Choose FIVE candidates for Councillor:

Paul Allen

Leaflet (PDF) / Facebook / pallen@bmts.com

I have lived in Grey Highlands for almost 50 years. I graduated from Grey Highlands Secondary School and attended Mohawk College to earn my automotive technician certification. I have been married to Wilda for 41 years, residing just outside of Flesherton where we raised 4 daughters and are now additionally blessed with 10 grand children. I have been a community volunteer for 3 decades and I am the owner of 3 successful businesses in Flesherton. As a two term Councillor I prepare for meetings and do my utmost to make the right decisions for our residents. If re-elected I will bring experience to the table. My business background helps me to understand the need for fiscal responsibility, particularly in these times. I have supported attainable housing by bringing forward three motions that will reduce the cost of housing in our communities. I am a member of the Seniors Advisory Committee and am proud to have been part of bringing mobility transport to Grey Highlands. I supported and will continue to support increased safety measures on the community streets that your family, and mine, use every day. Our communities are growing therefore it is important to support families, young and old, with activities and accessible amenities that will encourage them to make Grey Highlands their home for years to come. When we have public consultations on important issues that affect our residents, I will continue to listen and respond based on your feedback because it is you, the residents that I serve.

Tom Allwood

Leaflet / Facebook / tallwoodjr@hotmail.com

My Name is Tom Allwood and my wife Carolyn, and I have lived on our 50 acre farm in Markdale for 18 years. We have two children, and six grandchildren. Carolyn has an accounting business in Markdale. I am a Councillor and active in the community. I am Treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Centre Grey Health services Fundraising Event Committee, a Board Member of the South East Grey Community Health Centre, a member of the Grey Highlands Probus Club, Past President of the Markdale Golf and Curling Club and a member of Prince Arthur Lodge in Flesherton.

It has been a privilege to have served the residents of Grey Highlands as one of their Councillors for this current term. In spite of the issues with Co Vid, I believe that Council was able work collaboratively with Staff and all levels of Government to manage the business of our Municipality and achieve some remarkable progress on the Economic Development issue. There is still work to be done. This next term of Council will be pivotal in continuing the progress we have made. This is why I am running for a second term.

My Platform is:Responsible Fiscal and Asset Management, Growth that preserves our Rural Heritage and the Environment, Downtown Revitalization, Attainable Housing, Right Sizing the New Beavercrest School, Continued Support for the New Hospital and Grey Gables, Physician Recruitment, High Speed Internet Access, and Natural Gas Expansion in our Settlement Areas

“I care about our Community”

Reid Dennison

Website / Leaflet / Facebook / Instagram / reidforgh@gmail.com

I grew up in Kitchener, about an hour-and-a-half from here. My work as a film editor took me to Toronto, where my two sons were raised. Ten years ago, a career change to the construction business allowed my wife and I to move to Flesherton, and I’m grateful nearly every day that we get to live in this beautiful setting. But that doesn’t mean that we have perfect governance here, and I hope to spend most of my campaign talking with you about your and my ideas for improving things. In particular, there are three areas I want to focus on:

Housing: Our young families and seniors need affordable places to live. Our municipality has tools to back projects developed by private and community groups, in exchange for an agreement to provide moderately priced rental and ownership housing. I have an extensive volunteer background in non-profit housing, and it would be great to put that to work here.

A Greener Community: Small municipalities can make a big difference to our climate crisis. I’ve been working on policy for this Council as chair of its Climate Task Force, and I’d like to see that through!

Better Decisions with Better Democracy: A little more time and money spent on citizen engagement can go a long way towards better decisions. Could we have had a better process on Talisman? I believe so. On the waste contract? You tell me…

I hope to earn your trust for one of the five councillor positions.

Nadia Dubyk

Website / Instagram / nadia.dubyk@gmail.com

Hi, I’m Nadia. I live on a working farm near Rocklyn with my husband, three beehives, two dogs and a cat. Grey Highlands is known for its natural beauty, rural lifestyle, unique towns and offerings, and I’m proud to call it my home.

I believe in the power of citizens and, together, we can shape our community. With a business career spanning over 20 years primarily in the banking industry, a Civil Engineering degree and MBA degree, I have the 'know how' to navigate complex issues, create practical solutions, and get things done. I have extensive experience in forming strategic direction and following through to execution. I’m now retired and have been volunteering with the Board of the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club for several years. Our municipality is growing, and it is critical to make sound decisions now to build a vibrant future for generations to come.

As your Councillor, I’m committed to a:

• Transparent, Accountable and Responsive Government – engage with community in two-way dialogues and proactively inform community about important developments;

• Healthy and Safe Community – protect our natural resources, and enhance public safety and traffic calming practices;

• Vibrant and Sustainable Economy – plan for a sustainable place to live, promote clear zoning policies to optimize land use, boost job creation and affordable housing.

I’m committed to work for you. Responsible change together, for now and the future.

