HALDIMAND—For the first time, Haldimand County voters will elect a Ward 7 councillor in 2026.
The new ward was created as part of a boundary review, approved by Haldimand Council in February 2025, which increased the number of wards from six to seven and the number of Council members from seven to eight, including the mayor.
Ward 7 is made up of Caledonia north of the Grand River, including Avalon and surrounding lands.
With no incumbent councillor for the newly created seat, six candidates are running: Rabiya Azeez, Rob Duncan, Kelly Jones Shaw, Russ McTear, Shiwani Sagar, and Rebecca Stewart.
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?
Rabiya Azeez:
“As a Caledonian, people trust me and have encouraged me to run for Council to do an amazing job representing our community. They value my stellar attributes, including being kind, smart, ambitious, and inclusive, based on all my successful business and volunteer work in Haldimand.
“My successful tenure as Vice Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Board of Haldimand County has led me decide to run as councillor for Ward 7 to deliver and grow. Through my transparent leadership, I have spent years translating community concerns into real action and know how to get things done.”
Rob Duncan:
“I’m running because I want to actively participate in future planning decisions to ensure Caledonia grows in a way that benefits everyone. I believe my prior experiences as a delegate to council over the past two decades, my background in customer service, along with my communication skills, will be useful as a councillor.
“I am an amateur historian and enjoy researching how other municipalities have successfully managed growth and development. I love this town and want to see it prosper for future generations to come.”
Kelly Jones Shaw:
“I am running for Ward 7 because I champion families, community, and the future of Caledonia and Haldimand County. I was born and raised in Caledonia, and we raised our children here. I wholeheartedly believe that a community thrives when people are engaged, involved, and invested in the place they call home.
“I volunteered with sports teams, schools, and community organizations for years. I have had the privilege of supporting children, youth, and families through my work with Children’s Aid, H-N REACH, and CMHA. This experience taught me the importance of listening, embracing diverse perspectives, and collaborating for practical solutions.
“My experience in business has strengthened my skills in organization, financial management, problem-solving, and collaboration. It taught me the importance of hard work, accountability, adaptability, and serving others. These experiences shaped my approach to listening, finding practical solutions, building strong relationships, and putting our community first.”
Russ McTear:
“I’m running because I believe residents deserve a strong, independent voice at the Council table and better value for the taxes they pay. I’m a lifelong Haldimand resident, local business owner, employer, and taxpayer. Over the past several years, I’ve attended Council meetings, served on County committees, and advocated for residents, businesses, and rural communities. Running businesses has taught me to manage budgets, solve problems, and ask tough questions before spending money. I’m not a career politician. I’ve been involved, spoken up, and I’ll keep showing up.”
Shiwana Sagar:
“Caledonia is my home, and I am stepping forward because this community deserves a leader who shows up, listens, and delivers. Conversations with neighbours about break-ins, local traffic, and delayed road work made it clear that our growing community needs proactive representation.
“I hold an Honours Bachelor of Science from Brock University, am a licensed professional with post-graduate education in immigration law, and a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits in Ontario. I have spent my career building programs, managing budgets, leading teams, and advocating for people at provincial and federal government levels. I do not wait for change. I make it happen. I will bring the same determination to the council table: listening, doing the homework, and following through.”
Rebecca Stewart:
“I’m running because I love this community. I live in Ward 7 and run a business here. What I have learned over the years is how much local decisions directly affect daily life, yet residents often feel left out of the process.
“As founder and Executive Director of Inclusions Developmental Services, I turned a family experience into a thriving community organization. I’ve managed budgets, led teams, worked with government, navigated regulations, and built partnerships. I will bring that same empathy, practical experience, and determination to Council.”
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?
Rabiya Azeez:
“Infrastructure planning to enhance the daily lives of people from all walks of life, demographics, and age groups, coinciding with business growth, job opportunities, economic growth, and enhanced services in health, leisure, education, and housing. To achieve this, developments will strictly adhere to fiscal pro planning and feasibility studies that protect the environment and the small-town charm of the area.”
Rob Duncan:
“There is an imbalance between housing and job creation within Haldimand County as a whole. I believe we need to plan infrastructure and create spaces for business development and job creation to balance housing growth. The County needs to be directly involved in planning our future, without relying on the private sector to drive growth and decision making.”
Kelly Jones Shaw:
“I believe Haldimand County’s priority must be planning responsibly for the future. That means bringing Council, the mayor, County staff, businesses, organizations, service providers, and residents together to address our challenges. Growth must be supported by the infrastructure our community needs, including roads, water/wastewater systems, emergency services, housing, recreation, and community services.”
