The Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s (AMO) ‘healthy democracy project’ was launched in 2022; after several trends raised concerns about the strength of local democracy.
These trends were evident in Haliburton County, with fewer candidates running for election or re-election, and a corresponding increase in acclamations. Voter turnout was also lower.
AMO’s Petra Wolfbeiss and Henry Khamonde are coming to Minden Hills May 28 to talk about how people can create positive change in the community; discover ways to engage effectively with local municipal governance, and learn how many voices lead to meaningful change.
Wolfbeiss is the director, membership centre for AMO. The told The Highlander, “it’s really important the voices and experience of people across communities are heard and represented on local councils.”
She added AMO created the project to tackle two key objectives: increasing the diversity of council and candidates, and boosting voter turn out.
“We can move these forward by improving people’s understanding of municipal government and the impact is has on our daily lives,” she said.
AMO has developed a toolkit to help elected officials engage with local schools and share the importance of getting involved in community from a young age. “We know that cultivating future leaders also means listening to youth. Families can do their part simply through conversations at the dinner table with younger people,” the AMO representative said.
She added municipal government is closest to the people. “If you look out your window, almost everything you see is impacted by your local municipal council. Roads, trees, parks, housing, the water you drink, all of the planning decisions.”
She encouraged people to learn about municipal government, and understand what councils plan to do and what it means to their community.
“Municipalities are constantly inviting people to provide input and they work hard to provide this information where people will see it. We need to do our part. Connect with your local government, whether it’s signing up for newsletters, following on social media, or meeting with your councillor. If there is a topic you care about, join community groups that share your interest.”
With municipal elections slated for October 2026, Wolfbeiss encourages people to find out about their local candidates. “If they come to your door, have a conversation about what you care about.” She added municipal websites often have information about the local election.
“From then on, it’s mostly about paying attention. Does council need your support to get an important housing project completed? Do they need your help in putting on a great local event?
“It’s also really important to provide input that is constructive and respectful. It’s ok to disagree – because different opinions can result in stronger decisionmaking. But we have to put civility back into civil discourse. Remind yourself that at the end of the day, everyone just wants the best outcome for the community.
“So those are some of the key things: build your understanding, get involved, and respect difference.”
Wolfbeiss stressed that diverse opinions and diverse councils make for competent councils. “People with different life experiences bring unique insights to the conversation. It helps councils to understand the impact of their decisions on different people across the community. They can make better, more informed decisions. Everyone in a community matters. And this needs to be understood and reflected in discussions and decisions at council.”
Register by May 23
The event is hosted by the Township of Minden Hills, and supported by Aging Together as Community, the Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project/Haliburton County Community Cooperative and Telling Our Stories Speakers Series.
Minden Hills Coun. Pam Sayne said the event is “to encourage people to run, to vote; and to get engaged with our community. I think this is going to be a very important activity.”
Bonnie Roe of ATAC said, “at our strategic planning meeting, we discussed our need to engage with the municipalities and County on healthy aging as a whole, about what we do, garner their support, and focus on community action. I also asked Coun. Sayne to speak at our LGBTQ+ luncheon on diversity, equity and inclusion, or did she have any connections at OMA? We decided the topic was worthy of a larger meeting and they had this ‘health democracy project’.
Engaging in democracy is May 28, 6-8 p.m. at the Minden Community Centre, 55 Parkside Dr., Minden. Light refreshments will be provided. Register by May 23 at Eventbrite or agingtogetherhc@gmail.com
