​Kincardine council appoints Stellina Williams as new Ward 1 councillor

Stellina Williams was appointed Ward 1 councillor, Wednesday night (Nov. 6), at the special Kincardine council meeting. She fills the vacancy left when councillor Doug Kennedy died in August.

Nine candidates had put their names forward for the position, but only eight attended the meeting.

Each was given 10 minutes to address council, followed by questions from the six members of council in attendance: mayor Kenneth Craig, and councillors Mike Hinchberger, Rory Cavanagh (on-line), Jennifer Prenger, Amanda Steinhoff-Gray and Bill Stewart.

Deputy mayor Andrea Clarke declared a conflict of interest as she has a professional relationship with one of the candidates; and councillor Beth Blackwell was absent.

In her speech to council, Williams said she has been part of the Kincardine community for nearly 15 years. She lived in Ward 1 (former Town of Kincardine) for 10 years before moving just south of Kincardine because of her growing family. She stated that she remains eligible as a non-resident, with property in Ward 1.

Williams said Kincardine is the home where her husband grew up, and the only home their children know.

“It's where we work, learn and play and a community that I’m proud to be a part of,” she said. “Kincardine matters to me because it is my home, and I would be honoured to serve the public interest as councillor of Ward 1.”

Williams has nearly 20 years of professional experience, providing sound policy, program development and operational advice, guidance, support, expertise and recommendations to Ontario government cabinet minister and deputy ministers, private and not-for-profit boards of director, chief executive officers and executives, as well as municipal and county councils and other seniors managers.

She has developed and provided guidance and advice on sector and industry economic development (specifically a deep understanding of the nuclear industry), rural and business immigration, regional economic development, innovation ecosystem development, human resource policies, local training and education, and rural economic development.

“I have a range of knowledge and experience in a multitude of functional areas which can bring a depth and breadth of knowledge to the council chamber,” she said.

With a Master’s degree in public administration and an undergraduate honours degree in political science, Williams is currently completing a diploma in municipal administration through the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario.

Having worked for Bruce County, she understands the roles and responsibilities of all levels of government.

“I look forward to the opportunity to help drive decision-making, ensuring the Municipality of Kincardine continues to deliver value to its ratepayers by providing the services it needs to thrive,” she said. “We are at a pivotal time in the municipality — where thoughtful leadership is critical. I welcome the chance to be a part of the opportunity that is before us.”

In response to questions, Williams said she has a good understanding of the municipal budget, through her work with the county, as well as the organization where she works, the Nuclear Innovation Institute.

The remaining candidates included Christina Bandomir, Chris Bianco, Kevin Fournier, Melville Scott McPherson (who was absent), Jason Munro, Carole Robertson, Chandra Shekhar Tripathi, and Scott D. Wilson.

Following the speeches and questions, council put forward three nominations: Williams, Tripathi and Bianco. In the final vote, Williams received the required four votes and was appointed to council.

“Thank you for appointing me,” she said. “I look forward to getting started.”

Williams took the oath of office and was formally welcomed to council. Her first meeting will be Nov. 13. Her term of office runs until the 2026 municipal election.



Kincardine clerk Jennifer Lawrie (left) assists new Ward 1 councillor, Stellina Williams, in taking the oath of office, Wednesday night, at the special councill meeting



The remaining candidates watch as new Kincardine Ward 1 councillor Stellina Williams takes the oath of office; in the back, are Kevin Fournier (left) and Carole Robertson; and in the front, are Chandra Shekhar Tripathi (left), Scott D. Wilson, Chris Bianco and Jason Munro; absent for the photo, are Christina Bandomir and Melville Scott McPherson



New Kincardine Ward 1 councillor Stellina Williams (right) smiles after taking the oath of office; with her, is clerk Jennifer Lawrie