Meet Erika Montero Your neighbour. Local shopkeeper. Candidate for Ward 1.
Hi, I’m Erika. I’m running to represent Ward 1 because I love this community and believe residents deserve a real voice in its future. As an Elora business owner, homeowner, and community advocate, I want to help make local government more open, accessible, and responsive to the people who live here.
COMMUNITY
ACCOUNTABILITY
ACTION
COMMUNITY
ACCOUNTABILITY
ACTION
- Erika Montero - Ward 1 Candidate
A local shopkeeper. An engaged neighbour.
You might know me from Blackbird Boutique, my downtown Elora consignment shop. Over the years, it’s become something of an unofficial community meeting place—a place where conversations about clothes often turn into conversations about our town.
I live two blocks from the shop, in an 1860s cottage my husband and I are lovingly restoring, one project at a time. When we’re not working on the house, we’re often fostering cats through Arthur Animal Rescue and helping them find their forever homes.
Elora is where I live, work, and spend my days. Its future is personal to me.
LISTEN CAREFULLY. Ask the difficult questions. FOLLOW THROUGH.
- Values in Action
Why I'm running for council.
Politics and public policy have been lifelong interests of mine, especially the ways municipal decisions shape our everyday lives. Through my business, community involvement, and experiences with Council, I’ve seen how much those decisions matter—and how frustrating it can be to feel shut out of them.
I’m running to bring residents’ questions into the room while decisions are still being made.
Residents deserve clear information, honest explanations, and opportunities to influence decisions. I believe in sharing information early, explaining my votes, and making myself available for questions. When I don’t know an answer, I’ll say so—and do the work to understand it.
A thriving Elora needs homes, independent businesses, everyday services, and public spaces that residents can enjoy. I want our downtown to work for the people who call it home, while welcoming visitors in ways that support the community.
I’m fascinated by how good planning can make everyday life better: more housing choices, walkable neighbourhoods, protected trees, and places to gather without spending money. I support growth that uses our land and infrastructure carefully and considers what future generations will inherit.
- Experience & Community
EXPERIENCE Built Through PARTICIPATION
My involvement in local government has meant reading the details, asking questions, and following up. From BIA leadership to community advocacy, I’ve learned the value of preparation, persistence, and being willing to challenge a decision respectfully.
Independent business owner
Running Blackbird Boutique keeps me connected to the daily realities of downtown Elora. My work in consignment also reflects my belief in reuse, sustainable business practices, and keeping more of our spending within the local economy.Elora BIA Leadership
Serving as Chair of the Elora BIA gave me experience representing downtown business interests and participating directly in local governance. It strengthened my commitment to transparency, accountability, and a downtown that serves its community.Elections & community involvement
My background includes working for Elections Canada, volunteering, delegating to Council, and participating in planning processes. Those experiences have taught me to read carefully, ask difficult questions, and keep digging until I understand an issue.Let’s talk about life in Ward 1.
What’s working in your neighbourhood? What needs to change? I’d love to hear your experiences, answer your questions, and talk about the future you want for our community.