CALEDONIA — Ward 3 is one of the areas most changed by the addition of a seventh ward. The third ward covers urban Caledonia south of the Grand River, along with lands to the south and west.
Dan Lawrence has represented the ward since 2018. He won re-election in 2022 with 1,731 votes. Julie Richardson came second with 1,035 votes, followed by Mark McEachern and Ray Kitchen with 539 and 221 votes respectively.
This year the ward has two candidates: Lawrence and Ryan Mastromatteo.
The Press is asking each councillor candidate the same three questions, with one ward profile to be completed per week. See past profiles at haldimandpress.com.
Why are you running for Council and what relevant experiences or skills will assist you in this role?
Dan Lawrence: “I am running for re-election as it is important to continue the valuable improvements and new initiatives being done in Ward 3 and Haldimand County. My ability to work with residents, County staff, and elected officials at all levels of government in a respectful and responsive way is invaluable and has led to the creation of many new initiatives. I have been truly dedicated to this position as councillor; this has not lessened the past eight years. I always listen to constituents’ issues and attempt to solve whatever concerns they bring to me.”
Ryan Mastromatteo: “I am running for Council because decisions should be made by people who understand the community and are directly affected by the results. I work directly in homes and neighbourhoods across Haldimand, leading construction projects, solving problems, and talking with residents every day. This hands-on experience gives me a clear view of how County decisions affect families and daily life. Managing crews, budgets, timelines, and customer communication has taught me how to stay organized, be accountable, and keep people informed.”
What do you consider to be the top priority for Haldimand County as a whole, and what specific ideas do you have to address that need?
Dan Lawrence: “I will highlight three:
* Affordability for all residents. We must continue, as in other years, keeping residential taxes and adjustments low.
* Physician recruitment as staff were directed by Council to develop a strategy to recruit more doctors. This has been successful and I support the continuation and increase of this initiative.
* New industry and employment opportunities. We must continue exploring and securing opportunities; enlarging our industrial tax base adds prosperity to Haldimand. The more industrial taxes, the financial burden lessens for all residential taxpayers.”
Ryan Mastromatteo: “Across Haldimand, the top priority is ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with growth. Roads, water systems, emergency services, and utilities are under pressure as our population increases.
“We need a long-term plan that sequences upgrades properly, prioritizes high-need areas, and communicates timelines clearly. I would push for stronger coordination between departments, better public reporting, and a commitment to building infrastructure before congestion reaches crisis levels.”
What are the most important issues facing your ward, and what specific actions would you hope to take to address them if elected?
Dan Lawrence: “I will identify two at this time.
“The Argyle Street bridge reconstruction issue continues to be at the top of the issues facing Ward 3 and the new Ward 7. I will continue working with County staff and the MTO to hopefully see the project finally commence as recently committed to by Minister Sarkaria.
“Community safety, safer streets, and more road improvements. We need more pedestrian crossovers, speed cushions, and stoplights at Haldibrook/Highway 6, to mention a few. We must all feel safe to drive, bike, and walk our streets and sidewalks.”
Ryan Mastromatteo: “In Ward 3, the key issues are road conditions, traffic flow, safe pedestrian routes, and responsible growth. Residents see the impact every day with bottlenecks on Argyle, subdivisions outpacing infrastructure, and neighbourhoods needing safer crossings and better drainage. If elected, I would advocate for targeted road repairs, improved school zone safety, and a clear infrastructure plan tied to new development. I would also prioritize regular communication with residents through updates on projects, timelines, and decisions that affect their neighbourhoods.
“My goal is simple: practical solutions, honest communication, and a Council that listens first and acts responsibly.”
Stay tuned to next week’s Press for a closer look at the candidates in Ward 4.
