Some door-to-door conversations begin with City issues. Today’s began with fig trees and ended with two plants in my SUV.

As I walked up a resident’s driveway, something immediately caught my attention. Around the front of his home and garage were more than ten fig plants. They were healthy, full and carrying an extraordinary number of figs. Some appeared to have at least 100 figs on a single plant.

Normally, the first words out of my mouth when I approach a resident are, “Hi, I’m Sigmund.”

Not today.

Instead, I said, “I admire your fig plants. There are so many figs on them!”

A Seven-Year Wait

I explained that seven years ago, I grew a fig plant from seeds taken from fruit I bought at the supermarket. The plant grew, but after seven years, it still has not produced a single fig. Someone also gave me another fig plant earlier this year, but my hope of having a productive fig tree has not yet been fulfilled.

The resident picked a ripe fig from one of his plants and handed it to me to taste.

Wow. It was incredibly sweet.

That one comment about his plants turned into a conversation lasting about an hour and a half. We talked about figs, how to grow them and how he cares for his plants.

Then, completely unexpectedly, he told me that he would give me two fig plants.

One of them already had a single fig growing near the top.

He told me, “Next year, you will get a lot. If you are lucky, you may get more than 100.”

He also said that if I had any problems with the two plants, I should come back and he would give me more. He then helped me load both plants into my SUV.

The Flyers in My Hand

Up to this point, we had not discussed the election at all.

As I was finally getting ready to leave, he noticed that I still had flyers in my hand.

“What are those for?” he asked.

I told him, “I just won a million dollars. Now I am ready to run!”

He laughed and said, “Those fig plants are not worth a million dollars.”

My answer was simple:

“They are to me.”

For seven years, I have wanted a fig plant that would finally produce fruit. Today, a resident shared his knowledge with me, gave me two plants and may have helped make that small dream come true.

Only then did I explain the flyers and tell him that I was running for Richmond Hill Council in Ward 2.

This may be the first time I have spent an hour and a half with a resident before introducing myself as a candidate. LOL.

Campaigning is often measured by the number of doors knocked, flyers delivered and votes received. But a door is not only a number. Behind every door is a person with knowledge, interests, stories and, sometimes, extraordinary generosity.

I walked up his driveway intending to introduce myself. Instead, I enjoyed a wonderful conversation, tasted one of the sweetest figs I have ever eaten, learned how to care for fig plants and came home with two new trees.

That is one door I will never forget. To me, those plants truly are worth a million dollars.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

Door-to-door canvassing gives residents an opportunity to meet the people asking for their vote, raise concerns and ask questions directly.

For residents living in houses, that opportunity is usually straightforward. In apartment buildings, condominiums and other multi-unit residences, however, access can depend on the decision made at the front desk.

During this campaign, I have encountered several buildings where I was told that candidates were not allowed to canvass. This happened even after I showed staff a letter from the Richmond Hill City Clerk explaining the access rights provided under Ontario law.

In some cases, after further discussion, I was eventually permitted to enter only after promising not to knock on residents’ doors. I accepted that restriction because delivering information to each door was still better than leaving everything in a common area. At least residents would have an opportunity to see the material and decide whether they wanted to read it.

At another building, I was asked to leave my campaign materials near the mail area for residents to pick up. I asked how long they would remain there. I was told one or two days, after which anything left would be discarded.

A campaign flyer cannot help someone make an informed decision if that person never sees it. Leaving a stack of flyers temporarily in a common area is not the same as allowing residents to meet a candidate, ask questions or choose whether to accept the information at their own door.

What the City Clerk’s Letter Says

The Canvassing Letter 2026 issued by Richmond Hill’s City Clerk quotes section 88.1 of Ontario’s Municipal Elections Act:

No person who is in control of an apartment building, condominium building, non-profit housing cooperative or gated community may prevent a candidate or his or her representative from campaigning between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at the doors to the apartments, units or houses, as the case may be.

The letter also cites the Residential Tenancies Act, the Co-operative Corporations Act and the Condominium Act. These laws protect reasonable access for candidates or their authorized representatives to canvass and distribute election material.

The words “at the doors” matter. A temporary pile of flyers near a mail area is not the same opportunity described in the Clerk’s letter.

Different Buildings Have Different Responsibilities

I also understand that not every residential setting is the same. Long-term care homes must protect residents who may be medically vulnerable. When I am told that canvassing is not permitted because of health or safety concerns and that my materials must be left at reception, I do not argue or plead for entry.

