Six candidates running for five councillor seats in Huron-Kinloss

Six candidates are in a race for the five councillor positions in Huron-Kinloss Township, in the Oct. 26 municipal election, including four incumbents and two newcomers.

Here is an opportunity to meet the candidates and learn about their platforms.

An all-candidates will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m., at the Lucknow Community Centre, hosted by the Lucknow and District Chamber of Commerce.

SHARI FLETT

Shari Flett lives in Lucknow, and she and her husband of 36 years have two children who live in Wingham with their six grandchildren.

She graduated from Centralia College of Agricultural Technology in 1988 in the Animal Health Technician program. In 2014, she graduated from the Algonquin College Radiation Safety Technician Program and currently works at Douglas Point. She has lived in Huron-Kinloss since 2003.

After four years serving on Huron-Kinloss council, Flett feels as if she has barely scratched the surface of knowledge that a councillor should have, and there is so much more to learn, which is why she is running for re-election.

"The people placed their trust in me in 2022," she says. "I owe it to them to apply that knowledge for another term and to continue to grow with the position."

She would greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue the work on the Wingham Listowel Physician Recruitment Committee.

"Physician recruitment is critical to our rural health-care system," she says. "That committee ties in with one of the other ones that I sit on, the Southwestern Isotope Coalition, where the committee is working toward developing radiotherapy opportunities in Grey and Bruce counties. There is a great deal of work to do in both areas.

"It has been inspiring to meet the people from all over Ontario who are developing incredible initiatives to help their communities. The very least I can do is to serve on council for another term."

Flett has served four years as a councillor in the township. During that time, she served on four committees - Wingham Listowel Physician Recruitment, the Southwestern Isotope Coalition (as well as a subcommittee specifically for academia and health-care initiatives), the Mid Huron Landfill Committee and the Lucknow Community Health Centre Board.

"I attended annual conferences for AMO (Association of Municipalities Ontario), ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association) and the Canadian Nuclear Association, as well as many other meetings hosted by Bruce County, the Federation of Agriculture and the CNIC," she says. "While at the AMO and ROMA conferences, our council delegated many times to ministers on various topics."

Flett says the top three issues facing the township right now are:

• Lack of affordable housing

• Stress on the health-care system

• Drainage issues throughout the township

 

SCOTT GIBSON

Scott Gibson has lived in Huron-Kinloss his entire life. He and his wife, Kim, live just south of Ripley on a small farm where they are raising their kids and staying connected to the rural lifestyle that has shaped the community for generations.

"I work as a first-line manager in reactor programs at Bruce Power, leading teams responsible for detailed inspections of reactor components," he says. "I also come from a farming background, which has given me a practical understanding of agriculture’s importance to our economy, our identity, and our way of life. Working in a highly-regulated, safety-focused environment, has strengthened my ability to lead teams, follow structured processes, assess risk, and make disciplined, long-term decisions."

He is running for re-election because he cares deeply about the future of Huron-Kinloss and wants to continue contributing to steady, practical leadership as the township grows.

"My first term on council provided valuable insight into how the municipality operates and the challenges ahead, but meaningful progress takes time and consistency," he says. "I’ve also seen how much our volunteers and community organizations accomplish, and I believe the township should continue supporting these efforts, wherever it reasonably can.

"My goal is to help ensure our municipal government remains accountable to residents, protects our rural character, and builds a strong foundation for families, farms, and businesses for years to come. You gave me four years to learn and contribute - I appreciate that, but I am just getting started!"

Gibson brings to the council table his experience as a current councillor, along with a practical, community-focused approach.

"My professional background has taught me the importance of planning, clear communication, and disciplined decision-making," he says. "At the council table, I focus on asking the right questions, listening to residents, and making choices that reflect both immediate needs and long-term impacts. I believe in transparency, responsible spending, and ensuring taxpayers understand how, and why, decisions are made."

He says one of the biggest challenges facing Huron-Kinloss right now, is managing growth while keeping its infrastructure sustainable.

"Roads, bridges, drainage systems, water and sewage capacity, parks, and other municipal assets are under increasing pressure across the township," he says. "If we don’t plan ahead, we risk higher costs and unexpected repairs that fall directly on taxpayers."

Another priority is advancing alternative waste-stream solutions.

"Simply filling landfills and covering them up is not a long-term strategy, and it leaves future generations with the consequences," says Gibson. "I believe we need to explore modern, practical options that reduce landfill use, extend the life of existing sites, and create a more responsible waste-management system. I look forward to bringing forward more ideas on this subject in the next term.

"If re-elected, I will continue advocating for proactive infrastructure planning and responsible asset management. That includes maintaining and upgrading critical systems before they reach a crisis point, keeping projects on-schedule and within reasonable budgets, and pushing for fair contributions from provincial and federal partners.

