Winds of change blew through the County this week, with Monday’s (Oct. 26) municipal election catapulting some new people into leadership positions.
In Dysart et al, Greg Bishop scored a comfortable win over Andrew Nowell, securing approximately 87 per cent of the vote. Walt McKechnie returned for a second time as deputy mayor – and fifth term – with 54.7 per cent of the vote, defeating Pat Casey by 488 ballots
Tammy McKelvey has been elected mayor in Minden Hills, receiving 39.7 per cent – enough to defeat Pam Sayne (27.6 per cent), incumbent Bob Carter (18.9 per cent) and Pat Kitcheman (13.8 per cent). Ivan Ingram is the new deputy mayor, earning 58 per cent of votes to defeat Richard Bradley.
Liz Danielsen won another mayoral term in Algonquin Highlands, defeating Mike Lang for a second election cycle. Danielsen improved her numbers slightly from four years ago, scoring 55 per cent compared to 53 per cent in 2022.
Another familiar face will be back in the head seat in Highlands East, with Dave Burton securing a sixth term. He earned 29 per cent of the vote, narrowly defeating Steve Kauffeldt (27 per cent) by 56 votes – 842 to 786. Krystle Anne Pegg came third with 20 per cent, Mike Killingsworth got 16 per cent, and Cheryl Ellis seven per cent.
No incumbents were elected to council positions in Algonquin Highlands, meaning the next deputy mayor will be a novice. Angela Lewis was re-elected in Highlands East, but with three new councillors there, there’s the potential to have up to five new faces on County council next term.
Ryall: ‘the people speak and are never wrong’
That’s significant, said Danielsen, who’s spent 16 years on County council – especially with a decision on a potential amalgamation looming.
“We’ve got some tough decisions and I’m looking forward to taking part in those discussions, asking the tough questions, and figuring out the best path forward,” she said.
After decades of working as a land surveyor, speaking at hundreds of municipal council meetings, Bishop said he has the experience to hit the ground running once sworn in next month.
After a convincing win in Minden Hills, McKelvey said she’s eager to get going. The former municipal staffer, treasurer, CAO-clerk and one-term councillor, does not anticipate a steep learning curve.
“I have a pretty good idea as I’ve worked with a lot of mayors over the years,” she said. Asked about a perception people wanted change, McKelvey added, “there’s a lot to do and I think we have a really good team that’s going to do good things and put Minden Hills back on the map.”
Burton wants to establish an early alignment among Highlands East’s new elected officials before council business gets underway.
“We’ll have an orientation session. We’ll sit out and get everybody’s views and what they want or expect in the next four years, and we’ll just get together and try to harness that and move forward.”
Voter turnout Countywide was 34.8 per cent – up from 26 per cent in 2022. Dysart et al recorded the highest numbers with 5,300 of 13,433 eligible voters casting a ballot (39.46 per cent). Highlands East was next at 33.87 per cent (2,926 of 8,639), with Algonquin Highlands at 31.29 per cent (2,330 of 7,446). Minden Hills numbers aren’t official, but using their rollcall of 12,369 and tallying up 4,280 votes in the mayoral race puts the township at a 34.6 per cent turnout.
Outgoing
Monday was a tough night for Carter, who finished third in voting for mayor in Minden. “The people have spoken and they have a new council that, hopefully, will be able to deliver what they want,” he said.
Ryall, who also sat on County council and the Lakelands Public Health board, said, “it was one of those things where the people speak and the people are never wrong. I hope they take what’s there and separate the wheat from the chaff and add their own spin to it, because that’s what the whole idea of new people is, is to add their own spin to it. But don’t reinvent the wheel.”
Other County councillors from last term, Lisa Schell and Jennifer Dailloux did not run.
One-term councillor Casey was unsuccessful in his bid to become deputy mayor, and Tammy Donaldson lost out in Ward 3 after 12 years on Dysart council. Casey said he was proud of the progress council has made over the past four years. “I feel it was a great start in laying the framework the move the township forward for the future,” Casey said. “I’ll still advocate when/where I can and am always available to talk to resolve a problem or discuss a new idea for the betterment of our communities… I’ll be back.”
Donaldson said, “running for council has been a valuable learning experience and one of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to meet people one-on-one, listen to their concerns, hear their ideas and gain a better understanding of the issues that matter to our community,” Donaldson said. “It has been a privilege to be politically involved for so long.”
Lisa Barry was defeated in Ward 2 in Algonquin Highlands, bringing an end to her 16-year stint on council. “I leave this chapter with gratitude and pride… I advocated for the entire community, the environment, culture, local food initiatives, housing, families and tried to support voices that often go unheard. I listened and did the best I could do,” Barry said. “I will always care about this community. That doesn’t end with a seat at the council table.”
Ruth Strong in Highlands East was the other un-elected incumbent. She served two terms.
