2026 Municipal Election: South Bruce Candidate Q + A

I am running for a second term as Mayor because I believe in South Bruce, its people and its future. Having lived here all my life, I have a personal stake in ensuring our municipality remains a strong, vibrant and sustainable community for generations to come.

I believe leadership is about service, responsibility and making decisions in the best interests of the people you represent. It means protecting what we have, planning for what we need, managing growth responsibly and ensuring taxpayers are treated fairly.

I also believe in the democratic process, accountability and respectful debate. Every resident deserves to be heard, every community deserves proper representation, and decisions must be made through the appropriate processes.

I am running because I have the experience, practical knowledge and commitment to continue doing this work. I understand that the decisions we make today will shape South Bruce for years to come, and I want to help ensure those decisions are thoughtful, responsible and focused on our long-term future and I’m committed to take responsibility and participate in helping to guide council.

I have served on South Bruce Municipal Council since 2014, including my first term as Mayor. This experience has given me firsthand knowledge of municipal governance, budgeting, infrastructure planning, public accountability and the responsibilities involved in making decisions on behalf of our residents.

My professional background has also prepared me for municipal leadership. As a beef farmer, I understand the importance of long-term planning, financial responsibility and maintaining essential assets. During my 37 years at Wescast Industries, including 20 years as President of Local 4207, I successfully negotiated 20 labour contracts. This experience strengthened my skills in negotiation, problem-solving, listening to different perspectives and finding practical solutions.

I understand our rural communities, their needs and the importance of preserving what makes them unique. I believe these combined experiences help me approach municipal decisions with practical knowledge, an understanding of governance and a commitment to representing all residents fairly and responsibly.

I believe I am an effective decision-maker because I bring years of municipal experience, practical knowledge, and proven negotiation skills.  I understand the responsibilities of municipal governance and the importance of making informed decisions that consider both immediate needs and long-term consequences.

Listening to differing perspectives, assessing competing interests, finding common ground and making difficult decisions, when necessary, are all part of the job.

I believe effective leadership requires gathering the facts, having an awareness of legislation and laws, asking tough questions, listening to residents and Council, and following proper democratic processes. My goal is to make fair, responsible and practical decisions that protect taxpayers, support sustainable growth and serve the best interests of the entire Municipality of South Bruce.

As Mayor, I will address cost-of-living concerns by focusing on responsible spending, careful budgeting and keeping municipal taxes and fees manageable. Municipal government must stay focused on its core mandate: delivering essential services, maintaining infrastructure and protecting the financial interests of taxpayers.

I will prioritize necessary services, carefully evaluate spending and capital projects, and ensure that investments are affordable and sustainable over the long term. Growth must be matched with appropriate infrastructure and sound financial planning so that existing taxpayers are not unfairly burdened.

My approach is simple: focus on our core responsibilities, maintain what we have, invest wisely in what we need, and ensure that municipal spending reflects the priorities and matches the financial realities of our residents.

South Bruce taxes are high, higher than what I would like to see.  I believe property taxes must remain as affordable as possible while ensuring that South Bruce can maintain its infrastructure and deliver essential municipal services.

However, municipalities are increasingly expected to absorb costs and responsibilities imposed by provincial (example policing) and federal governments, often without adequate funding or meaningful local input. These expenses place pressure on municipal budgets, and the burden ultimately falls on local property taxpayers. Education levies also represent a significant portion of the tax bill over which municipal Council has no control.

After these obligations are met, municipalities have limited financial flexibility to address their own priorities, maintain infrastructure and provide additional services and amenities residents may want.

I believe it is time for municipalities to push back against unfunded downloading and demand fair funding and greater accountability from upper levels of government. South Bruce must focus on its core mandate, spend responsibly and carefully prioritize its needs.

I believe one of the biggest issues facing South Bruce residents is property tax affordability and the uncertainty surrounding future property assessments.

Ontario has not completed a province-wide reassessment since 2016, and property assessments for the 2026 tax year continue to be based on January 1, 2016 values. Since then, property values and the cost of living have changed significantly, leaving many homeowners and farmers concerned about what a future reassessment could mean for them.

I believe residents deserve a clear understanding of how reassessment could affect their property taxes. While higher assessed values do not automatically mean higher municipal tax bills, changes in assessments can shift the tax burden between properties.