I respect those instructions because protecting long-term care residents must always be the utmost concern.

That is different from an ordinary apartment or condominium building refusing access even after being shown the City Clerk’s letter, or allowing access only after repeated discussion.

Building security is important. Reasonable arrangements such as signing in, providing identification and respecting appropriate hours can protect residents while still allowing candidates to reach them. What is needed is a clear and consistently applied process.

This Is About the Rights of Residents

This issue is not simply about making canvassing easier for candidates. It is about whether residents living in multi-unit buildings receive the same opportunity to participate in an election as residents living in houses.

Some residents, particularly seniors and people with limited mobility, may depend more heavily on candidates coming to them. If candidates are stopped in the lobby, those residents may never have the chance to meet them, ask a question or explain a neighbourhood concern.

Election access should not depend on how long a candidate is prepared to plead at the front desk, which staff member happens to be working that day or whether a resident notices a flyer before it is discarded.

If residents have the right to choose among all candidates, every candidate should have a fair opportunity to reach them.

When candidates cannot reach the door, voters lose out.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

During this campaign, I have met many seniors at their doors and listened to a wide range of experiences.

Some are active, independent and deeply involved in the community. Others face challenges involving mobility, transportation, housing, isolation, affordability or technology.

Seniors are not one uniform group, and supporting them requires more than a single program or campaign promise.

I have also seen the importance of accessible programs firsthand through my volunteer work with the Richmond Hill Computer Technology Volunteers at the McConaghy Centre. We help adults 55+ become more comfortable using computers, smartphones and tablets.

That experience has shown me what Richmond Hill can accomplish when the City provides facilities and community volunteers contribute their time, knowledge and patience. It has also shown me how easily people can be left behind as more information and services move online.

What Richmond Hill Is Doing Well

Richmond Hill has a solid range of recreation and social programs for older adults, including fitness, technology, arts, language programs, outings and drop-in activities.

Programs are offered at five main locations. Residents aged 65 and older also receive a 30% reduction on most recreation registration fees and fitness memberships.

Other positive services and initiatives include:

• Windrow clearing for more than 50,000 local residential driveways.
• A $454 property tax grant in 2026 for qualifying low-income senior homeowners who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
• Programs intended to reduce social isolation and help seniors remain active and connected.
• An Age-Friendly Community Strategy approved by Council in 2023.
• An Age-Friendly Community Council involving older residents, community organizations and businesses that serve seniors.

These are genuine strengths and should be recognized.

However, the existence of programs does not necessarily mean that every senior can find them, reach them, afford them or participate in them.

There is also a capacity problem. When registration opens, spaces in some popular seniors’ programs can be filled within minutes, leaving other residents on waiting lists.

This demand demonstrates the value of the programs, but it also raises important questions. Are enough spaces being offered? Can successful programs be expanded? And are seniors who are less comfortable with online registration being placed at a disadvantage?

A full program is a sign of success, but a long waiting list is also a sign that the community needs more capacity.

Learn more about Richmond Hill’s programs for adults 55+

What Is Still Missing?

Richmond Hill’s own age-friendly consultation identified several areas requiring additional attention:

• More affordable and suitable housing for seniors who want to downsize while remaining in their community.
• Transportation that is affordable, accessible and flexible, particularly for people who no longer drive.
• Safer streets, sidewalks, trails and crossings for people with mobility limitations.
• Easier access to information about programs, financial assistance and community services.
• Better outreach to isolated seniors, newcomers and residents facing language or technology barriers.
• Better coordination and navigation of health and community support services.
• Continued expansion of seniors’ programs as Richmond Hill’s older population grows.

Adopting a strategy is a worthwhile beginning, but a strategy should eventually produce visible and measurable results.

Residents should be able to see which recommendations have been completed, what remains outstanding, what the work is costing and whether it is making a meaningful difference.

Read about Richmond Hill’s Age-Friendly Community Strategy

What Can Richmond Hill Do Better?

Municipal government cannot provide every service seniors require. Healthcare and long-term care, for example, are primarily provincial responsibilities, while public transit is largely operated by York Region.

However, Richmond Hill still has an important role to play.

Make Information Easier to Find

Richmond Hill should produce one clear guide explaining seniors’ programs, recreation discounts, tax assistance, transportation options and community support services.

It should be available online, in print and in commonly used languages. Copies could be distributed through community centres, libraries, seniors’ buildings and local organizations.

