About Judy

Bio
Judy Bryant joined Municipal Politics in 2003, when she was elected as Councillor of Ward 1, under the former ward system.  She was re-elected in 2006 and in 2010 as a Councillor of Ward 13. 

Since Judy’s election as Councillor of Ward 13, she has been heavily involved in major city and neighbourhood projects. As a board member of the London Downtown Business Association, she advocates the development of the current Downtown Master Plan.

Judy also supports and is involved in many neighbourhood groups including SoHo, as this growing and engaged community plans for future development and revitalization. Judy has been active on many Boards and Committees, including the Planning Committee (Chair in 2008), Environment and Transportation Committee, London Heritage Task Force, Urban Design Steering Committee (Chair), and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

Having grown up in Christchurch, New Zealand, Judy started her career as an Architectural Technician at a major architecture firm in New Zealand.  In 1976, she moved first to the U.S. and later to Canada where she pursued a Bachelors Degree in Architecture at The University of Toronto. Judy then worked for Moriyama and Teshima Architects.  She also ran a successful design business in downtown Toronto and pursued a career as an artist.  In 1996, she moved with her husband, Murray, to London.  Judy became actively involved with the Urban League and quickly learned about the key issues effecting London and its communities.

Accomplishments as Councillor
Since Judy’s election as Councillor of Ward 13, she has been heavily involved in major city and neighbourhood projects. Councillor Bryant, as a board member of the London Downtown Business Association, advocates the development of the current Downtown Master Plan. She also supports and is involved in many neighbourhood groups, including SoHo, as this growing and engaged community plans for future development and revitalization. Judy is very active on many boards and committees, including the Planning Committee (chair in 2008), Environment and Transportation Committee, London Heritage Task Force, and Urban Design Steering Committee (chair). Below is more information on a few of her highlights as Councillor.

SoHo
The SoHo community is working on a community plan, which examines planning and social issues. This community is in the process of both restoration and a revitalization of the neighbourhood. The residents living there want to preserve the community’s heritage. They welcome new businesses opening up there so that they can live and work in the neighbourhood. They envision large public spaces, some with access to the river. These elements are all very sound building blocks for a strong, vibrant city neighbourhood.

Downtown
Another big planning issue is the Downtown Master Plan. On the Downtown Heritage Steering Committee, Judy is examining how to grow to get the most mileage out of every development that comes forward. For example, how will a new or restored building contribute to the streetscape and impact the vibrancy of the immediate area. That’s the importance of planning where one can leave a lasting cultural legacy that reaches beyond the immediate development.

Economy
A big challenge over the next years is our economic recovery and growth. While the manufacturing sector has been very hard hit, London is very fortunate to be able to ride the ups and downs because of its broad institutional base. Our challenge going forward is to regain our lost jobs and become stronger than ever before.  We have many tools we can use to do this (some short term, some take longer) and I am committed to growing London into a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work and play.

Record of service includes:

Active Committees and Committments

• Finance & Administration Committee (Vice-Chair)
• Police Services Board
• Services Review Committee
• London Downtown Business Association
• Creative Cities Committee (Chair)
• UWO/City Liaison
• Childreach Community Council
• Town & Gown Committee
• Salvation Army Community Council
• Downtown London Heritage Conservation District Task Force
• LTC Long Term Growth Working Group

Other Experiences

• Environmental & Transportation Committee
• London Heritage Task Force
• Downtown Parking Working Group
• LDBA Environmental Task Force
• London Homeless Coalition
• Mainstreet Volunteer Board
• Planning Committee (Chair 2008)
• Urban Design Steering Committee (Chair)
• Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
• Downtown Heritage Steering Committee

What People Are Saying

“Judy Bryant is a very dedicated city councillor who goes above and beyond the call of duty.  She is passionate about healthy, connected communities and promotes dialogue and diversity in everything she sets her hand to.  She makes herself accessible to her constituents and brings their perspectives and concerns to council.  As a result of Judy's dedication, London enjoys progress towards a creative, prosperous, and beautiful future.”
Marie Claire Bilyk, Founder SoHo Community Group

“Judy Bryant is the best kind of councillor -- a hard-working advocate for social change and progressive environmental policies.  Judy cheerfully rolls up her sleeves to get things done. Judy Bryant's heart is in her work for the needs and aspirations of the community.  She is a thoughtful listener and an articulate advocate for social change and a sustainable environment.” Bill DeYoung, Principal, Bradwill Ecological Consulting

“Judy Bryant has unwavering support for our neighbourhood. She speaks strongly on our behalf.” Anna Woodson, Piccadill.

