Getting to know your local councillors: Ward 2, John Metcalfe

By Mike Renzella

The Haldimand Press

CAYUGA—Ward 2 Councillor John Metcalfe has been living and working in Cayuga his entire life.

“I’ve always lived no further than a block away from Highway 54,” says Metcalfe. His father, a World War II veteran, settled in Hagersville, where he worked as the county jailer until he passed away in 1968.

“Growing up in Cayuga was great. Great sports teams, great volunteer organizations such as the Kinsmen, the Lions, the Legion, minor baseball, and hockey. It was a different time. Everybody volunteered in church groups. It was a good time to be in Cayuga in the 60s, 70s, and 80s.”

Father to two grown children, Metcalfe has long been a presence in his community. He spent 26 years as a volunteer firefighter, and he has coached hockey and baseball in Cayuga for 35 years. He is also the former president of Cayuga Kinsmen Club, co-chaired the Cayuga arena project in 2007, has been involved in various fundraisers and community events with the Fire Department, and is a member of the Cayuga Legion.

Metcalfe spent his career working for the Ministry of Transportation. During his 21 years of experience working in driver examinations, he learned a lot about public service, which planted the idea of running for council. His final 15 years with the Ministry were spent working in the enforcement section at a truck inspection station out of Oakville.