Not everyone is comfortable navigating multiple websites or completing an online application.

Report Measurable Progress

The City should publish an annual progress report on its Age-Friendly Community Strategy.

The report should explain what has been completed, what is underway, what has been delayed and what measurable results have been achieved. This would allow residents and Council to determine whether the strategy is being implemented effectively.

Examine Accessibility Where It Matters Most

The City should regularly examine sidewalks, crossings, lighting, benches and snow clearing around seniors’ residences, community centres, medical offices and other frequently used locations.

A sidewalk may technically exist but still be difficult to use with a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid.

Help Seniors Remain in Their Community

Many seniors want to downsize without leaving Richmond Hill or moving far away from family, friends and familiar services.

Through planning and zoning decisions, the City can encourage a greater variety of accessible housing options near shops, community services and public transportation. This must include housing that seniors with different incomes can realistically afford.

Reach the People Who Are Not Already Participating

The seniors attending recreation programs and community events are the easiest to reach. The greater challenge is identifying and connecting with people who are isolated, unable to travel, facing language barriers or unaware of available support.

The City should work with community organizations, libraries, volunteers and residential buildings to bring information closer to those residents.

Continue Supporting Digital Literacy

Technology can help seniors communicate, access services and remain independent. It can also expose people to online fraud, confusing applications and rapidly changing systems.

Digital services should continue to expand, but reasonable telephone, printed and in-person alternatives should remain available. Digital convenience should not become digital exclusion.

For programs that can be delivered effectively online, Richmond Hill should consider adding Zoom or hybrid sessions. This could expand capacity and help seniors who face mobility, transportation or weather-related barriers.

Online participation should be an additional option, not a replacement for in-person programs. Some seniors require assistance using the technology, while others depend on these programs for face-to-face social contact.

Listening Before Deciding

My volunteer experience at McConaghy and my conversations at the doors have reinforced the importance of listening before deciding what people need.

The City should continue supporting the programs that are working. At the same time, respecting seniors means being willing to ask who is still being left out, what obstacles remain and whether promised improvements are producing results.

A service only helps when seniors know about it, can reach it and can use it.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

One benefit of sharing ideas early is that residents can see what a candidate believes before election season becomes crowded. It also creates a public record of when those ideas were shared.

Since launching my website on May 11, 2026, I have written regularly about listening carefully, asking direct questions, exercising independent judgment, explaining decisions and following up so residents are not left without answers.

Recently, I noticed a remarkably familiar combination of these ideas appearing elsewhere.

Apparently, someone is reading my website. LOL.

That is all good. Campaigns should be about ideas, and if more candidates now believe councillors should listen, ask questions, explain their decisions and follow up with residents, Richmond Hill may benefit.

Words Are Only the Beginning

Of course, repeating the words is the easy part. The more important questions are:

• When were the difficult questions asked?
• What action followed?
• What results were achieved?

My website has been active since May 11, 2026 and is updated regularly. The archive remains available for anyone interested in seeing how these ideas developed over time.

Residents can read the record and draw their own conclusions.

Update 1 (August 28): Since this post was published, the page referenced above no longer appears in my opponent’s main website navigation, although it remains accessible through its direct link. Residents can decide what significance, if any, to attach to that change.

Update 2 (Sept 7): The page referenced above has now been restored in my opponent’s main website. Residents can decide what significance, if any, to attach to that change.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

A conversation with a resident reminded me that listening should not depend on someone opening their door at a particular moment.

The resident said that while he was willing to speak with me, many people prefer not to have their doorbell rung. They may have young children sleeping, seniors resting, family members working from home, or may simply not want to be interrupted.

He asked why I do not provide another way for residents to meet or speak with me.

He is right.

Door-to-door conversations help me hear directly from residents across Ward 2. But I understand that a knock at the door is not convenient for everyone, and I do not want anyone to feel disturbed in their own home.

Residents Can Still Reach Out

I have already heard from residents who chose to contact me directly. One caller raised concerns about several short-term rental properties on his street, cars parked on the road, loud music and other neighbourhood issues. We were not able to speak at the door, but he still made the effort to call because he wanted his concerns heard.

That is why it is important to provide another way to connect.

If I leave a flyer at your door and you would like to talk, you can contact me when it suits you. We can arrange a time to meet at your home, at a convenient public place such as Tim Hortons, or speak by phone.

The important thing is that residents have a reasonable opportunity to be heard, without needing to open the door at an inconvenient time.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

Sometimes we know exactly what we mean, but others may reasonably understand our words differently.