Russ McTear:
“Financial accountability and responsible growth go hand in hand. Haldimand is growing, but infrastructure and services must keep pace without continually placing the burden on taxpayers.
“I want clearer reporting on major spending, better long-term infrastructure planning, less reliance on costly outside consultants where local expertise exists, and greater transparency so residents understand what is being proposed, what it costs, and how it affects them.”
Shiwana Sagar:
“Managing growth responsibly is Haldimand’s biggest priority. Expansions should never outpace the infrastructure our families rely on every day. I will fight to make sure roads, water services, emergency support, and parks are planned and funded alongside new housing, not years behind it.
“We must also create the right conditions for businesses to invest and create local jobs, strengthening our tax base and giving young people a reason to stay here. I will champion clear budget reporting and advocate for development charges, so growth pays for growth, protecting existing taxpayers.”
Rebecca Stewart:
“Our top priority must be making life simpler for residents. Dealing with the County shouldn’t be a headache, whether you’re finding basic information, applying for a permit, or renovating your home. You deserve clear communication, straightforward rules, and real support. That also means handling the basics: smoother traffic, safer roads, and better access to services.
“Regulations matter, but Council must regularly ask if a rule helps or just creates red tape. When there’s a simpler, common-sense way to get things done, we should take it.”
What are the most important issues facing your ward, and what specific actions would you hope to take to address them if elected?
Rabiya Azeez:
“Ward 7’s proposed population growth brings its own challenges, and meeting those needs with the Council’s support would be my top task. As much as I focus on the infrastructure, jobs, and business growth, harmonious neighbourhoods with community safety will be of special attention.
“During my campaign walks, residents have also brought my attention to the need for affordable daycares, high schools, play arenas, after-hours medical clinics, and public transportation. Once elected, I will tirelessly work on all these needs of my Ward 7 and deliver them with the support of the Haldimand County Council.”
Rob Duncan:
“Caledonia is growing very rapidly. In the next 20 years, our population is expected to reach 30,000. We need to plan for future development in a responsible manner.
“We need a second bridge within town, and a business development and job creation plan to pay for it. Continued growth necessitates addressing such challenges as healthcare, traffic, and infrastructure to ensure a successful future for all. Currently, housing is outpacing job creation within Caledonia. The County should be planning growth in a manner that benefits everyone. I believe we should be proactive, not reactive.”
Kelly Jones Shaw:
“For Ward 7, key issues are responsible growth, infrastructure, traffic/road safety, and maintaining the strong sense of community that makes Caledonia such a great place to live.
“I pledge to listen to residents, work collaboratively with Council and County staff, prioritize infrastructure needs, pursue provincial/federal funding opportunities, advocate for fair contributions from development, and strengthen community supports. Most importantly, I will remain accessible and accountable to the people of Ward 7. I believe the best solutions come from working together. I will work to help Caledonia grow while protecting the safety, character, and quality of life our families value and deserve.”
Russ McTear:
“Ward 7 is facing rapid growth while aging infrastructure is quickly falling behind. Traffic safety, crime, and pressure on our remaining farmland are top concerns across urban and rural Caledonia.
“I will continue pushing the MTO alongside MPP Bobbi Ann Brady for two long-overdue safety priorities: the Argyle Street Bridge and Highway 6/Haldibrook Road intersection. Locally, I want better road, roadside and sidewalk maintenance, stronger police visibility, and development that comes with the infrastructure to support it.
“Growth is coming, but it needs to make sense for the people already here. Once farmland is gone, we won’t get it back. Alongside infill and repurposing existing buildings, we need to look beyond surplus farm dwelling severances and discuss bringing back limited farm frontage severances. Done responsibly, this could help our kids get a start, provide farmers another financial option, and create housing without consuming large amounts of productive farmland.”
Shiwana Sagar:
“Safety and infrastructure are at the top of residents’ minds. I will work with the Haldimand OPP Detachment Board to advocate for patrol presence, improved lighting, and neighbourhood safety initiatives.
“I will push to tie road and infrastructure upgrades directly to development approvals so our neighbourhoods are not overloaded. I will send monthly newsletters and provide regular legislative updates to keep residents informed and engaged. Most importantly, when you raise a concern, I will follow up, investigate, and provide answers. I will be an accessible, accountable voice for everyone in Ward 7.”
Rebecca Stewart:
“At the door, I am consistently hearing about traffic safety, recreation, housing, neighbourhood security, and County communication. I will advocate for decisions based on local data, clear timelines, and strong follow-through.
“Ward 7 needs safer streets, varied housing, accessible recreation for all ages, and clear safety updates. I’ll stay accessible, listen first, and be honest when an issue falls outside County control. If I don’t have an immediate answer, I will research it and follow up.”
