HALDIMAND—Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley will be Haldimand’s representative on the new Board of Health.
As previously reported, the soon to-be-merged Grand Erie Public Health will combine the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit with the Brant County Health Unit, finally giving Haldimand a seat on the board after years with no direct vote.
Initially, Councillor John Metcalfe had put forth his name as well for the position.
Bentley advocated for herself, stating, “I am the Chair of the Health and Social Services (Board) currently and I have participated in the government’s transition committee. I know the issues that have been going on. I’m a strong advocate for Haldimand, and I would like to continue to be that strong advocate for Haldimand to ensure a smooth transition for Haldimand as we move forward. I feel my background and 25 years of healthcare is a value to this Board of Health as well.”
Following the mayor’s remarks, Metcalfe replied, “I would like to withdraw my name from the process.”
With no competitor, Bentley received a unanimous vote and will sit on the new board when the merger takes effect as of January 1, 2025.
Also of note, Ward 5 Councillor Rob Shirton was named Deputy Mayor for the period beginning December 16, 2024 to November 14, 2025. Shirton replaces the late Ward 1 Councillor Stewart Patterson, who had been named the deputy mayor prior to his passing.
Additional appointments announced during last week’s Council meeting include:
- Public Meeting for Planning Applications Chair – Councillor Patrick O’Neill
- Public Works Chair – Councillor Rob Shirton
- Public Works Vice Chair – Councillor Dan Lawrence
- Financial and Data Services Chair – Councillor Dan Lawrence
All appointments were ratified on December 16.
