HALDIMAND—Covering Dunnville and some of the surrounding rural communities in the southern portion of Haldimand County, Ward 6 is home to a mix of residential neighbourhoods, farmland, businesses, and recreational areas.
This year, there are eight candidates vying to fill the seat of outgoing councillor Patrick O’Neill. O’Neill won in 2022 with a total of 1,003 votes, besting closest competitor Lisa Taylor by less than 100 votes.
Why are you running for Council and what relevant experiences or skills will assist you in this role?
Ian Cowan:
“I was born and raised in Dunnville, and my wife and I chose to raise our young family here. I’m running because I want our community to grow while keeping the character and connections that make Dunnville home. My work at PenFinancial has taught me to examine budgets, weigh risks, and make careful decisions with other people’s money. Serving as a director on the finance committee for the hospital foundation board has strengthened those skills and shown me the value of listening, showing up, and working together.”
Geoffery Edie:
“I’m running because I care about this community’s future. My platform, ‘A Grand Vision for a Grand Community,’ reflects that. In my corporate career I’ve led large teams and learned what servant leadership actually means in practice. My background in real estate finance and corporate tax strategy has given me a well-rounded education in budgeting and realistic spending at scale, experience I’ll bring directly to Council decisions.”
Earl Reinink:
“I bring business skills to the table. I have designed and executed hundreds of private and municipal projects across Ontario. I am at home in a board room, and have worked with building departments, health and safety, Health Canada, and numerous conservation authorities across Ontario. Familiarity with site planning and building code requirements, budgeting, costing, spread-sheets, and execution are second nature to me.”
John Ricker:
“I am running for Ward 6 because I care about the future of our community and believe residents deserve a representative who will listen, be accessible, and bring their concerns to Council. As a successful local business owner and licensed drainage contractor, I understand the realities of operating a business, creating employment, managing costs, and making responsible financial decisions. My work has also given me firsthand knowledge of drainage, infrastructure, and issues that directly affect farmers and rural property owners.”
Rob Shirton:
“I’m running for Council because Dunnville needs experienced representation at the table. I’ve had the privilege of serving on Haldimand County Council since 2010. I’m running in Ward 6 because this is my community. I currently live in town on Cedar Street. I was born and raised in Canborough, so I understand both the urban and rural sides of this ward.”
Veronika Simmons:
“I’m running because I love Dunnville and believe residents deserve a councillor who listens first, communicates openly, and follows through. I’m a local entrepreneur, business owner, and mother of five with deep community roots. Through building businesses, working with hundreds of businesses and organizations, and leading community initiatives, I’ve learned to manage budgets and priorities, solve problems, research issues, and turn ideas into action. I won’t pretend to know everything. I will ask questions, do the work, and ensure residents have a strong voice at Council.”
Lisa Taylor:
“I am running for Council because I am a strong, trustworthy leader. I am dedicated to transparency and determined to be a strong advocate who is well educated with a law background during post secondary education. I have experience in law enforcement, attending court proceedings, and countless hours of legal research with analysis of laws and procedures. This experience, along with being a member of community boards and committees, has prepared me to be the Ward 6 councillor.
“My life experience with public interaction has been full of positive feedback and supportive. Feedback received while I actively teach throughout the county and southern Ontario. I instruct hundreds in first aid/CPR and AED while acquiring enthusiastically positive feedback from a variety of businesses and individual students.”
Patti Turnbull:
“Dunnville residents tell me they need a strong voice at Council. We haven’t had that for a while. That’s the major reason I’m running. Listening and fighting for Dunnville residents is my priority.
“A secondary reason is that it is clear that staff need more direction from Council – that’s Council’s job and I don’t see that happening. Our bylaw definitions from bylaw to bylaw are inconsistent and there are often gaps in the bylaws that leave them up to interpretation. I speak about this on my platform and have discussed this with staff several times over the last few years. This, and other gaps I see with process, needs to be cleaned up so residents have clarity and the County is not wasting valuable tax dollars on inefficiencies or chasing enforcement on poorly worded bylaws.”
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?
Ian Cowan: “My top priority for the County is responsible growth. New opportunities should strengthen our community without leaving residents with costs we cannot sustain. I would examine major spending alongside its long-term costs, protect the County’s financial reserves and existing assets, and support infrastructure and services that keep pace with growth. I would also work with local farmers and businesses to identify practical barriers the County can help remove.”
Geoffery Edie: “Our top priority is managing growth the right way. Since 2020, we’ve seen a huge influx of people leaving cities for our community, which is great, but it demands careful planning. I’d prioritize working with small local builders and reviewing our infrastructure capacity so new development doesn’t outpace the services our current residents rely on.”
Earl Reinink: “Major issues: economic growth, infrastructure upgrades, drug addiction (counselling and rehabilitation for those who suffer), affordable housing, tax costs to businesses, difficulty in acquiring building permits, high cost of food and fuel. While there is no quick fix readily available, my hope is to provide business expertise, financial oversight, planning skills, etc. and specifically direct the planning and growth, making this a better place for my children and grandchildren to live and grow in.”
John Ricker: “Agriculture is an important part of Haldimand’s economy and identity, and I want to ensure our farmers and rural residents have a strong voice at Council. Protecting agricultural land, addressing roads and drainage, supporting local businesses, and ensuring taxpayers receive value for their money are priorities for me. As Haldimand grows, we need responsible planning that respects the rural character of our communities.”
Rob Shirton: “A top priority and one of the biggest challenges I see for the next council will be restoring strong, effective leadership and improving the working relationship between the mayor, Council, County staff, and the Province.
