HALDIMAND—Ward 1 is perhaps known as Haldimand’s kindest region, with its urban centre of Jarvis previously being named the kindest community in Canada. This ward extends across the county’s western edge, including Townsend, Nanticoke, and Selkirk as well.
Incumbent Debera McKeen was elected in a 2025 byelection following the death of former Councillor Stewart Patterson. McKeen received 944 votes, or 44.7% of the total votes cast. Brian Doyle fell just short with 926 votes, while Alicia Smith received 240 votes.
The Press is asking each councillor candidate the same three questions, with one ward profile to be completed per week.
Brian Doyle
Why are you running for Council and what relevant experiences or skills will assist you in this role?
I am running for Ward 1 Councillor in Haldimand to bring a strong, experienced voice to Council – for everyone in the county. I served this ward in the early ‘90s as a councillor in the former City of Nanticoke, and sat on both the finance and technical service committees.
For the last 20 years, I have served all of Haldimand County as a school board trustee. I have stood up and worked for many families, bringing their issues and their voices to the table. I’ve sat on numerous committees, including for finance and governance. I also served as vice chair of the school board and complete my tenure as Board Chair.
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?
One of the top priorities in Haldimand right now is responsible planning and development. We, as an elected council, need to ask and answer the tough questions when it comes to growth, not only in Nanticoke, but all of Haldimand.
What are the most important issues facing your ward, and what specific actions would you hope to take to address them if elected?
I was born and raised on a dairy farm in Willow Grove, and I currently live on a farm in Jarvis. My wife Janice and I, as well as our five children and five grandchildren, love the Haldimand country lifestyle. Our landscape will be changing, and it should be done responsibly.
I want to be that respected voice, not just on Council, but in the community as well. Although in the hands of the provincial government, the MZO is still an important issue to many. My hope is that the province will make a rational and reasonable decision that will move the county forward in unity.
Meanwhile, I will listen to our voters and residents while maintaining respectful dialogue, communications, and conduct with fellow councillors and the community as a whole. Let’s protect what makes Haldimand and Ward 1 unique.
Debera McKeen
The Haldimand Press contacted McKeen beginning August 19 to provide an opportunity to respond to the profile questions. Following multiple attempts by phone and email, McKeen informed The Press on August 25 that she had been away and would be unable to provide a response before the publication deadline that afternoon.
