HAGERSVILLE — Ward 4, which includes Hagersville as its urban centre, is undergoing a time of change as the 2026 municipal election approaches.
Current Ward 4 Councillor Brad Adams did not register to run for a second term, with three candidates stepping forward to vie for his seat come October: Tony Dalimonte, Jason Harnett, and Anna Mroz.
Like other areas in Haldimand, ongoing development has been a hot-button discussion across Ward 4 – from potential residential development plans around the Hagersville quarries, to the launch of Canada’s largest battery energy storage site earlier this year.
The Press is asking each ward candidate the same three questions, with one ward profile to be completed per week. Look to next week’s edition for Ward 5.
Missed something? See all our election coverage online at haldimandpress.com.
Why are you running for Council and what relevant experience or skills will assist you in this role?
Tony Dalimonte:
“I’m running because I believe good governance matters and because Ward 4 deserves steady, honest leadership that puts people first.
“I bring 35 years of private sector accounting at Stelco Lake Erie Works and 20 years as Ward 4 Councillor. I served two terms on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and was a four-term Chair of the Haldimand Norfolk Health and Social Services Advisory Committee. I’m a past member of the Hagersville Lions Club and a current executive member of the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce.
“My experience isn’t just on paper – it’s been tested. I’ve delivered results, built relationships, and shown up for this community for two decades. I have much more to offer.”
Jason Harnett:
“I am running for Council to help restore trust, decorum, and professionalism to our local government. Municipal governance impacts our daily lives most, yet too many residents feel disconnected. As your frontline advocate, I intend to change that by demanding the transparency, action, and direct communication taxpayers deserve.
“My background provides practical tools to get this done. I have years of experience in high-level communications within healthcare, policing, and municipal government, alongside running a local small business, broadcasting on community radio, and volunteering. I am running to protect our community’s interests and ensure Haldimand grows responsibly.”
Anna Mroz:
“I’m running to represent the people of Ward 4, to be their voice. I love our small, rural town, its people, and its culture, and there is nothing wrong with wanting to preserve our smalltown living.
“I am a small business owner and first-generation flower farmer and florist behind Roosts and Roots Flower Farm in Hagersville. I bring over eight years of municipal government experience in administration, finance, budgeting, process improvement, and asset management.
“I’ve seen how things operate from the inside and I will use this knowledge to prioritize and advocate for our community. Public service is serving the public first and foremost.”
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?
Tony Dalimonte:
“Crime and safety are top of mind for everyone. Council has taken the steps it can within municipal structure, and we must continue to focus support for our first responders.
“My top priority is diversifying our tax base toward more light industrial and commercial development to reduce the burden on residential and farm properties. We must manage residential growth responsibly – reasonably – while protecting our rural identity. We need to maintain and build new infrastructure to support future growth. We also need to listen to our farming community, lobby for their needs, and support on-farm value-added activity to protect our farms.”
Jason Harnett:
“Failing infrastructure is a major concern. Haldimand is growing rapidly, our roads and services are not keeping pace. We must stop reacting to growth and start preparing for it by implementing modern traffic management and sustainable planning. Crucially, I will hold developers accountable to ensure they satisfy their legal agreements and truly invest in our community for the long run.”
Anna Mroz:
“Responsible and gradual growth. At the moment Hagersville is facing numerous development applications, all within a span of a 2km radius. Our small towns are not equipped to handle these additional residential units without sacrificing the quality of life of existing residents. Rural residents choose to live where they do for a reason.
“Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has become an alternative route to undermine municipal government’s authority when it comes to development approvals. I would put forth a resolution to stand alongside other municipalities (Town of Whitby, Clarington, Oxford) to demand infrastructure accountability and transparency from the provincial government in regards to OLT’s role and processes.
What are the most important issues facing your ward, and what specific actions would you hope to take to address them if elected?
Tony Dalimonte:
“After four years of instability, Ward 4 needs experienced, effective, and consistent representation. We need to carefully manage residential growth while protecting our rural identity.
“We need more recreational facilities for all ages. With a provincial healthcare crisis, recreation is something we can do municipally to support physical and mental health. I took a lead role in fundraising for the new Hagersville Active Living Centre + Library. Now, I am proposing a new state-of-the-art Hagersville arena with an elevated walking track, and to take a look at a trail along the hydro corridor that also supports farm vehicles. I will make this a Council priority and lead the public fundraising component.”
Jason Harnett:
“I am running to deliver measurable results for Ward 4 across five key pillars:
“Accountability & Service: Bringing higher standards of customer experience, transparency, and proactive communication to residents and businesses.
“Intelligent Growth & Infrastructure: Shifting from reactive fixes to strategic planning. By attracting new industries, we will fuel economic growth and create high-paying jobs to retain our young workforce.
“Traffic & Safety: Addressing congestion, speeding, and heavy truck volume by making this a high priority for staff, working directly with the Police Services Board, provincial counterparts, and Indigenous leaders for real solutions.
“Downtown Prosperity & Recreation: Keeping our downtown cores safe and inviting while investing in recreational opportunities that support active lifestyles.
“Physician Recruitment: Having personally built successful healthcare recruitment campaigns for Norfolk General Hospital, I have the expertise needed to help attract new doctors to Haldimand.
“Ward 4 deserves a representative with the professional expertise and grit to deliver. I am ready to do the work.”
Anna Mroz:
“Traffic is a big issue, and it will get worse with 1,524 approved Hagersville housing units. A provincial bypass and a pause on further development are needed.
“Aging arena: A new facility costs $15M–$20M from property taxes. I promise a report reviewing options for the current arena and the viability of a new one. I’ve also discussed adding Haldimand’s first dog park and upgrading Hagersville’s skate park.
“Data centres: There is currently no provincial legislation in Ontario that regulates these types of facilities and protects the people that live in the communities. I do not and will not support a data centre being built anywhere but on an already existing industrial zoned land, nowhere near residential communities.”
