Email Mike
Mike Gatopoulos
Resident of Mount Pleasant
Mike is the owner of Seventh Coffee Company, where he understands firsthand the challenges facing local businesses and the importance of responsible, long-term economic planning. He also serves as Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of Lansdowne Children’s Centre, bringing governance experience and a strong commitment to families and community services.
In the past he has served on the Special Education Advisory Committee for the Grand Erie District School Board, as well as the County of Brant Library Board.
Building Transparency and Accountability in Local Government
Mike Gatopoulos’ campaign for Ward 5 is rooted in the belief that residents deserve clear, accessible insight into how decisions are made at County Hall. He emphasizes that transparency must go beyond procedure—it should include plain‑language explanations of major planning, infrastructure, and budget decisions so residents can fully understand how their tax dollars are being used. Gatopoulos advocates for modern public tools that show how the County portion of property taxes is distributed among key services, helping rebuild community trust through openness and meaningful public consultation.
Protecting Rural Lands and Ensuring Responsible, Infrastructure‑First Growth
A key pillar of Gatopoulos’ platform is strong protection for Ward 5’s rural and agricultural character. He supports responsible economic growth but opposes the expansion of heavy industrial development into rural or agricultural zones unless there is clear justification, enforceable safeguards, and genuine community compatibility. He also stresses that development must never outpace local infrastructure. Water, wastewater, and road capacity, he argues, must be in place before zoning changes or intensification is approved so rural residents are not burdened by unsafe roads, stressed wells, or delayed servicing.
Safeguarding Natural Heritage and Managing County Assets Responsibly
Environmental protection is another major component of his platform. Gatopoulos believes natural heritage lands exist because they hold environmental significance and should be protected through consistent, predictable standards—not negotiated away on a case‑by‑case basis. He also calls for transparent decision‑making around key County-owned assets, including the airport lands, insisting that decisions be made openly with full public consultation. For Gatopoulos, these assets belong to the community and must be managed with clarity, care, and responsible long‑term planning.
