, taxes, or development, I’m not afraid to challenge decisions that don’t make sense for residents.
  • I believe transparency builds trust. Residents deserve clear answers, honest timelines, and real communication. Not spin or silence.
  • I put people before politics. This isn’t about titles or ambition. It’s about building a city that works for everyone - today and for the long term.


My Platform


Many of the priorities in this platform come directly from conversations I’ve already had with residents across Ward 2. But listening doesn’t stop once a platform is written. As I continue meeting people at their doors and in the community, this platform will continue to evolve based on what residents tell me matters most. As the campaign progresses, I’ll continue sharing more detailed information on each priority, including realistic approaches, potential challenges, and what can practically be achieved through local government.


Affordability & Responsible Finances

"Respecting your paycheque through responsible decisions for our community today and the next generation tomorrow."


Residents are feeling the pressure of rising costs and increasing property taxes. Local government must be disciplined, transparent, and focused on delivering value.


My commitment:

  • Ensure clear, transparent budgeting, including better explanations of major spending decisions
  • Advocate for fair funding from provincial and federal governments so municipalities aren’t carrying costs alone
  • Support a “growth pays for growth” approach wherever possible
  • Review spending decisions to ensure tax dollars are being used efficiently and responsibly

Responsible Growth & Infrastructure

“Growth should work for residents, not outpace them.”

Pickering is growing rapidly, especially in Ward 2. Growth is necessary, but it must be planned properly so infrastructure, services, and quality of life keep pace.


What responsible growth means:
Growth that is matched with:

  • Infrastructure (roads, transit, water)
  • Emergency services capacity
  • Community services and amenities

My commitment:

  • Advocate for development that aligns with infrastructure readiness
  • Push for better planning coordination between development and services
  • Work with residents and experts to improve outcomes of new developments
  • Ensure community concerns are heard and reflected in planning decisions

Community Safety & Well-Being

“Safe communities require preparation, coordination, and communication.”

As our city grows, safety must grow with it. That includes not just emergency response, but planning, prevention, and transparency.


My commitment:

  • Support and strengthen the City’s External link opens in new tab or windowCommunity Safety & Well-Being Plan
  • Advocate for adequate emergency services staffing and resources as density increases
  • Improve communication with residents on safety issues and incidents
  • Work with frontline experts (including fire services) to ensure growth does not compromise safety

Community Access & Quality of Life

“A growing city must remain livable.”

Residents are already feeling the strain on services — from recreation programs to everyday access to facilities.


My commitment:

  • Advocate for better access to recreation programs and community services
  • Ensure facility planning keeps pace with population growth
  • Push for practical improvements to everyday services residents rely on
  • Address local issues like recycling services and business support challenges

Accessible & Accountable Leadership

“You deserve a councillor who listens AND acts.”


Residents want to be heard, but they also want results.


My commitment:

  • Be visible, accessible, and responsive in the community
  • Bring a solutions-focused approach to council decisions
  • Work collaboratively with council and community stakeholders
  • Make informed decisions based on input, evidence, and long-term impact