Dear Newmarket Ward 1 Residents,
I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Ward 1 Councillor in Newmarket.
I am a resident of Ward 1 in Newmarket, a community that my family and I are proud to call home.
As a university professor, a management consultant, and a community volunteer, I have spent more than a decade working across academia, industry, communities, and public–private initiatives in Canada, France, and the United States. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving our community through volunteer work, local initiatives, and advisory roles, advancing economic development and education.
Throughout my academic and professional career, I have taught and mentored many competent project managers and helped organizations solve complex challenges, build partnerships, and deliver sustainable solutions. These experiences have prepared me to bring practical leadership, evidence-based decisions, and a collaborative approach to local government.
I am running because I care deeply about Ward 1 in Newmarket and am committed to preserving what makes it special while preparing it for the future. I will bring leadership that listens to residents, engages the community, and delivers meaningful results.
Having a direct, day-to-day connection to our neighbourhood gives me a strong understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and priorities that matter most to residents. I recognize that many families and local businesses are navigating a period of economic uncertainty, and this makes it even more important that local decisions are thoughtful, responsible, and focused on long-term community well-being.
If elected, my priorities for Ward 1 are:
Protecting and enhancing the quality of life in Ward 1 for everyone, including residents of all ages, abilities, and diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, by maintaining safe, clean, and well-kept neighborhoods and preserving our valued green spaces.
Supporting local arts, businesses, sports, cultural activities, and community events that provide services, strengthen community connections, and enhance the quality of life.
Advocating for the interests of Ward 1 residents in broader Town of Newmarket decisions.
At the same time, I recognize that councillors play an important role in shaping the future of the entire town. Beyond Ward 1, I will also contribute to town-wide decisions to ensure Newmarket grows in a balanced, future-ready, sustainable, and community-focused way:
Planning with a long-term vision that keeps Newmarket prosperous and full of opportunities, so that our children choose to stay, build their careers, and raise their families here in Newmarket.
Positioning Newmarket within the broader regional and national context by working collaboratively with neighboring municipalities, as well as provincial and federal governments, to improve infrastructure, attract investment, and expand opportunities for residents.
Strengthening job creation and workforce development by strengthening skills training, fostering partnerships, and connecting residents with opportunities.
Supporting community life through arts, sports, culture, and local events that reflect our town’s diversity and bring residents together in a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive Newmarket.
I believe that the best solutions emerge when we work together. I am committed to working closely with residents, businesses, community groups, and fellow council members to address local priorities and help shape a prosperous future for Newmarket.
Throughout this campaign, I look forward to listening to your ideas, learning about your concerns, and discussing how we can build a strong Ward 1 and Newmarket for current and future generations.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we can build a community that is connected, inclusive, and prepared for the opportunities ahead.
Thank you for your support and trust.
Nasim BAHARI, PhD, PMP, CSM
Candidate for Ward 1 Councillor in Newmarket
Nasim BAHARI is an experienced university professor, management consultant, and community volunteer with more than a decade of experience working across academia, industry, communities, and public–private innovation initiatives in Canada, France, and the United States.
Throughout her career, Nasim BAHARI has worked with universities, governments, businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, and community stakeholders to support innovation, economic development, education, workforce development, sustainable growth, and collaborative decision-making.
Nasim BAHARI is passionate about community engagement, responsible leadership, economic development, sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity. Her multicultural experience has deepened her passion for engaging with diverse cultures and perspectives to strengthen collaboration and inclusion within communities. Nasim BAHARI is driven to connect research, education, practice, and community knowledge to generate lasting economic and social impact.
Academic Experience
Nasim BAHARI holds a PhD in Management from Telecom Paris in France, a Master’s degree in Transportation and Sustainable Development Engineering from France (École Polytechnique / Mines / Ponts), and professional certifications including Project Management Professional (PMP®) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM®).
Nasim BAHARI speaks both English and French.
Nasim BAHARI has taught numerous business and project management courses to graduate and undergraduate students at universities in Canada, the United States, and France, including Northeastern University, Lakehead University, Algoma University, University of Alaska, and Telecom Paris. She has also led the design of innovative university programs aligned with workforce and community needs.
