Shawn Poland registers for Ward 9 race in Greater Sudbury

Shawn Poland filed his nomination papers on Friday and became an officially registered candidate for Ward 9 in Greater Sudbury. The Cambrian College staffer said he is seeking to replace outgoing Coun. Deb McIntosh, who has indicated she is not running again in October.

Poland's Ward 9 bid

Poland now lives in the Long Lake area and currently serves as vice-president of strategic enrolment and external partnerships at Cambrian College. He previously held senior leadership roles there in marketing, communications, recruitment, alumni and development, and government relations, and served as interim president in 2023.

He said in a release, "I was born in Sudbury, my family’s roots are in Coniston, and this community has shaped who I am."

Sudbury public service record

Poland is vice chair of the Greater Sudbury Police Services board and a member of the Ontario Police Arbitration and Adjudication Commission. He also volunteers with the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, NORCAT, Contact North and the Art Gallery of Sudbury, and has coached local soccer teams for 25 years.

In the same release, he said, "I came back planning to stay for one year, and three decades later, I’ve built a life, raised a family, and dedicated my career to supporting Greater Sudbury. Registering on day one reflects how seriously I take this opportunity to serve Ward 9 and our city."

Greater Sudbury growth

Poland said, "With the growth we’re seeing across Greater Sudbury, residents deserve thoughtful, measured leadership that balances opportunity with accountability." He added, "I will work hard to ensure Ward 9 and the entire city benefits from smart planning, fiscal responsibility and decisions that reflect the needs of our communities."

The city is seeing renewed growth driven by investments in mining, critical minerals and major infrastructure projects, giving the Ward 9 race added weight for residents watching how the seat will be filled after McIntosh steps aside.