Ariel Troster was elected in 2022 as Councillor for Somerset Ward. A Centretown resident for many years, she worked in the non-profit and labour sectors as a communications, policy and campaign specialist. Prior to running for office, she worked with communities across Canada at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
As a volunteer, Ariel has helped sponsor and support refugees and asylum seekers with Rainbow Haven, learning first-hand how hard it can be to find affordable housing and mental health resources in our city. She also helped hundreds of people book vaccine appointments over throughout the pandemic and has been involved in 2SLGTBQIA+ activism for more than 20 years.
Ariel holds a BA in journalism and history, a graduate diploma in Community Economic Development and an MA in Feminist and Gender Studies. She is a frequent commentator on both TV and radio, and an occasional freelance opinion writer for both mainstream and alternative media.
Ariel lives with her wife, daughter, corgi and tabby cat in West Centretown.