“Judy Bryant’s dedication to the vision of London as a rich, vibrant and community-based city is backed by her effectiveness on council.”    Sylvia Curtis-Norcross, Riverforks Community Organization

“We love what you are doing for Downtown, the City and Richmond Row!” Jamil Barakat, Barakat Restaurant, Richmond Row

“Judy is always accessible and approachable. Her support for our neighbourhood has always been prompt, committed and effective. No issue is too big or too small to warrant Councillor Bryant's attention. Judy shares the same values my neighbours do: controlled, thoughtful development that does not have a negative impact on existing neighbourhoods; a concern for the environment, such as our river system and mature trees; respect for and the preservation of the rich history of our neighbourhoods; and the need for not only effective core services but also excellence in recreation services and the arts. Councillor Bryant conducts business at City Hall with grace, dignity, civility and respect for all people, regardless of the issue. Judy has consistently demonstrated that serving her constituents is her focus and her priority.” Bruce Dunn, Blackfriars Neighbourhood Association

“Judy has been a strong supporter of the neighbourhood issues in our community and has consistently been an ally at council.  She shares our vision not only for this neighbourhood, but for all of downtown.” Wes Kinghorn, Woodfield Community Association

“Judy Bryant has shown genuine concern and consideration for issues facing the residents of this city. She took an active interest even before being elected and goes those extra steps in the research and application of relevant zoning and by-laws that affect the quality of life in our neighbourhood. There is no doubt that Judy would continue to be a strong, hardworking councillor for the residents of Ward 13.” Gene Di Trolio, North Talbot Community Association

“Judy has been a strong and dedicated champion for downtown. Downtown London needs her voice at City Hall.” Tom Bird, Allied Construction

“Judy’s knowledge and experience is ideal for Ward 13. No one works harder for the city.” John Nash, Nash Jewellers, Downtown

“Your support is very important and we REALLY appreciate all you do for heritage, the arts and the entire cultural sector.”  Alan Cohen

“Judy has the ability to work with all communities and business to further the interests of her constituents.  She listens and is open to new ideas that promote sensible growth in London.” David Tennant, President, The Hampton Group Inc.

“Judy, you rock it lady politico! Luv yu!” Teresa Tarsewicz, City Lights London

“I have been exposed to Judy’s work in a number of different arenas and found her to be a champion of the both natural heritage and excellence in the built environment. She is champion of her constituents and Londoners in general. She continues to be a passionate spokesperson for cultural issues and continues to strongly support the broad agenda she helped forge as a member of London’s Creative City Task Force.” John Nicholson, Architect

“Judy Bryant¹s training brings balance to council’s decision making as she sees the big picture for London and takes care of the details.  Her approach is inclusive and she brings reason and integrity to council.  Judy is a strong supporter and promoter of our downtown businesses.” Fred Kingsmill, Kingsmill¹s, Downtown

"Judy Bryant has been a powerful leader in the continuing renaissance of London's best-kept secret, SoHo. We look forward to her key role in helping to unlock the potential of this vital community by expanding business and development support.”
Patrick J. Ambrogio, P.Eng. Vice-President, Creative Property Developments Inc.

“I support Judy Bryant because she listens to the diverse communities of the city. Judy works to balance the needs of local neighbourhoods including artists by engaging them in the decision-making process. A truly creative city must be inclusive.”  Ted Goodden, Artist and resident, The Ridgeway

“Judy Bryant is a councillor of personal integrity, conviction and vision. Judy’s record as an elected official is one of proven dedication. On the larger issues, she has shown wisdom and clarity in her judgment. On matters of more personal concern to those she represents, Judy has been a tireless champion and a compassionate defender.
Judy Bryant is precisely the kind of leader we need in London.” Paul Nesbitt-Larking, Professor of Political Science, Huron University College

“Judy Bryant's leadership has been an integral part of building strong near-campus communities. She is committed to ensuring students value their rights and responsibilities as a members of the broader London community and remain active citizens after graduation. Judy's is always constructive in addressing the concerns of the community, and I have valued her collaborative approach.”Dan Moulton Western Students' Council Executive, 2009-2010