As one of the two women on Peterborough’s 11-member city council, Town Ward councillor Joy Lachica has spent much of March touring International Women’s Day events — including at a March 4 celebration hosted by the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough where she announced her intention to run for re-election in Town Ward.
As such, I was lucky to have the chance to sit down with her recently for a coffee.
At a small cafe table, Lachica and I spoke about her upcoming campaign for re-election in the municipal election this October.
A first-term councillor eager to run again
If there was one message that she made clear throughout our conversation, it was that she is excited to run for re-election.
“What an opportunity,” she said of her first term.
Lachica was first elected to council in 2022 following a career as a teacher and education advocate. Her campaign focused on social issues and building community, two things which remain central to her work.
For some councillors the prospect of campaigning for re-election can be daunting, especially when voters and residents are frustrated with council, but Lachica spoke excitedly about the strong relationship and “basis for communication and recognition of what the issues are and where we’re at with them” that she has with constituents.
Lachica said she is proud of being very involved with events and conversations happening within her ward and the wider community.
“Knocking on doors is my favourite part,” she said.
Building on unfinished work in Town Ward
Another driving factor for Lachica in this campaign is the knowledge there is still work to be done in her ward. She spoke of how “four years is only the beginning and we’re just in the midst of (our goals).”
Some of her early motions in council focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and implementing a housing first approach throughout all aspects of council.
For Lachica, the “needle has only moved so much” on many such issues that she campaigned on in 2022. As a first-time councillor, she explained there is a significant transition period and a second term would allow her to further the work she has started.
When considering how equity and inclusion can be embedded into the culture of council, Lachica looks to increasing community participation in the council decision-making process. The implementation of Connect Peterborough is a step towards ensuring that council is hearing the perspective of residents.
When I asked Lachica whether the rumours about her bid for mayor had any truth, she explained that “right now is the time to continue the work in the ward” and that remaining in Town Ward as a councillor is where she feels her impact can be.
With the influence of councillors impacted due to provincial legislation regarding strong mayor powers, Lachica indicated that whether a new mayor chooses to accept these powers will be “a wedge issue” in the campaign period.
With the intent of current mayor Jeff Leal to campaign for re-election still unknown, there is an opportunity for a change in leadership in the chamber.
“I think in a democracy people elected together have power,” she said of her decision to return to the councillor role, in recognition of the power of collaborative action when permitted under legislation.
Framing her campaign around collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity
When she announced her intent to run for re-election at an International Women’s Day event hosted by the Women’s Business Network on March 4, Lachica became the first female candidate to declare for the 2026 municipal election.
Both at this event and during our conversation, Lachica explored the importance of “women changing cities” and embedding values of collaboration and empathy into governance. It is, she says, this “meaningful relationship building” that makes communities thrive.
When discussing barriers faced by women and other marginalized people in terms of engaging with politics, she spoke about “strict, patriarchal municipal by-laws” that limit participation.
Despite these systemic issues, Lachica does see a role that council and city staff should be playing to increase communication and visibility for inclusive and diverse participation.
Throughout this conversation, she emphasized that it is not just about encouraging women to participate. She is “a big believer in intersectionality, and that everything is porous.”
Housing challenges, tenant protections, and responsible development are key issues
When we spoke about some of the key issues that Lachica has heard from residents, she highlighted many instances of renoviction and landlord mismanagement.
“Those conversations are sometimes desperate,” she shared.
With Peterborough a growing community that continues to face housing affordability and supply challenges, Lachica explained the reality is that people must “stay in unforgivable conditions with a landlord who is not managing the issues.”
She looks to other municipalities such as Hamilton, which implemented a renovation and relocation by-law in 2025 that strengthened tenant rights and made it harder for landlords to displace existing residents.
Further to this, we spoke at length about the important role of council in balancing the need and desire for growth and economic development while respecting existing neighbourhoods, greenspace, and residents.
Lachica is currently a co-chair for the infrastructure, planning and growth management portfolio. She spoke about the need for a “growth mindset that makes sense” that also prioritizes access for all.
“It’s not just about building higher,” she said.
Sitting in the downtown core, we look out onto the busy streets and imagine a walkable city with distinct neighbourhoods and local investment. Joy shared that this is her vision for Peterborough.
Investment in the arts and streetscapes part of economic vision
Although economic development is often thought to be just about infrastructure and new industry, Lachica believes that we need to invest in the arts sector. She described Peterborough as “an arts engine” that is fuelled by the presence of local artists.
However, Lachica is adamant that “We can’t expect that engine to keep running without investment from the city.”
Lachica identified the arts as the “soul of the city” and as being as deserving of attention and funding as development opportunities such as sports and tourism.
Speaking further about economic development, Lachica looked across to the future Charlotte Street West streetscape project. With its vision of creating a “safer, more vibrant streetscape,” she said it is representative of much of what she hopes to see in the city.
Lachica said she is going into the new campaign period with knowledge and experience as her bedrock.
“I’ve grown a thick skin,” she said, as we spoke about the challenges she has faced over the past four years.
As our conversation came to a close, Lachica shared that, ultimately, she wants her constituents to know that “they are in good hands” and that “what we haven’t yet achieved, we will work towards.” It is these ideas, she said, that will encapsulate her campaign.
