HALDIMAND—Ward 5 covers much of the surrounding rural area around Dunnville’s urban centre, stretching south to Lake Erie and east toward the county boundary.
Under Haldimand County’s new electoral map, the ward remains centred on Dunnville but its boundaries were adjusted as part of the County-wide update.
The ward is currently represented by Rob Shirton, who was elected in 2022 with 925 of the 1,745 votes cast. Sheldon Simpson finished second with 532 votes, while James Kaspersetz received 288.
Shirton is not seeking the Ward 5 seat this time, instead running in Ward 6. Two candidates are seeking to take over the Ward 5 position: Cathy Case and Ben Tucci.
Dave Chevrier was certified as a candidate in the ward, but announced September 8, 2026 on social media that he was moving: “Unfortunately, I have emailed the County clerk to state that I need to withdraw myself from the ballot and cannot continue on with my candidacy for Ward 5 in good faith.”
The Press is asking each councillor candidate the same three questions, with one ward profile to be completed per week. See past profiles online here.
Why are you running for Council and what relevant experiences or skills will assist you in this role?
Cathy Case:
“I’m running because my in-depth experience will help move our community forward. As a lifelong resident, former CAO and councillor, I bring a solid understanding of municipal administration, governance, and finance. I’ve prepared and reviewed multimillion dollar budgets, advised councils, established a 20-year strategic plan, and kept tax increases consistently below the provincial average. My knowledge of all things municipal will benefit our community from Day 1 despite the issues that arise over the coming years.”
Ben Tucci:
“To help make the county and Dunnville even better places to live, work, and play; to unify and move it forward, while remaining focused on affordability for the people who fund our operations: the taxpayers. I will work hard promoting a more affordable county; more connected communities; smart, sustainable, and acceptable growth; safe, vibrant neighbourhoods; and a city hall that listens and follows through. Taxpayers deserve to know where their money goes, thus the importance of transparent financial reporting, scrutinizing public expenditures, and ensuring tax dollars deliver real value. Before anything else, we must be united – one voice, one mission, one community.
“My relevant background and experience: Retired from finance/banking after 42 years, including 18 years in restructuring, assisting small and medium-sized companies experiencing financial difficulties. Seventeen of those 42 years were also spent serving as a city councillor in Cambridge, chairing/co-chairing various committees along the way.”
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?
Cathy Case:
“The top priority is restoring a council that works together respectfully and constructively. When Council is stable, professional, and collaborative, every other priority – affordability, infrastructure, responsible development, or otherwise – becomes achievable. Ethical leadership, respectful debate, and transparency within legal parameters is critical to progress.
“What we’ve witnessed over the past term are questionable actions that have cost taxpayers both time and money. A council with integrity sets the foundation for effective and responsible decision making and results. Throughout my 30-year career I have delivered those results while working professionally with others.”
Ben Tucci:
“Affordability for the people who fund our operations: the taxpayers. I will summarize by referring your readers to my fulsome platform where I make eight recommendations related to taxation and fiscal responsibility. In the final analysis, without a sound financial plan, everything else we attempt to do is destined to fail or not have the support of a community that sees little or no value to the expenditures.”
What are the most important issues facing your ward, and what specific actions would you hope to take to address them if elected?
Cathy Case:
“I’m hearing top concerns are affordability, responsible development at the right pace/density, more local opportunities for families, and rural infrastructure maintenance – especially roads.
“As councillor, I will carefully examine spending proposals, ask difficult questions, and consider both their immediate costs and long-term consequences. Financial stewardship will remain central to decision-making.
“I support diversifying the tax base by attracting industry, including clean nuclear energy opportunities in Nanticoke, to reduce reliance on residential taxpayers and strengthen services. On development, I will advocate for growth that protects Ward 5’s rural and lakeshore character. Small-town growth doesn’t equal mass development. Growth must be paced and fitting in our town. I will prioritize improved services for residents, value for tax dollars, common sense decision making, and informing residents with factual information. My commitment is: listen and respond, ensuring your voice is heard.”
Ben Tucci:
“Affordability for the people who fund our operation and, in this question, specific to the taxpayers in Ward 5. Other issues highlighted in my platform are as follows:
* Concerns with certain aspects of developments in existing neighbourhoods.
* The water drainage issue and the negative impact on properties as a result of historically high water levels, aging infrastructure, and its inability to keep up. The rules and cost to owners of fixing it under Ontario’s antiquated Drainage Act.
* Recycling material going into the landfill.
* Used tire backlog.
* Traffic speeding issue on our roads