As Mayor, I will continue to advocate for responsible taxation, fair treatment of homeowners and farmers, and sound municipal budgeting. We must be prepared for the financial implications of reassessment while protecting taxpayers and ensuring South Bruce can continue to deliver its essential services.

I support improving transportation options across our region, but I have serious concerns about whether the proposed regional transit model is practical or financially sustainable for rural communities.

Public transit is a service, not a profit-making business. In low-density areas, ridership will be limited, and operating costs will inevitably require taxpayer subsidies. We must understand the long-term financial commitment before proceeding.

I question the Stage 1 route along the lakeshore, where ridership potential appears limited. Routes must connect people to where they live, work, access healthcare and shop—not simply connect communities on a map.

I believe a hub-and-spoke model, combined with scheduled regional connections and demand-responsive transportation, deserves serious consideration. Rural municipalities cannot simply adopt the same transit model as large urban centres. Our population density, travel distances and transportation needs are fundamentally different.

We must also consider what happens when temporary provincial funding ends. Who assumes the growing costs, and how will they be shared? Before advancing through Stages 1, 2 or 3, we need realistic ridership projections, transparent financial forecasts and a sustainable funding agreement involving upper levels of government.

Accessibility matters, but so does accountability. South Bruce needs a practical rural transportation solution that serves residents 

Maintaining municipal services and infrastructure without increasing property taxes requires disciplined financial management, careful planning and a commitment to value for every taxpayer dollar.

As Mayor, I believe council must focus on our core mandate, prioritize essential services, and ensure that existing infrastructure is properly maintained before committing to additional projects. Long-term asset management and preventative maintenance can help avoid more costly repairs in the future.

We must also scrutinize expenditures, seek competitive pricing, pursue available provincial and federal grants, and ensure that new growth contributes appropriately to the infrastructure and services it requires.  

At the same time, municipalities need to push back against unfunded responsibilities downloaded by upper levels of government. Local taxpayers should not continually be expected to absorb costs over which municipal Council has little or no control. This downloading has also increased our need for more staffing, which comes at a cost.

I cannot responsibly promise that taxes will never increase, regardless of circumstances. I can promise to challenge unnecessary spending, make decisions based on need and affordability, and work to keep taxes as manageable as possible.

As head of council, it is our responsibility to maintain what we have, plan for what we need

South Bruce must prepare now for the possibility of AI data centre development. These projects may bring investment and economic opportunities, but we must understand the demands they place on our electricity supply, water resources, infrastructure and community before making long-term commitments.

I believe preparation begins with reviewing our planning policies, understanding our infrastructure capacity and establishing clear expectations for any proposed development. We must carefully assess the financial implications, environmental impacts, job creation and long-term benefits to our municipality.

Growth must benefit South Bruce without placing an unfair burden on existing taxpayers. Any required infrastructure upgrades must be properly evaluated, and we must pursue appropriate funding and cost-recovery arrangements rather than leaving residents to absorb the expense.

I would also support early public consultation and collaboration with the County, neighbouring municipalities and upper levels of government to ensure we are informed and prepared.

My position is straightforward: I am open to considering opportunities that are right for South Bruce, but we must proceed with due diligence, protect our residents and taxpayers, and ensure that any development aligns with our long-term interests.

Increasing housing supply across the affordability spectrum requires a variety of housing options that meet the needs of residents at different stages of life.

During my time on Council, South Bruce has moved forward with over 800 approved housing developments, some of which are completed and others that are just beginning. This is meaningful progress, and I believe we must continue building on that momentum.

Our focus should be on encouraging a mix of housing, including starter homes, townhouses, rental units, smaller homes for seniors, and options for young families and workers who want to live and work in our community.

We must work collaboratively with developers, Bruce County and upper levels of government to remove unnecessary barriers, pursue funding opportunities and respond to local housing needs. At the same time, growth must be matched with appropriate infrastructure and responsible financial planning.

My goal is to help make South Bruce a community where young people can afford to get started, families can put down roots, workers can find housing close to their jobs, and seniors can remain in the community they call home and age in place.

I would like to see business development that strengthens South Bruce’s economic future, supports existing businesses and creates opportunities for the next generation.

