2026 Mississauga Election Candidate Profile: Ward 2 - Olga Polstvin
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With the upcoming 2026 Municipal elections happening on Monday, October 26th, Modern Mississauga Media has reached out to all candidates inviting them to answer the same questions so voters can familiarize themselves with them.
With the 2022 Mississauga election having a paltry 21.84% voter turnout, this series is to educate the community and hopefully increase voter turnout for 2026.
Low voter turnout means that the voices of a few make decisions for all.
Candidate’s were also asked to provide at least four images and their answers are unedited.
Click here to read all candidate profiles and check back often as responses will be posted within 72 hours of receipt.
Click here to learn how to vote in the 2026 Mississauga Election.
1. Why are you running for Ward 2 councillor?
I’m running because Ward 2 is my home, and I believe public service begins with listening, showing up and caring about the people around you. I want residents to feel that their councillor is accessible, responsive and willing to work alongside them.
Ward 2 has tremendous people, neighbourhoods, businesses and natural spaces. I want to connect those strengths and help build a community where everyone feels they belong.
2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
My approach to leadership is collaborative, empathetic and solutions-focused. I bring knowledge and experience in leadership, governance, strategic planning, fundraising and resource development, communications, community engagement, negotiation and conflict resolution.
I also understand the potential of arts and cultural initiatives to strengthen community identity, attract visitors, support local businesses and generate economic activity. I’m a gardener at heart, and I care deeply about sustainability, green spaces and creating places where people want to gather and belong.
Most importantly, I know how to bring people, ideas and resources together. Ward 2 already has tremendous talent and potential. I want to connect those strengths, build partnerships and turn good ideas into meaningful action.
3. What are your key campaign priorities?
My priorities are affordability, public safety, responsible spending and accountability, accessible services, environmental stewardship and stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
I want Ward 2 to work for people at every stage of life. Children need safe playgrounds and places to grow and play. Seniors need welcoming, accessible spaces where they can gather, participate and stay connected. Families need support, and residents need green spaces and community places that create a genuine sense of belonging.
I also want to strengthen mental-health and social supports, food security, arts and culture, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Building a stronger Ward 2 means using our resources creatively and making sure no part of our community is overlooked.
4. What budget item is the most important for Mississauga?
Affordability. It affects residents differently. Homeowners are facing property taxes and rising household costs, while renters and residents who rely on transit may be struggling with rent, transportation and even putting food on the table.
Every budget decision should consider that reality. We need to scrutinize spending, find efficiencies and use our resources wisely while protecting reliable transit and essential services. We also need to build more walkable, connected communities where people can reach everyday necessities more easily and affordably.
A city budget is ultimately about people, and we need to understand who carries the cost of every decision we make.
5. What are your three favourite aspects of Mississauga?
First, our people—from our children and young people, who bring energy and possibility, to our seniors, who carry so much knowledge and experience. I value the connections between generations and how much we can learn from and support one another.
Second, our green spaces, parks, trails and waterfront. They are part of what makes Mississauga feel like home and are worth protecting and enhancing.
Third, our incredibly diverse business community—from small locally owned businesses to major companies choosing to invest here. That diversity creates jobs, ideas, partnerships and opportunities that can benefit the whole community.
6. How will you be actively supporting our locally owned businesses if elected?
I will be a strong advocate for local businesses and work to create a more connected, collaborative environment where they can thrive. I will advocate for grant and funding opportunities, help businesses navigate available resources, and strengthen connections between entrepreneurs, BIAs, community organizations and larger businesses.
I want to create more opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and ensure that young people, women and others with great ideas can access the networks and resources they need to build and grow. I also want to bring more events, cultural initiatives and partnerships into our communities where local businesses can participate, gain visibility and benefit economically.
By involving local businesses in festivals, cultural experiences and community events, we can attract more visitors, strengthen tourism and keep more economic activity within our community. When our local businesses succeed, our whole community benefits.
7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Mississauga has done an excellent job of attracting major businesses and investment while preserving an impressive network of parks, trails, green spaces and waterfront. These are tremendous assets—economically, environmentally and for our quality of life.
Our next step is to make those strengths work even harder for residents: building meaningful partnerships with businesses, creating opportunities for local communities and entrepreneurs, and continuing to invest in the green spaces that make people want to live, work and build their future here.
8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards will you be setting and following?
My standard would be simple: accessible, responsive and transparent. Residents should know how to reach their councillor, receive acknowledgement when they contact the office, and know what follow-up they can expect.
I would communicate through email, phone, social media, regular community updates, town halls and neighbourhood meetings. But I also believe in showing up. I want to visit neighbourhoods, local businesses, schools and community organizations, volunteer alongside residents and be a visible presence throughout Ward 2—not only when there is a problem or an election.
I want people to know that I am there for everyone, that their concerns matter and that communication goes both ways. A councillor should be part of the community they represent.
9. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
I want residents involved before decisions are made, not after. I will use town halls, neighbourhood meetings, surveys and working groups, while actively reaching people who may not normally participate.
I also want regular dialogue with frontline community organizations, including food banks, seniors’ groups, schools and other local organizations, to understand what they are seeing and hearing from residents. My job is to listen, connect people and make sure community voices meaningfully shape decisions.
10. Please provide your campaign website.
