NANTICOKE — Brian Doyle is seeking election as the Ward 1 councillor, bringing with him decades of experience in both municipal governance and public service.
Once a councillor in the former City of Nanticoke and a longtime school board trustee, Doyle is committed to continuing his work for the community.
“I was born and raised on a dairy farm in Willow Grove,” Doyle shared. His work began on the farm, and later included various roles at a local dairy, selling insurance and cars, running his own farm, and 22 years at JLM Metal Recycling in Hagersville.
His first foray into municipal politics came in 1991 as a councillor for the City of Nanticoke. After serving one term, he stepped away to focus on family and work, but the pull of public service remained strong.
“Nineteen years ago, I wanted to get back into public service, so I got on the school board,” Doyle explained. “If I win this election, I’ll resign my seat on the school board.”
Key Priorities
The possible Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) in Nanticoke in a key focus for Doyle, who noted his five grandchildren live rurally because their parents “wanted that way of life” for them, but building homes there would create significant traffic.
“Some say it’s a done deal, while others believe we can still say no. My hope is to meet with provincial representatives to get answers and find a solution that works for Ward 1,” he said.
He emphasized working closely with MPP Bobbi Ann Brady to ensure any development in the area is properly planned: “It’s important to build homes where they need to be built, not in an industrial area where jobs could be at risk.”
He noted the importance of economic development in the Nanticoke area as well: “We have a lot of strong businesses in our ward. There is room for expansion and industrial growth, and we should focus on attracting businesses rather than building housing in areas that could support job creation.”
Doyle believes small businesses play a crucial role in the local economy and must be supported: “That means keeping tax rates fair and ensuring that our local workforce has access to good-paying jobs.”
Roads, Infrastructure, Development
Infrastructure is another priority for Doyle, particularly road conditions and public transit.
“When I was on Council in 1991, not a single concession road was tar and chipped. We started a program to upgrade one road per year, and now that’s been completed. The challenge now is to maintain them.”
Doyle stressed the need to “plan for the future now” for infrastructure, including a Hagersville bypass: “If we’re going to add more people in Nanticoke, we need to make the bypass happen. The bottleneck through Hagersville to Caledonia is astonishing.”
Doyle is also committed to ‘responsible’ growth that protects good farmland. He emphasized the role of environmental protections: “It’s not just about today – it’s about making sure we have land, water, and resources for the next generation.”
Informed Residents
Doyle believes in maintaining open communication between Council and the community.
“The County website is a great resource, and local newspapers help spread information, but I’d like to go further,” he said. “Some councillors have tried holding town hall meetings, and I think that’s a great idea.”
He acknowledges that these meetings might not always be easy but sees them as necessary, adding, “Sometimes people will be upset, and that’s okay. Our job is to listen and respond to their concerns.”
Doyle also plans to implement more ways for residents to provide feedback: “I want to see more interactive engagement, whether it’s through surveys, social media updates, or direct outreach.”
A Commitment to Service
Beyond his professional experience, Doyle has long been involved in community organizations.
“I’m a member of the Lions Club in Jarvis, and I started the Lions Club in Selkirk back in 1996,” he noted.
Doyle believes that strong communities are built on participation and volunteerism, explaining, “It’s the little things – supporting local fundraisers, being part of service clubs, and showing up for people when they need help – that’s what makes a community strong.”
When asked what he wanted to leave voters with, Doyle was clear: “I just want to continue being the Brian Doyle that people know. I want to keep serving my community and be there for the foreseeable future.”