Our first priority should be supporting the local businesses already investing in our communities. We should also welcome new businesses and industries that create meaningful employment, expand our tax base and provide opportunities for residents to live and work locally.

South Bruce has an opportunity to build on its strategic location, with two major transportation arteries bisecting our municipality and approved industrial lands available for development. We should actively promote these opportunities to attract compatible industries, encourage private investment and create a stronger local employment base.

I would also like to see continued growth in agriculture, small businesses, skilled trades, manufacturing and emerging industries that complement our rural communities. Municipal government must provide clear planning policies, predictable processes and a business-friendly environment, while ensuring that growth is supported by appropriate infrastructure.

My goal is economic development that creates lasting value—not growth for the sake of growth. New investment must strengthen our communities, benefit our residents and contribute to the long-term prosperity of South Bruce without placing an unfair burden on existing taxpayers.

I am running for Mayor of South Bruce as I feel I have gained valuable experience and knowledge in the past 12 years on council and I can provide strong responsible leadership with a commonsense approach. With owning my own dairy operation for over 20 years and paintball business for 10 years, both in South Bruce, I understand how to budget responsibly, align priorities, and run a successful business.  With an increase in residential growth in recent years in South Bruce, and other potential large regional projects on the horizon, it is more important than ever, to have a strong fiscally responsible council. I have demonstrated that I can make difficult decisions and stand behind my choices. Living in South Bruce all my life, I want residents to feel invested in their communities, and to create a desirable place for residents of all ages, to enjoy all the amenities and programs, while maintaining an affordable and healthy lifestyle.

My current experience that applies to municipal governance is I have been a councillor for South Bruce for the past 12 years, serving 3 consecutive terms at-large. I am very familiar with municipal budgets, policies and procedures, and procurement. In these years, I have gained a valuable range of knowledge through various committees of council by being the South Bruce representative on the Board of Directors of Saugeen Valley Conservation Area, Mildmay Community Health Foundation, South Bruce Recreation team, Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling, and the South Bruce tourism committee.

I believe that I already am, and will continue to be, an effective decision-maker for South Bruce because I have always put the taxpayers at the forefront of my decisions by listening to their concerns. I take to time to research a topic and then look at all the advantages, disadvantages, and consequences of a decision before basing my opinion. I also look at each situation, is it a want or is it a need and does the project or purchase need to be completed now, or can it wait, in order to be fiscally responsible.

What the municipality can do to address the cost-of-living concerns is to keep the taxes as low as possible and only do moderate tax increases, so that residents can budget appropriately. To help achieve this, we need to be creative and use different resources. Potentially investigate cost sharing practices for recreation programming, and purchasing agreements by buying in bulk with schools, libraries, the County and other municipalities to reduce costs. Also, working directly with developers to encourage them to build housing of various styles and levels of affordability, so that we can continue to grow our communities. More people, means more customers, means more businesses, more jobs and a stronger tax base. Ensure that residents are informed on government incentives and rebates like first time home buyers, HST rebates on new homes, energy saving programs etc. to help them save money.

My view on the current tax rate in South Bruce is a little higher than I would like to see it.  Unfortunately, with the cost of inflation after covid, tariffs and government cutbacks, it has been extremely challenging to keep the tax rate increases to a minimum and still be able to offer all the same services and amenities.  We will have to continue to look and apply for various grant opportunities, look at streamlining processes, modernizing computer programming to reduce labour, and get creative on procurement and purchasing policies by potentially collaborating regionally and with neighbouring municipalities.  In the last few decades, we have had limited residential growth, however we are seeing this change with our current developments and this will help with stabilize taxes over the next several years.

The number one issue facing South Bruce residents is affordability. We need to work towards stabilizing taxes while still being able to offer reliable infrastructure, amenities and programs for residents to be able to work and live in South Bruce. By attracting and retaining businesses this allows for more employment opportunities while also increasing our tax base. We need to continue our efforts towards investigating and applying for grants to continue to be able to upgrade and maintain our infrastructure so that these expenses are not completely on the taxpayers. Continue to work with our developers to be able to offer diverse housing options to attract all types of families. We need to advocate to our local government to understand the constraints of rural communities and the challenges that we face and that it is not always a one size fits all approach.