A resident recently asked me about this sentence on my website:

“Rather than relying only on mass flyer distribution, much of our communication takes place through direct conversations, community engagement, and regular updates on this website.”

I knew what I meant. I was referring specifically to Canada Post Admail. However, the resident understood the sentence to mean that I was not widely delivering flyers or knocking on doors.

That was certainly not my intended message. I have personally been knocking on doors throughout Ward 2, speaking directly with residents and delivering my campaign information.

Clarity Requires Listening

This was a useful reminder that good communication is not only about what we intend to say. It is also about how others may reasonably understand our words.

When wording is unclear, the right response is to listen, clarify it and improve it. This applies to a campaign website, everyday conversations and communication from City Hall.

Sometimes one honest question can improve a message more than ten compliments.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

Politics often encourages people to ask one question: Will this help me win?

I believe there is a more important question: Is it right?

There have been times when I have defended someone’s right to participate in our democratic process, even when doing so may not have been politically helpful to me.

That did not mean I agreed with everything that person had said or done. It meant I believed the final decision belonged to the voters.

The Right to Participate

Every eligible candidate has the right to run for public office. No candidate owns a ward, and no one should be discouraged from participating simply because their candidacy may affect someone else’s chances of winning.

Democracy cannot mean that people have the right to run only when their participation helps our preferred outcome.

Principles Can Have a Cost

The same principle should guide decisions at City Hall. It is easy to support what is popular, convenient or politically beneficial. Leadership is tested when doing what is fair may come with a political cost.

I will not pretend that principle is always rewarded. Sometimes it may cost support. Sometimes people you defended may not show you the same consideration in return.

That does not make the original decision wrong.

Do I Really Want to Win?

Yesterday, I was asked an important question: “Do you really want to win?”

My answer was simple: “If I win, I lose. If I lose, I win.”

If I am elected, I gain the privilege of serving Ward 2 and the opportunity to make a difference at City Hall. At the same time, my income would be reduced by a large chunk, and I would take on significant additional responsibility. That is a sacrifice I am prepared to make.

If I am not elected, I keep my career, my income and more of my personal time. I will also continue contributing to my community in other ways, as I have always done.

I want to win, but I do not need to win at any cost. I will campaign according to my principles, present my experience and ideas honestly, and let the voters decide.

Winning an election matters, but it should never matter more than the values we claim to represent. If we abandon those values whenever they become inconvenient, then they were never really principles in the first place.

For me, principle must come before political convenience.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

A little budget humour during a brief break from the campaign.

Here is the biggest joke I have heard from Council this term. Unfortunately, the numbers behind the joke are very real.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

Some Ward 2 residents may recognize the purple campaign sign in this picture.

These are signs from my 2022 municipal election campaign. I kept them carefully, and because they are still in good condition, I will be using them again in this election.

I also kept the magnetic campaign signs for my car. They are ready to go back on the road.

Why Replace Something That Still Works?

Reusing these signs saves money and reduces waste. It also reflects something I strongly believe in. Fiscal responsibility is not just something we should expect from City Hall. It should also guide the decisions we make ourselves.

During this campaign, I have knocked on thousands of doors across Ward 2. Many residents recognize my name, my face or the purple sign from the last election. Sometimes that recognition is the reason someone opens the door and gives me the opportunity to listen and speak with them.

That recognition was earned through the work I did in 2022 and through my continued involvement in our community.

This campaign is not about starting over. It is about building on the relationships, experience and trust developed over the years.

The signs may be from 2022, but my commitment to Ward 2 is stronger than ever.

The name is still the same. The ward is still the same. The commitment continues.

Would You Like a Lawn Sign?

If you would like to show your support with a Sigmund Lee lawn sign, you can submit your request early. Signs will be delivered after September 26.

Email votesigmund@gmail.com with your name, address and contact information to request a sign.

Thank you for your support.

A resident recently asked me one of the most direct and important questions I have heard while door-knocking: what kind of councillor would I be after the election?

The question had three parts:

• Would I be seen only during an election, asking residents for their votes?
• Would I become a photo-op councillor, appearing mainly at ceremonies and public events?
• Or would I remain visible in Ward 2, attending to neighbourhood issues and residents’ concerns throughout the full term?

The third describes the standard I would set for myself.

Visible in the Ward

I want to be a councillor residents see in Ward 2, not only at public events, but regularly in their neighbourhoods.