Veronika Simmons: “Haldimand’s priority must be responsible, transparent planning for growth while protecting affordability and quality of life. Development must be supported by roads, water and wastewater capacity, healthcare, emergency services, and sound financial planning. I would push for earlier public consultation, clearer information about costs and impacts, transparent infrastructure priorities, and long-term planning that protects taxpayers. Residents should be part of major decisions before they are made, not simply informed afterward.
Lisa Taylor: “Choosing one top priority is unfair to the community as a whole. There are many top priorities, such as community safety, housing, mental health, and the current economic downturn.
“Affordable housing has many definitions along with possible solutions. I am 100% on board to work with County staff and residents to make more affordable options available. Roads and public safety – I support traffic calming methods, enhancing community policing, funding local fire and rescue services, and improving emergency response plans. More resources and staff equals more problems solved. Yes, it comes at a cost, but is this not a cost our County wouldn’t support.”
Patti Turnbull: “Unity on Council. We don’t always need to agree, but we need to show all stakeholders we can work together. We need to demonstrate we’re a reliable partner to businesses and other governments. Being a reliable partner helps us be considered by growing businesses for expansion and other projects. My background is pulling people together and finding common ground. I’ve been successful in my corporate life because I always strive for the win/win. That’s what I’ll bring to Council.”
What are the most important issues facing your ward, and what specific actions would you hope to take to address them if elected?
Ian Cowan: “In Ward 6, I hear a desire for stronger local businesses, more accessible places to gather and play, and a councillor who stays connected after election day. I would work with businesses, farmers, and community organizations to build on what is already working, including the farmers’ market. I would push to move the splash pad forward and explore affordable options for an outdoor rink and pickleball, with costs and community use considered before commitments are made.
“I would keep meeting residents across Dunnville and the rural parts of the ward, explain my decisions openly, and bring their concerns to the council table.”
Geoffery Edie: “This ward needs more family events that draw tourist revenue. Past leaders chose to pursue tourism over local industry, a reasonable call, but one we haven’t fully delivered on. When elected, I’d form a committee of engaged citizens to help close that gap, working together to bring art and music festivals and other family-friendly events that draw visitors and support local businesses.”
Earl Reinink: “Top priorities for my ward: during my many visits and discussions with constituents, the major complaint I received was that their previous council member was a part-time, no-show councillor. They feel that Dunnville as a town was unrepresented for the past four years by the council member’s record of absenteeism from Council meetings – with the major portion of projects and finances going elsewhere in the county. I will not treat this position as a part time job, but do my best to give fair representation to all.”
John Ricker: “I also believe strongly in supporting youth, sports, and recreation. I currently serve on the board of the Dunnville Minor Hockey Association and, through my business, have been proud to sponsor local sports including the Dunnville Aeros, Dunnville Jr. Mudcats, men’s and women’s baseball, and children’s baseball, which I also coach. I have seen firsthand how important local sports and community programs are for our youth and families. I want to encourage partnerships between the County, local businesses, and community organizations that create more opportunities for young people.
“Ward 6 is home to farmers, families, seniors, youth, and business owners. I want to bring practical experience, open communication, and a strong understanding of rural issues to Council while ensuring all residents have a voice in the decisions affecting their community. I love Dunnville!”
Rob Shirton: “Ward 6 has very different needs. We have an aging population in Dunnville, young families, and a strong rural and agricultural community around Canborough. We need to keep investing in the infrastructure and services that matter to residents: better roads, recreation, an indoor pool, a splash pad, pickleball courts, and places for people of all ages to stay active. I’d also like to see Kneider-Gardiner Park better utilized, with improvements such as playground equipment and a walking track. Also, when the new fire and EMS facility is completed, we need a strong plan for the existing downtown fire hall property so those lands can be repurposed in a way that benefits Dunnville.
“I know and love this community, I know the issues, and I have the experience and passion to continue working for Ward 6.”
Veronika Simmons: “Ward 6 needs attention to aging infrastructure, healthcare access, downtown revitalization, traffic and speeding, accessibility, and affordability.
“I would advocate for infrastructure priorities based on safety and need, improved local healthcare access, practical support for local businesses, and accessibility reviews of sidewalks, crossings, parking, and public facilities with input from people using mobility devices. I would hold regular community conversations and provide plain-language Council updates. Residents deserve a councillor they can actually reach, who listens, follows through, and remains accountable between elections.”
Lisa Taylor: “I have heard murmurs that Ward 6 gets nothing, that we are the forgotten ward. Never say never. We do receive services and other benefits in our ward.
“We do need economic development. In that area, we have some progress, slow but happening. Parks and recreation, we need some well needed updates like the splash pad, which is planned for the near future. Our pool needs to be replaced not patched, our recreational buildings are in poor shape.Road safety, crossing guards, not signs or by-law enforcement sitting in their vehicles. Traffic calming methods can be utilized to reduce speeding. We need to support our local businesses. We have great people that live and work here that love this place we all call home.”
Patti Turnbull: “1. Traffic safety issues. More police presence will help but that’s a negotiation related to their contract. 2. Downtown cleanliness and safety. Working closer with the BIA to understand why certain downtown areas are not being addressed. More police presence around town will help deter crime. 3. Pool and splash pad; the overwhelming feedback is that the splash pad should go in Central Park. I can’t promise an indoor pool for Dunnville, but I will look at any potential solutions for the entire county.
“In addition, I’d like a real plan to attract right-sized businesses to Dunnville and an action-based plan to boost our tourism opportunities. Hamilton, for example, employs someone whose only job is to attract firms to their business parks. Maybe we need an expert like that.”
Click here to read the rest of the Haldimand Press’ election coverage.
