A Full community hall with no empty seats

I travelled out from St. George to the meeting out of pure curiosity. As the person that does win this election will get votes on all County items and not just their Ward. The hall was backed with over 50 people there, which I no idea what to expect on the turn out as this my was my first time in Onondaga. For sure need to take a drive out there in the summer.

Voting ends Monday the 16th and you can vote any time online until Monday Night.

Local Voices, Rural Roots: Highlights from the Ward 5 Candidate Night

The Brant Farmers recently hosted a candidate night, providing a platform for the five individuals running in the Ward 5 by-election to address the community’s most pressing concerns. With a focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and the rapid pace of local growth, the evening highlighted the distinct perspectives each candidate aims to bring to the County of Brant Council.

The Vision for Ward 5

The candidates shared their primary motivations for running and their overarching goals for the ward:

 

• • Joanne Dorr: Emphasized bringing a “practical voice” to Council and making decisions that minimize future regrets.

• • Mike Gatopoulos: Focused on managing growth “properly and responsibly,” advocating for an “infrastructure first” approach to ensure taxpayers aren’t burdened by rushed services.

• • Greg Anderson: Highlighted his long history of public service as a principal, superintendent, and school trustee, expressing a desire to switch to municipal council to continue serving the community.

• • Ella Haley: Stressed the need for “smart growth” and “ecological planning,” with a strong focus on protecting prime farmland from being converted into trucking yards.

• • Jeff Johnston: Championed “grassroots” community engagement and advocated for Ward 5 to have a stronger, fairer voice at the council table.

Key Issues: Growth and Farmland Protection

A central theme of the night was the tension between urban expansion and agricultural preservation. Candidates were asked how they would protect agricultural land:

 

• • Mike Gatopoulos pointed out that while provincial policy drives much of the growth, the county’s master plan already has enough designated space, so growth should be directed there to protect productive farming.

• • Joanne Dorr noted the permanence of development, stating, “You cannot unpave a field,” and advocated for prioritizing development in existing settlement areas where infrastructure already exists.

• • Greg Anderson lamented the loss of local landmarks, such as an orchard near his home, calling it symbolic of the need for councillors to be “gatekeepers” for the land.

• • Ella Haley argued that the council needs to budget properly for experts and lawyers to defend against developer appeals, rather than leaving residents to pay out of their own pockets.

• • Jeff Johnston emphasized the need for developers to commit to infrastructure upgrades upfront so the county isn’t constantly “playing catch-up.”

Fiscal Responsibility and Taxation

The candidates also addressed the farm property tax ratio and how to prevent further burdens on local farmers:

 

• • Greg Anderson suggested adjusting tax rates for commercial and industrial properties along Highway 403 to offset the costs for farmers.

• • Ella Haley advocated for removing speculative value from farmland and teaching farmers about incentives like “ecological gifts” to help wipe out capital gains.

• • Mike Gatopoulos supported lowering the tax ratio as industrial and employment lands develop, and proposed “line-by-line” transparency in the municipal tax bill so residents know exactly where their money is going.

Road Safety and Farm Equipment

The safety of sharing rural roads with large farm equipment was another major topic:

 

• • Ella Haley shared stories of residents racing through rural roads to reach major cities, advocating for better public transit like the GO bus and VIA Rail to reduce car traffic.

• • Joanne Dorr highlighted that modern farm equipment is much larger and heavier than in the past, meaning road designs and intersections must be updated to accommodate them safely.

• • Mike Gatopoulos drew on his experience as a firefighter to emphasize the safety risks of poor road design, calling for more consultation with farmers during the planning phase.

• • Greg Anderson recounted a dangerous passing incident he witnessed involving a tractor, reinforcing the need for mutual respect and wider shoulders where possible.

As the by-election nears, these discussions underscore the importance of choosing a representative who understands the unique balance required to maintain Ward 5’s rural character while navigating the challenges of a growing county.