Emmett Ferguson

Website / Leaflet (PDF) / Facebook / emmettforcouncil@gmail.com

My family moved to Grey Highlands in 1989. I went to school first in Flesherton, Thornbury and Meaford, then in Toronto, and eventually Jinan, China. While at school in Toronto, I lived in Campus Co-op Residences Inc. and served on its Board in many roles until 2013. Upon returning from China in 2014, I lived in Toronto and started working as a planning, evaluation and research consultant with my mother, Mary.

After a few years, I understood that Kimberley is where my roots are deepest, and where I want them to grow, so I moved back to the old schoolhouse here in 2017. I returned to the co-operative movement as Chair of Local Food and Farm Co-ops from 2017 to 2021. Recently, I joined the Grey Highlands Museum and Heritage Advisory Committee, and the South Grey Museum Board of Directors. As partner in Eko Nomos Inc., I work with charities, social businesses, towns, schools, and students to create more sustainable livelihoods for everyone in Canada. I share my home in Kimberley with my partner Hannah, our two cats, my parents, and my sister’s family.

I’m working for:

• Housing available to grow our community for everyone
• Local food and farm connections to grow, make, share and celebrate our plenty
• Balancing protection of natural areas with public use and enjoyment
• Support for businesses and people to get to local and global markets
• Listening to our communities to build services for them
• Places for residents and visitors to work, gather, play and learn

Gary Franklin

Bootz_boy@yahoo.ca

I’m 58 years old. I spent many years growing up in what is now West Grey. Great memories of this area. I started my career off in the Canadian military. Worked at the City of Cambridge for 30 years as a truck driver, forestry worker and the last 20 years there as a mechanic.

Bought property in Grey Highlands in 2018 and built a house in 2019. Worked for the county of Bruce for 2 years as a mechanic during this time. I have recently taken a new job at the Military base in Meaford. I have always taken an active role at work to try and improve efficiencies and make it a better place. This is the condensed version of who I am and look forward to seeing the people of this area.

Jessica Hammond

vote.hammond2022@gmail.com

Vote Hammond to represent your goals! With eight years of experience in public service, I’m an expert at connecting people with the information they need.

Joel Loughead

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Joel.loughead@gmail.com

My name is Joel Loughead, and I want to work for you as councillor in the Municipality of Grey Highlands. Now more than ever, we need a council that is accountable and transparent, and councillors who will listen to, communicate with, and act on behalf of the residents of this beautiful place we all call home.

I love living in Grey Highlands for many reasons, but foremost is our world class natural areas. The Niagara Escarpment, spring fed rivers, our wild forests and precious farmlands... all need to be protected against rapid overdevelopment. When we build in Grey Highlands, construction needs to be undertaken thoughtfully and carefully, so that our children, grandchildren, and their children can grow up with the same wonderful quality of life we all enjoy so much.

I live in the village of Kimberley with my wife Frances, and our 18 month old son, Calvin. I want our communities to be the safest, greenest, and most prosperous in this province for him, our seniors, and every single person in between. That means traffic calming on our roads, an increase in public parks and common spaces, and smart investment in small businesses, agriculture, and tourism to bolster our growing local economy. Improved public services can be achieved while keeping taxes low if we find efficiencies and implement creative solutions. Elect me as your town councillor in Grey Highlands, and let's get to work.

Brian McCulloch

Website / Leaflet / brian.mcculloch@rogers.com

I live with my wife, Debbie, at the top of the escarpment close to the Beaver Valley Ski Club. Our blended family has 4 children, their spouses and significant others and 9 grandchildren who love to visit their Nana and Grandpa. My 40 year career was in education focusing on Geography and Environmental Studies. It involved teaching, representing teachers as District President OSSTF and as an Administrator in the Peel District School Board. After retiring, I ran a consulting business with my wife. I have a history of volunteer service in this community where I have lived for the last 21 years. Work with the Beaver Valley Ratepayers Association, the Kimberley Community Association, Landfill Operations Task Force, Council Remuneration Task Force and The Friends of the Kimberley Forest were and are very satisfying. My candidacy is a result of me wanting to be a more significant part of the decisions for changes and growth coming to the rural and urban communities in Grey Highlands.

Priorities for the next 4 years:
✓ environmentally sustainable development
✓ respect the character of the community
✓ diversify the tax base to improve the budget income
✓ conduct a municipal wide safety study
✓ maintain and improve municipal services/infrastructure
✓ develop accessible natural and public spaces.
✓ transparent fiscal responsibility

I enjoy building perennial gardens, building and repairing trails in the Kimberley Forest, hunting in the fall and cooking with my wife.