If elected, my goal is to personally conduct two or three ward-wide door-knocking rounds during the four-year term. These visits would not be election canvassing. They would be opportunities to ask residents what is happening in their neighbourhoods, hear their concerns directly and remain connected to the people I represent.

I know I will not find everyone at home. Where no one answers, and where there is no notice asking that materials not be left, I would leave a brief ward update and my official contact information so residents know how to reach me.

This is a concrete goal I would set for myself, one residents could judge me against. Contact with residents should continue between elections, not begin again when it is time to ask for another vote.

When appropriate, being visible also means visiting the location of a traffic, road, property or development concern so I can better understand what residents are experiencing. It means speaking with the people affected, asking questions and seeking reliable information before reaching a conclusion.

Being visible does not mean inserting myself into every active incident. During an emergency or police operation, for example, elected officials should not interfere with the professionals doing their jobs. In those circumstances, serving residents may mean helping them find accurate information, asking appropriate questions afterward and following up when the immediate situation has concluded.

Public ceremonies and community events are part of a councillor’s role, but visibility should extend beyond those occasions. Being present should be about helping residents and not simply being present for a photograph.

Social media is useful for sharing information and keeping residents informed. However, online visibility is not the same as community presence. Sharing information from the City or other organizations can be helpful, but it should support and not replace direct conversations with residents, attention to neighbourhood concerns and follow-through on the issues they raise.

Listening Does Not Always Mean Agreeing

Some residents have told me they want a councillor who will stand up for them. I agree, but I also believe it is important to explain honestly what that means.

Residents will not always agree with one another. A request from one group may affect another neighbourhood, conflict with an existing policy or create costs that all taxpayers must carry. A councillor must consider the law, available evidence, financial consequences and the interests of the wider community.

I will stand up for residents by ensuring their concerns are heard, properly examined and answered. That does not mean promising that every request will be approved. It means residents will not be ignored.

If I cannot support a request, residents deserve an honest explanation. Representation should not mean saying yes to everything during an election and explaining the limitations afterward.

Turning a Concern into Council Action

Richmond Hill Council consists of the Mayor and eight other members. A Ward 2 councillor would therefore be one voice and one vote on a nine-member Council.

No individual councillor can honestly guarantee that every proposal will pass. On a full Council, forming a majority normally requires at least five votes.

To me, fighting for residents does not mean being the loudest person in the room. It means doing the work required to turn a concern into possible action: gathering the facts, presenting a persuasive case, addressing costs and objections, proposing a motion or amendment when appropriate, and trying to convince enough Council colleagues to support it.

I may not always succeed in building that majority. However, residents should know that a genuine effort was made, how I voted and what Council ultimately decided.

Oversight at the Council Table

Being visible in the ward is only one part of the job. Residents also deserve a councillor who reads the reports, scrutinizes budgets and expenditures, and asks difficult questions before casting a vote.

A proposal may sound worthwhile, but Council must still understand its full cost, how it will be funded, what other priorities may be affected and whether it will create continuing expenses for taxpayers. Asking those questions is not opposition for its own sake; it is responsible oversight.

Transparency means giving residents clear information about how and why decisions are made, including the costs and trade-offs. Public money and City resources must be used carefully and for legitimate public purposes and not for personal or political advantage.

I will not agree with every recommendation simply because it appears in a staff report or has support around the Council table. I will review the information, ask questions, exercise independent judgment and explain my vote.

Following an Issue Through

Forwarding a resident’s email should not automatically be the end of a councillor’s involvement. Residents should receive an acknowledgement, know who is responsible for the issue and be kept informed when an answer takes time.

Some concerns fall under the City, while others are the responsibility of York Region, the Province, police, utilities or another organization. A councillor may not control those agencies, but can still help identify the responsible body, seek information and direct residents toward the appropriate process.

Follow-through also means closing the loop. Even when the final answer is not what a resident hoped to receive, they should not be left wondering whether anyone looked into the matter.

The Standard I Would Set

Residents do not need a councillor who agrees with everything. They need someone who shows up, listens, investigates, exercises judgment, works to build support and explains what happens next.

I cannot predict every issue that may arise during a four-year term. What I can offer is an approach: remain connected to the ward, take residents seriously, ask questions, consider the consequences and communicate honestly.

I do not want residents to see me only when I am asking for their votes. I want them to know that their councillor remains present after the election is over and that their concerns will receive attention, even when the answer is complicated.

