Walking into Minden Hills council chamber Monday night (Oct. 26), I was surprised by how many people were gathered awaiting election results.
I shouldn’t have been, though. Over the years, folks have always gathered for the public accounting there, whether the chamber, arena or legion. Many sat on the wooden benches that have long formed the public gallery at 7 Milne St; their eyes on a monitor screensaver of the Grand Canyon. Others sat in office chairs accustomed to holding councillors’ frames.
Minden Hills staffers in their ‘volunteer Minden Hills municipal and school board election’ T-shirts were also milling about. Candidates brought immediate and extended family members, and friends.
There was a fair bit of chatter. Lots were scrolling social media and municipal websites for other results: in Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al, Highlands East and even places such as the City of Kawartha Lakes.
It had been a while since I graced the chambers. Nowadays, I watch council meetings on YouTube. That way I can follow along, but do other work when matters are being discussed that aren’t necessarily newsworthy. I noticed the space is starting to show its age. There are water stains on parts of the ceiling. However, the newly-elected council is heading up the hill – to the County of Haliburton’s council chambers at 12 Newcastle St. It seems fitting that the 2026-30 council will begin anew in a fresh meeting venue.
Change is definitely afoot in Minden Hills. There is a new mayor. Tammy McKelvey easily took council’s top political position with 1,698 votes. Runner-up Pam Sayne garnered 1,181. Incumbent mayor Bob Carter was reduced to third place, with 809 votes. That ends his eight-year career as a mayor and County councillor. Pat Kitcheman brought up the rear, with 592 votes.
With Lisa Schell retiring after a lengthy political career, the door was left open for the seat of deputy mayor and County councillor. Ivan Ingram stepped into it with 2,359 votes; over Richard Bradley’s 1,708.
Bob Sisson returns to council, this time as councillor at large (2,379 votes to Ron Nesbitt’s 1,640). Shirley Johannessen was elected to her second term in Ward 1 (1,313).
It is clear that those who voted in Minden Hills were seeking a change in direction. They have witnessed a very experienced McKelvey at work and want to see more of what she has to offer. The former treasurer, CAO, and councillor is excited to be mayor, and about Minden Hills’ and the County’s future.
The newcomers are long-time businessman Dan Garbutt (1,793) in Ward 1, volunteer firefighter Stephen Hertel (503) in Ward 2 and real estate agent Lisa Mercer (401) in Ward 3. All three bring interesting perspectives and experiences to the table.
In the end, a little over a third of the people have spoken and we wish McKelvey, Ingram, Sisson, Johannessen, Garbutt, Hertel and Mercer all the best. Putting your name up for council takes courage. It is a big responsibility. Our municipal future is in your hands. Please handle it carefully.