Lorraine O’Halloran

ohalloran.l@live.ca

I'm a first time candidate a wife a mother and a grandma. I've worked at Blue Water District School Board for the last 18 years and I’ve lived in Grey Highlands for 22 years. I previously lived in Southgate for 14 years. I enjoy crafts, swimming outdoors, movies, family and friends. “Beautiful Naturally” used to be the slogan for Grey County at one time and that's how I see Grey Highlands. Just look around. Trees, flowers, wildlife, water, country roads, peace and tranquility plus much more. Grey Highlands is definitely a place for all to live grow and work. Key points for me for this election are to preserve, protect and enhance this beautiful place we all call home. I'd like to support the seniors in affordable housing to make sure seniors and youth have things to do to be active in their own community making sure they have the support they need to thrive here that are local and accessible for them. Yes it may seem a little dreamy but I'm coming from my vision of a great place to live and work and I wanna keep it that way. I'll be honest to the people if I don't know. That's OK 'cause I will find out and report back to you. I will work hard and support my community. I will not pretend to be someone I'm not. if I can help you I will. I know I have a lot to learn but I'm willing to accept the challenge.

Lynn Silverton

lynn@bmts.com

Proven, Commited, Responsive. I listen and I always respond. I am a Wife, Mother, Grandmother and dog-a-holic! I served you for 15 years on Council 2003-2018 and I am asking with your support, to return to Council.

I don’t have one particular item on my agenda as the job at hand covers a miriad of municipal matters to take care of. I have that experience being 15 years on Council. I look forward to you bringing concerns to me. I will either have the answer, or get it for you.

My performance as your Councillor since 2003 speaks for itself. I answered your phone calls and your e-mails promptly (and still do), I brought some of your matters to Council, I followed them through.

I actively participate in community events – offering or “showing up” whenever I’m asked to be there. Beyond serving on almost every Council committee or municipal board during my four previous terms and still some now. I believe my broad and eclectic background of community service further enables me to truly understand the needs of all Grey Highlanders.

I bring the perspective that does the right thing for every Grey Highlander. Some people call this common sense – I call it experience.

I again ask for your trust and your vote – for one simple reason – you can count on me to do what I say and, say what I do. Lynn Cares.

Roger Tumminieri

Website / Instagram / rogertumminieri@gmail.com

Roger Tumminieri and his wife, Jessica, live in Flesherton with their two young boys. They moved to Grey Highlands from West Toronto in 2019 and have been enjoying their new life in the country ever since - trying hard to fit in and appreciate rural life to its fullest. 

Roger's passion for our community and his support for local businesses and farmers are evident in his work as the publisher of Hello Country Magazine - a print publication he launched in 2020 to celebrate life here in Grey Highlands. 

If elected, Roger plans to increase opportunities for engagement and consultation among the Municipal Staff, Council, and the Public on major issues and to be a voice for the constituents of Grey Highlands, advocating on their behalf at Council

Joe Van der Vechte

Joe.v@beavervalley.ca

Growing up on a farm, where I learned a strong work ethic. And family value’s. In my early twenties I started a landscaping business which I operated for 10 years before starting a second adventure, a golf driving range. Both being a summer seasonal business, I taught skiing at Blue Mountain Resorts. My work experience is too long to get into but it has brought me here today. I now work at BeaverValley Ski Club as the Facilities Manager and live in Eugenia, with my wife Margaret.

I am running for councillor not for myself, but for the residents of Grey Highland’s. They need a voice, someone that will listen and fight for them. I am that voice. I am fighting to make our communities safer, and fighting to protect our community and lands. I am also fighting to have our council to be financially responsible, life is getting expensive enough. I want to see our local businesses that closed during Covid, come back and be prosperous.

I believe our local government needs to be transparent, honest and accountable. I will fight for the many, not the few. I am not against change, as long as it is best for the community and residents. I live, work and play in our beautiful area, and want to help fight for it. I look forward to serving the people of Grey Highlands.

Please get out and vote for your rights. #LetsgovoteforJoe

John van Goch

johnvangoch2022@gmail.com

We are all in this together. I'm running to hold people accountable and to take responsibility. I will help you find solutions to your challenges.

Christine Wagner (Jantzen)

windyacres1901@live.ca

My name is Christine Wagner (Jantzen) and I am proud to say my family and I have been residents of Grey Highlands since 1998 when we bought our first farm in Proton Station. I have three daughters who all attended the French immersion program at MacPhail Elementary School and later graduated from Grey Highlands Secondary School.

It has been my pleasure serving our community while working at Huron Bay Co-op in Markdale for the past thirteen years. Being the store manager I strive to be a positive influence in our community and have developed strong community ties. I am very proud of the bonds that have been created through education, agriculture and community spirit in our area. Preserving our strong agricultural roots and ensuring our land and water ways are protected is very important to me.

I feel a strong need to address our residential sector growth and to ensure traffic issues and rural road conditions have a solid plan moving forward.

My agenda will also include mental health in our community, mobility and wheel chair accessibility for our aging residents and above all to be the person everyone can count on to communicate openly and honestly with all 10,659 residents of Grey Highlands and help guide them to information and ­executing a plan for matters of concern.

Dan Wickens

danwickens63@gmail.com

I am 59 and live on a farm near Badjeros. Married my wife Judy 34 years ago. We have two daughters Katie & Lori. Ready to listen.