If a regional transit system was implemented, I would like to see it as a user pay system, so not to put additional expenses onto the taxpayers and look to potentially be subsidized by the government and the County, and potentially a minimal contribution from the municipality. I think that the municipalities should also have the option to be part of the transit system if they feel it is feasible based on studies, trial period, rates, and the demographics of the taxpayers at the time of implementation.  South Bruce just recently entered into an agreement with Saugeen Mobility so we will have to evaluate how effectively this program is working based on the users and the cost.

To maintain municipal services and infrastructure without high tax increases for residents, I believe we need to leverage the growth that we are seeing through our recent residential developments and continue to offer programs to retain our current businesses and actively work on attracting new business and industry to South Bruce. By upgrading our infrastructure to service more residents and businesses, this allows for more growth and makes our communities more attractive to invest and live in. With this additional tax base through the new growth, this will help to continue to maintain municipal services and infrastructure that our taxpayers have come to expect. I also think we need to re-evaluate our purchasing and procurement policies to see if there are any efficiencies that can be made through potential regional cost sharing with other municipalities. We need to continue to work closely with the County, the government and other agencies where potential collaboration for programs and grants are available to take advantage of, to reduce costs.

Municipalities can prepare for the possibility of artificial intelligence data centre developments in the coming years by completing their own research on the safety of data centres, the effects it has on the environment, farmlands, water resources, resale property value, and residents’ health. Conversations would need to take place with other municipalities that have data centres and evaluate their experiences with this infrastructure and ask for resident input if they are in favour of this in their community.  If considered safe, another thing to research is the benefit of having this development in municipality – how many jobs will it create, community tax benefit, hydro usage, life operation expectancy etc. There has been a lot of negative publicity in the news about data centres, and I believe there is a substantial amount of work that needs to be completed yet before an informed decision can be made.

To help increase the housing supply across the affordability spectrum, we need to continue to work with our developers to ensure that a wide variety of housing options are available like town houses, duplexes, apartments etc. and use our recent housing study that identified those needs based on our demographics. To continue to work with the County and the government to promote programs such as the Additional Residential Units (ARU) to encourage housing while meeting density guidelines in our official plan and not taking farmland out of our inventory. Work with developers to consider incentives to build homes with ARUs in mind and to plumb basements for additional affordable housing.

In terms of business development in the next four years, we need to build on our residential growth to create opportunities for business attraction. Focus needs to be made on our downtown cores in order to fill empty store fronts, as vibrant downtown cores are essential for both business and resident attraction. We need to continue our business attraction campaign and to offer financial incentives to entice new businesses and retain businesses to increase our taxbase. We need to look forward to potential regional opportunities such as the Bruce C project and the potential spin off effects that can come from that. Be proactive and create a list of assets that we have in South Bruce to be able to support this project by shopping local to support our businesses. To continue to actively advocate to the County and Province for more employment lands within our settlement boundaries through the updated official plan so that we can acquire more businesses. Lastly, we need to work collaboratively with the County, the government and other agencies to utilize grants and programs that are available for growth and revitalization.

I am running because South Bruce is home. I was born and raised here, and my wife and I are now raising our family on a working farm in the municipality.  I’ve spent my career working with young people and families, and I’ve served on minor hockey and baseball executives, so I’ve seen up close what a community can do when people step up. I want South Bruce to be a place where our kids can choose to stay, build a life, and afford to do it. My goal is to be a councillor who listens, works collaboratively, and represents the interests of residents across the entire municipality.

Three things have prepared me for council. First, nearly 20 years as a probation officer, working with families, schools, police, and community agencies to solve problems, and making decisions I have to document and answer for.  Second, my committee work. I co-chair and sit on various community and government committees, so I know how to work through competing interests, follow policy, and build consensus. Third, my time on the South Bruce minor hockey and baseball executives, where I saw budgets, volunteers, facilities, and parent opinions up close. That’s municipal governance on a small scale. Add in running my own farm which has taught me budgeting, risk, and the value of a dollar.

My career and volunteer experiences have taught me the importance of listening before making decisions. I also believe good decisions end with honesty about trade-offs. I’ve done that on committees and executives, where you have to weigh competing needs with limited money, make a call, and explain it to people who may not agree. I also know how to work with a group without letting the process stall. I’m comfortable saying “I don’t know yet, let me find out.” I’ll be a councillor who does the reading, asks staff good questions, and remembers that every decision lands on a real household or farm.