Dr. BAHARI's research and advisory work focus on innovation ecosystems, public–private partnerships, business model innovation, project portfolio management, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. Nasim BAHARI publishes and presents at international conferences, supervises graduate research and capstone projects, reviews academic work, and has contributed to the PMBOK® Guide (8th edition).
Professional Experience
In addition to her academic work, Nasim BAHARI brings extensive experience in management consulting and strategic advisory services. As a co-founder of a management consulting company, Benda Solutions, she has supported numerous startups, small businesses, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and innovation-driven organizations across diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, transportation, sustainability, construction, sports, creative industries, and artificial intelligence. Her work has focused on strategic planning, business planning, business development, operational improvement, and sustainability.
Dr. BAHARI also serves as a reviewer of innovation and R&D project proposals at the Ontario Centre of Innovation, contributing to evidence-based funding decisions and strengthening innovation ecosystems across Ontario.
Nasim BAHARI previously managed and contributed to large-scale public–private R&D and innovation programs in the transportation and automotive sectors at Renault Group (French multinational car manufacturer), Wabtec/Faiveley Transport (Rail technologies manufacturer) and the Vedecom Institute (French sustainable mobility innovation institute), collaborating with government agencies, industry leaders, municipalities, community stakeholders, and research institutions to strengthen regional development, sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and long-term community impact.
Community Service and Volunteering
Beyond her professional and academic work, Nasim BAHARI is actively engaged in community service, economic development, and professional volunteerism.
Newmarket Economic Development Advisory Committee:
Nasim BAHARI has been an active member of the Newmarket Economic Development Advisory Committee, NEDAC, and has contributed to discussions on sustainable growth, entrepreneurship, community branding, innovation, business attraction, tourism, and community development while collaborating with municipal leaders, staff, and local stakeholders.
Council member at Mazo de la Roche French Immersion School in Newmarket
Nasim BAHARI has served as a Council member at Mazo de la Roche French Immersion School in Newmarket, supporting school governance, strategic decision-making, student success, and community engagement.
East Gwillimbury Economic Development Advisory Committee
Nasim BAHARI has also served on the East Gwillimbury Economic Development Advisory Committee and contributed to initiatives that support economic growth, innovation, and long-term community development.
Reviewer for scientific journals and conferences
Dr. BAHARI serves as a reviewer for scientific journals and conferences in business and management research.
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Internationally, Dr. BAHARI has volunteered with the Global Accreditation Center (GAC) of the Project Management Institute, supporting the accreditation of project management education programs. Nasim BAHARI is an active member of the Project Management Institute (PMI).
I would be happy to meet with Ward 1 residents, listen to your ideas, and hear your thoughts about our community. Your experiences and perspectives are important in shaping the future of Newmarket.
Send an email to dr.nasim.bahari@gmail.com and let's arrange a meeting.
A successful campaign is built by people who care about their community. I invite residents who want to contribute their time, skills, and energy to join our team.
Whether you can help with outreach, events, conversations, or sharing information, every contribution makes a difference.
Send an email to dr.nasim.bahari@gmail.com and become part of the team.
If you would like to display a campaign sign in your front yard during the four weeks leading up to the election, we would be happy to deliver and install it for you.
Send an email to dr.nasim.bahari@gmail.com to request a lawn sign.
If you would like to contribute financially, your support will help us reach more residents and share our message for a stronger future for Ward 1 and Newmarket.
Send an email to dr.nasim.bahari@gmail.com and support our campaign.
Check, update, or add your information to the Voters' List. Use the online Voters' List tool (registertovoteon.ca) to check, update, or add your information until August 12. After that date, contact the Town of Newmarket directly to make changes.
Send an email to dr.nasim.bahari@gmail.com if you need further assistance.
Newmarket voters will be able to cast their ballots online or in person during the 10-day voting period from October 17 to October 26, 2026.
Send an email to dr.nasim.bahari@gmail.com if you need more information.