What qualities do you expect from your Ward 2 councillor? I’d like to hear from you. Please share your thoughts through my contact page.

Municipal government may not receive the same attention as federal or provincial politics, but its decisions often affect our daily lives most directly.

Property taxes, roads, snow clearing, garbage collection, parks, recreation programs, water services, local development and many other community services are shaped by decisions made at the municipal level.

Despite this, most eligible Richmond Hill voters have historically chosen not to participate in municipal elections.

A Continuing Pattern

Richmond Hill’s recent municipal election history shows the continuing challenge of voter participation:

• 2014: approximately 32% voter turnout
• 2018: 27.13% voter turnout
• 2022: 31.67% voter turnout

Although turnout improved in 2022, fewer than one in three eligible voters cast a ballot. This means a relatively small portion of the electorate determined who would represent the entire community for the following four years.

In some individual ward races, the successful candidate may receive only a portion of the votes cast. When that is considered alongside low overall turnout, the number of residents who ultimately determine the outcome can be surprisingly small.

That is not a criticism of the people who vote. They are exercising an important democratic right. The concern is that too many others are allowing that smaller group to make the decision for them.

Voting Is More Accessible

Richmond Hill introduced online voting for the 2022 municipal election, and approximately 83% of the ballots were cast online. Residents could vote securely from home without travelling to a voting location or waiting in line.

For the 2026 municipal election, online voting will be available from 10 a.m. on October 20 until 8 p.m. on October 26. In-person voting with paper ballots will also remain available for residents who prefer it.

With online voting available over several days, residents do not have to leave home to participate. While there may always be reasons people feel disconnected from politics, inconvenience should no longer be a major obstacle.

Participation Begins With Information

A candidate may not always have the opportunity to speak with you personally at your door. If a candidate leaves campaign information, please take a few minutes to read it, visit the candidate’s website and learn more about the person seeking to represent you.

Voting should not mean supporting someone simply because that person knocked on your door, has the most signs or asked for your vote.

Residents should learn about the candidates, review their experience and ideas, ask questions and make their own informed decision. A candidate should earn a vote and not merely request one.

You do not have to agree with every position a candidate takes. The important thing is to determine who you believe has the judgment, commitment and ability to represent the community responsibly.

Municipal elections directly affect our neighbourhoods, our services and how our tax dollars are spent. When most eligible voters remain on the sidelines, they give a small minority the power to choose on everyone’s behalf.

In October, please take some time to learn about the candidates and cast your ballot. Regardless of whom you support, the decision should include your voice.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

While canvassing Ward 2, I occasionally encounter homes displaying “No Soliciting” signs. This raises a reasonable question: does that sign also apply to a political candidate?

A “No Soliciting” sign is generally understood as a request not to receive unsolicited commercial sales calls. Political canvassing is different: a candidate is not selling a product or asking a resident to enter into a commercial contract.

Ontario law also recognizes the importance of political canvassing. Section 88.1 of the Municipal Elections Act provides candidates and their representatives with access to apartment buildings, condominiums, non-profit housing co-operatives and gated communities for campaigning between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

For an ordinary house, Ontario’s Trespass to Property Act generally presumes that a person may use the normal walkway to approach the front door for a lawful purpose unless access has been clearly prohibited.

However, this does not give political candidates an unlimited right to disregard a resident’s wishes.

A “No Soliciting” sign may have been posted to discourage salespeople rather than political candidates. A sign stating “No Canvassing,” “Do Not Knock” or “No Trespassing” communicates a broader and clearer request.

Election material is not necessarily considered commercial advertising or “junk mail.” Canada Post states that, even when a household opts out of unaddressed advertising mail, it is still required to deliver certain election materials from election officials, political parties and candidates during an election. However, that rule applies to material delivered through Canada Post. It does not give a candidate personally delivering campaign literature the right to disregard a resident’s clear “No Flyers” or “No Junk Mail” sign. In those circumstances, I respect the resident’s request and do not leave campaign material.

When I see a clear “No Flyers” or “No Junk Mail” sign before leaving campaign material, I respect it and continue to the next house. Occasionally, such a sign may be placed on a mailbox away from the front door and only become visible after I have already left the flyer and begun walking away. In that situation, I generally do not return toward the home to retrieve it, as doing so may cause more disturbance. Any material left in those circumstances is an honest oversight, not an intentional disregard of the resident’s wishes.