A municipality can’t fix inflation, but it can avoid adding to the pressure. That means keeping tax increases modest, running services efficiently, and avoiding unnecessary fees. It also means supporting the things that lower costs locally.

I believe recreation is one of the most practical ways a municipality can help families. Our arenas, pools and community centres give kids affordable things to do, keep seniors connected, and save families the cost of driving to another town. I’ve seen through minor sports how fees and equipment costs can put activities out of reach for some families. A facility that keeps those costs down is doing real work for household budgets.

Rather than focusing on a specific tax rate target, I believe council should continually review spending priorities, look for efficiencies where possible, and pursue available grants and funding opportunities.  Property taxes are a significant expense for many households, farmers, and businesses. Residents want confidence that every tax dollar is being spent wisely.   I won’t promise a specific number until I’ve seen the budget, but I will promise to scrutinize it.

I think one of the biggest challenges facing South Bruce is making sure our communities remain affordable and sustainable places for people to live and raise a family.

I was born and raised here, and now I am raising my own family here. I want my children and other young people who grow up here to have the opportunity to build a life here if they choose to. That means having housing they can afford, good infrastructure and services, employment opportunities, and a strong local economy.

At the same time, we have to be realistic about the cost of providing those things. We need to manage growth carefully, make responsible decisions with taxpayer dollars, and make sure our infrastructure can keep pace. For me, the challenge is finding that balance to move the Municipality forward while also maintaining the rural character and community connections that make this home. Part of the answer is quality of life. If we want young families and workers to choose South Bruce, they need to see a community with things to do and places to gather. Our arenas, parks, pools, and community centres are a big part of that.

Rural transit is entirely different from urban transit.  We have a larger geography and a lower population, so transit has to be realistic.  I believe that any transit initiative should include funding from the county, provincial and federal levels.  I’d specifically want to see a transit study’s findings and costs before endorsing a specific model, and South Bruce residents need a real say.

I think it starts with recognizing that infrastructure has to be planned for over the long term. We need to know what we have, what condition it is in, what needs to be replaced, and when those costs are coming so we avoid expensive emergencies.  Small, steady, predictable increases are easier on households than big spikes after years of deferring maintenance. I would also look at provincial and federal funding opportunities and shared service opportunities with neighbouring municipalities and the county.

I’d also change how we talk about our community centres and arenas. They’re not just a line in the budget and council should measure and promote their value. Tournaments, events, and league play bring visitors who eat, shop, and fill up their gas tanks locally, and a good facility is something families and employers notice when deciding where to settle; however, they need planning. That means a proper reserve for major repairs, grants for capital projects, and partnerships with user groups and volunteers so we’re not facing a huge bill when the ice plant or roof fails.

I think it is important to appreciate that data centres are still such a new thing and there are so many unknowns. The Municipality needs to do its homework and stay up to date and informed, particularly as it relates to understanding potential infrastructure requirements.  If South Bruce is approached with a future proposal, residents deserve to be part of that discussion.

Housing needs in South Bruce vary from first-time buyers, seniors downsizing, to people who need subsidized units, or those needing a rental. Housing affordability is a complex issue and the municipality is only one part of the solution.  I believe council’s role is to ensure any planning process is reasonable and efficient, that responsible development is supported, and that infrastructure is available to support growth where it makes sense.  The goal should be to keep South Bruce a place where people can afford to live, work, and raise a family.

I’d like to see South Bruce be a place where local businesses can start, grow, and stay.  I’d like to see our main streets thrive, with better promotion of the area and reliable internet so people can run businesses from home or the farm.  Council can’t create businesses, but it can create an environment where people want to invest and where existing businesses have an opportunity to grow and be supported.

I am running for Councillor At Large in South Bruce to be a voice for the residents. I will work hard to bring efficiency to the council table and make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely.

My current and past experiences that apply to municipal governance are running a dairy farm with all the challenges and blessings which come with an agricultural operation. Budgeting, solving problems, being proactive, identifying opportunities, communication,business savvy, dealing with maintenance of buildings, drainage and other day to day challenges. All the different kinds of volunteer work I did and still do enriched my outlook on our area.