If a home displays “No Soliciting,” I do not knock. Most of the time, I simply continue to the next house. Occasionally, if it is a home I specifically intended to visit and the “No Soliciting” sign only becomes visible after I have climbed five steps to the front door, I may quietly leave my campaign information without knocking. Whether the five steps influenced that decision, I will leave for others to decide.

Regardless of the wording, if a resident says they do not wish to speak or asks someone to leave, that request should be respected immediately.

My approach is simple: be courteous, identify myself, keep the conversation brief unless the resident wishes to continue, and never pressure anyone to engage.

Even if we do not have an opportunity to speak personally at the door, I hope the campaign information I leave will help you get to know me, understand what I stand for and decide whether I have earned your support. I also invite you to visit my website or contact me directly with your questions, concerns or ideas for Richmond Hill.

Door-to-door canvassing remains one of the best ways for candidates to hear directly from residents. However, earning the opportunity to represent a neighbourhood begins with respecting the people who live there.

Political canvassing is legally different from commercial solicitation, but respect for a resident’s clearly expressed wishes comes first.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

A resident recently spoke with me about garbage, discarded materials and poorly maintained properties in one of Richmond Hill’s older neighbourhoods.

Property standards are not simply about appearance. Accumulated garbage, abandoned materials, unsafe conditions and persistent neglect can affect public safety, quality of life and the value of neighbouring homes.

At the same time, enforcement must be reasonable and fair. A temporarily untidy yard is not the same as prolonged neglect, and some residents may be dealing with age, illness, disability or financial hardship.

Our older neighbourhoods deserve the same level of attention, maintenance and municipal service as newer developments. Older should never mean forgotten.

I have added a new public commentary discussing fair property standards, assistance for residents facing genuine difficulties, and consistent enforcement against serious or repeated violations.

Read the full commentary:

Protecting Our Neighbourhoods Through Fair Property Standards

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

A brief break from campaign topics for an important public service announcement.

Canada’s blood supply has declined by nearly 20% since June 1, far more than the usual decrease experienced during the summer months.

Canadian Blood Services is asking eligible donors of all blood types to book an appointment as soon as possible. Blood is needed every day for surgeries, cancer treatments, emergencies, trauma care, and other essential hospital services.

If you are eligible to donate, please consider making an appointment. A little time out of your day could make a lifesaving difference for someone else.

Learn more or book an appointment:
Canadian Blood Services

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

After knocking on thousands of doors across Ward 2, one comment comes up again and again.

“Politicians only come to my door when they want my vote. Once they’re elected, you never see them again… until the next election.”

I’ve heard this from residents of all ages and from every part of our community. Whether they’re concerned about traffic, speeding, development, parks, or simply feeling disconnected from City Hall, many people tell me they want their elected representatives to be visible and engaged throughout the entire term, not just during election season.

That is one of the reasons I began campaigning early. My goal has never been simply to ask for votes. It has been to listen, learn, and understand the concerns that matter most to Ward 2 residents.

Every conversation is different. Sometimes we discuss local issues. Sometimes residents share ideas for improving our neighbourhoods. Occasionally they simply want someone to listen. Those conversations have been invaluable, and they continue to shape my understanding of what residents expect from their local government.

I believe public service should not begin a few weeks before an election and end the day after. Residents deserve a councillor who is accessible, accountable, and engaged throughout the entire four-year term.

Thank you to everyone who has taken a few minutes to speak with me at your door. Your feedback, encouragement, and ideas are greatly appreciated.

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

Canada Day is a time to celebrate the country we call home, but it is also a reminder that strong communities are built by neighbours who care and get involved.

I spent part of Canada Day out in Ward 2, meeting residents, delivering campaign literature, and listening to the issues that matter most to our community.

Every conversation is different, but many residents share the same hope: keeping Richmond Hill a great place to live while making sure City Hall remains accountable, practical, and focused on residents.

I am grateful for the friendly smiles, conversations, and words of encouragement throughout the day.

As we celebrate Canada’s history, diversity, and freedoms, let us also look ahead to the future we want to build together, one with responsible leadership, safe neighbourhoods, fiscal discipline, and a strong sense of community.

Happy Canada Day to everyone. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Sigmund Lee
Ward 2 Council Candidate

After spending time knocking on doors and speaking with residents across Ward 2, I recently came across a classic comedy routine by George Carlin called In Defense of Politicians.

While it is comedy, one point stood out to me.

Carlin reminds us that politicians do not appear out of nowhere. They come from the same communities they serve. Whether people agree with his conclusion or not, it is a reminder that democracy is a shared responsibility between elected officials and the citizens who elect them.

As a candidate, I believe residents deserve accountability, transparency, and responsible decision-making from their elected representatives. At the same time, strong communities are built when residents stay informed, ask questions, participate in local government and take the time to learn about the choices before them.

You do not have to agree with everything in the video, but it certainly provides an interesting perspective and a few laughs along the way.

Viewer Discretion Advised: This video contains strong language and mature themes that may not be suitable for children or viewers under 18 years of age. Viewer discretion is advised.

Video: George Carlin – In Defense of Politicians

Campaigning often involves serious discussions about taxes, traffic, development, and community safety. But every now and then, a resident says something that makes the whole day memorable.

One of the funnier moments happened while I was door-knocking recently.

A resident asked me why I was campaigning so early.

I smiled and replied:

“Well, the early bird catches the worm. Maybe I can win you over now.”

Without missing a beat, she replied:

“Too late, I’m already married!”

Needless to say, we both had a good laugh.

There is also a serious reason for beginning early. I want residents to have time to visit my website, consider my positions and decide for themselves whether I have earned their support – before campaign flyers from every candidate begin arriving at the same time.

Door-knocking can be challenging. There are plenty of steps to climb, long walks between homes, and many unanswered doors. But conversations like these make the experience enjoyable and remind me why meeting residents in person is so important.

I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to chat, share ideas, offer advice, ask questions, and occasionally keep me laughing along the way.

Ward 2 residents have been welcoming, thoughtful, and full of good humour. Every conversation helps me better understand the community and the issues that matter most to residents.

Have you had a funny or memorable experience with a campaign door-knocker? Or is there an issue you would like me to explore in a future post? I’d like to hear from you – share your thoughts through my contact page.

And yes, I’ll still be trying to catch that worm. 😊

During recent door knocking, a few residents told me something that stayed with me:

“I only opened the door because I recognized you.”

It made me reflect on how much both campaigning and society have changed.

Many people today are understandably cautious about opening their doors to strangers. Concerns about scams, safety, and security are real. More people screen calls, ignore unknown visitors, and avoid unsolicited contact altogether.

That reality creates a significant advantage for incumbents and well-known candidates. Recognition and familiarity often matter before a conversation even begins.

For challengers, the first hurdle is often not persuasion. It is simply getting the opportunity to be heard.

This experience also reinforced the importance of visibility during municipal elections. Residents cannot evaluate candidates they never encounter. Whether through community events, local engagement, campaign signs, or conversations at the door, visibility plays an important role in helping voters become aware of their choices.

At the same time, I am grateful to every resident who has taken the time to speak with me, share concerns, and engage respectfully about the future of Richmond Hill.

These conversations matter.

Ward 2 deserves to be heard.

Related: For additional background on why visibility matters in municipal elections, you can read my commentary on election sign visibility and its impact on challengers.

Read my published letter to the editor on election sign rules

Over the coming weeks, I will be out across Ward 2 meeting residents door-to-door, listening to concerns, and delivering campaign flyers.

I believe the best conversations happen face-to-face. Hearing directly from residents helps me better understand the priorities and concerns within our neighbourhoods.

Many residents have already shared concerns about affordability, property taxes, responsible spending, traffic, community services, and accountability at City Hall.

If you see me in the community, please feel free to say hello, share your concerns, or ask questions. I would be pleased to hear from you.

Thank you to everyone who has already offered encouragement, feedback, and support. I truly appreciate it.

Email: votesigmund@gmail.com

Today, I officially registered as a candidate for Richmond Hill Council in Ward 2.

Over the past several months, I have spoken with many residents across our community. Seniors, families, and longtime homeowners have shared a common concern: they expected more from City Hall.

They expected stronger accountability. Responsible spending. Better representation. And clearer value for the taxes they pay.

A recent consultant report warned that Richmond Hill may face property tax increases of 6 to 7 percent annually.

That should concern every resident.

When families face financial pressure, they review spending, tighten budgets, and focus on essentials. City Hall should be expected to apply the same discipline. Residents should not be asked to fund everything that is desirable if it is no longer affordable.

We need to ask the right questions, focus on what is essential, and make sure residents receive clear value for what they pay.

I am running to bring stronger accountability, responsible spending, and practical representation to Ward 2.

You can learn more about my background, priorities, and positions on local issues at:

sigmundlee.com

I would be pleased to hear from you.

Email: votesigmund@gmail.com