I believe that I will be an effective decision maker due to my past experiences owning and operating a dairy farm and all kinds of volunteer work which I am involved in. All the life experiences operating an agricultural business build a wealth of skills and knowledge about a wide range of things. I will use common sense and research issues to come to the right decision.

How to help address cost of living concerns in South Bruce is to keep water bills and waste water facilities and garbage collection cost under control. By reducing overhead cost and controlling the purchases of equipment assets. For example, Do we really need the asset? Is second hand an option? All of the above to keep tax increases to a minimum by using common sense. As a councillor or municipality there is not much else we can do.

Nobody wants to pay higher taxes but tax dollars are what keeps this municipality going. It is important to spend the tax dollars wisely. This we have control over.

The number one issue facing South Bruce residents is maintaining roads, bridges and buildings and other tangible assets. How to pay for maintenance and replacement costs for major items.

A regional transit system between Grey, Bruce, Dufferin and Wellington is on the table. A four times a day route frequency and nominal user fees should apply and costs distributed to municipalities on a per population basis. This could be accomplished via grants for private companies or by provincial funding. The route provider must be reliable to increase passenger numbers on the transit. Which routes will be used the most to get a long term transport system in place and recovers most of the cost.

I would maintain municipal services and infrastructure without high tax increases by tightening our belt on costs. Watch our spending on municipality staff. Consultant spending is a high cost and should be reviewed. Buy second hand equipment if possible. Do we need that equipment or can we rent it? Apply for grants to keep taxes down and services and infrastructure in good standing.

How can South Bruce prepare for the possibility of AI data centre development? Council and CAO should not be allowed to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement with a data centre developer. It must be first put before residents if we are approached by a developer. The data centre does not get a better tax rate than any other business. Full tax rate and no discount rate for hydro usage. Must be disclosed before permit how much water they use and what the environmental footprint will be. Hydro rates for residents and businesses in the data centre area should not increase substantially because these centres are big powerhogs.

We can help increase housing supply across South Bruce so that permits require land developers to build a range of housing including affordable housing. Also support Habitat for Humanity type projects.

I like to see business development for the upcoming term to attract small to medium businesses and support the existing businesses. Business is an essential factor for growth. Keep our main streets vibrant. This is steady work. Support retail and light industry and agricultural and commercial supportive businesses to choose South Bruce as a place to settle down and prosper.

My name is Ashton Metcalfe, I am 22 years old, and I have been acclaimed as a Councillor for the Mildmay-Carrick Ward in the Municipality of South Bruce. I put my name forward because I care about our community and want to be an effective advocate for the residents who call it home. I look forward to beginning my role in November and working with residents, local businesses, community organizations and fellow members of Council.

I want to provide a strong local voice, stay connected with residents and keep the needs of our community at the forefront of municipal decisions. To me, being an effective advocate means taking residents’ concerns seriously, understanding the issues they raise and following through. It also means working through the proper municipal channels to raise concerns and asking questions when Council considers matters that affect residents.

I believe good decisions begin with connecting with the community and understanding what matters to residents. They also require preparation, open discussion and consideration of both the immediate effects and the long-term consequences. Residents deserve clear information about decisions that affect them and opportunities to share their views. I want to maintain regular communication with residents throughout the term, so those conversations help me keep their needs and best interests at the forefront of my decisions.

My role as your councillor is to work on your behalf and keep your needs and best interests at the centre of my decisions. As new opportunities arise, whether in transportation, technology or other development, that means carefully reviewing all the information provided, understanding the need for a project and assessing whether its benefits justify the costs. I would consider whether it addresses local needs, uses taxpayer dollars responsibly and offers lasting value for South Bruce.

Affordability is an important consideration for me. Families, seniors and local businesses are facing financial pressures, and municipal decisions need to reflect that reality. Council must carefully examine spending and look for ways to keep taxes and fees manageable while maintaining and providing the services residents rely on.

A strong and vibrant downtown is important to me. I want to be there for our local businesses and community organizations that do so much. Understanding their challenges and supporting their continued success helps sustain local employment, services and the activities that connect residents. Their ideas and concerns should be part of discussions about our future.

When reviewing new opportunities for South Bruce, I believe it is important to consider both the benefits they could bring and how they fit with our rural character, agricultural land and local needs. I would give each opportunity careful consideration, taking into account its effects on residents and the municipality’s future