"I also support thoughtful development that respects our agricultural heritage and strengthens our communities. Above all, I will continue providing open, straightforward communication so residents know how their tax dollars are being used."

 

TRACY IRWIN

As a lifelong resident of Huron-Kinloss, Tracy Irwin has deep roots in the community and a strong understanding of the people, businesses and organizations that make this township a great place to call home.

"I grew up in Lucknow and am now a full-time resident of Point Clark, as well as a cottage owner along Lakeside Trail," she says. "My husband, Chris, and I have five sons, two of whom now live in the Village of Ripley with their families. We are also cash-crop farmers, and I have been the owner of Everlastings Flowers and Gifts in Lucknow for 33 years."

She has been actively involved in the community for many years, including taking on leadership roles and volunteering with a variety of local organizations and initiatives, including those with the Township of Huron-Kinloss. These experiences have provided valuable opportunities to develop organizational and time-management skills, work collaboratively with others, and understand the importance of bringing people together to accomplish shared goals.

"I am running for councillor because I have a strong sense of stewardship for this community and feel a responsibility to protect what we love, while ensuring Huron-Kinloss continues to thrive and grow through responsible planning," says Irwin. "I believe my experience as a business owner, volunteer and community leader can make a valuable contribution to council, while providing a perspective that represents the entire township and the residents who call it home — or perhaps their home away from home.

"I am not running because of one particular issue or out of frustration or anger. I am running because I believe in this community and want to be part of careful, responsible decision-making that helps shape its future. I am not looking to tear anything down. I am looking to be part of building what comes next."

Irwin believes one of the key issues facing Huron-Kinloss is managing continued growth while protecting the character, services and quality of life that residents value — and doing so in a fiscally-responsible way that respects residents' tax dollars.

"Council needs to listen to residents, understand the different perspectives across our villages and rural areas, and make decisions with both today's needs and the long-term future of the township in mind," she says.

In addition to managing growth and being fiscally-responsible, good infrastructure management should be a key priority.

"Roads, bridges, water systems, waste management, recreation facilities, and other municipal infrastructure are essential to the daily lives of our residents and to the continued growth of our communities," she says. "We need to plan, maintain what we already have, and make thoughtful investments in infrastructure that will serve our communities for years to come. As our population and development continue to change, infrastructure planning needs to keep pace, while balancing the needs of today with the financial responsibility we have to future generations.

"If elected, I will bring an open mind, a willingness to listen and learn, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to responsible decision-making and active communication with our residents. My goal is to help ensure Huron-Kinloss continues to grow and prosper while remaining the community we are proud to call home.

 

KIRK LIVINGSTON

Kirk Livingston was born and raised on a livestock farm in the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. For the past 35 years, he and his family have called Huron-Kinloss home, residing in Lucknow where he and his wife, Danielle, raised their two children, Zane and Kloe.

His post-secondary education includes a diploma in carpentry engineering technology from Georgian College in Barrie, and he has completed more than 70 courses focusing on the Ontario Building Code, municipal planning and zoning, bylaw enforcement, risk management, and Drainage Act legislation.

"I am currently employed by the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry, where I wear several hats: chief building official (issuing all building permits, overseeing building, plumbing, and on-site septic system inspections), property standards and bylaw enforcement officer, drainage superintendent, and zoning administrator.

Simply put, Livingston is running for council to bring 22 years of hands-on municipal administration experience to the table. Having managed multiple departmental budgets and worked inside municipal operations for more than two decades, he understands the mechanics of municipal government.

"I want to bring a common-sense approach to the council table — one that listens to residents, spends tax dollars wisely, and balances regulations with realistic solutions," he says. "Our goal should be to ensure our community remains welcoming, accessible, connected and grows. If elected, I will be a voice willing to ask the tough questions and pursue direct answers for our residents, even when those answers are difficult."

Livingston brings to the council table his 22 years as chief building official with hands-on experience managing departmental budgets, zoning administration, property standards, and bylaw enforcement. "I have spent more than two decades preparing reports for council, interpreting provincial legislation, navigating regulatory red tape, and helping residents, contractors, and developers find reasonable solutions," he says.

He brings 14 years as municipal drainage superintendent with extensive experience managing municipal capital drain projects, drain improvements, and routine drain maintenance under the Drainage Act. This involves co-ordinating directly with landowners, engineers, public works departments, conservation authorities, OMAFA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-business), and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

"I am currently serving on the board of directors for the Drainage Superintendents Association of Ontario to advocate for responsible infrastructure management across the province, and serving my second term on the County Accessibility Advisory Committee to advocate for and improve accessibility in public spaces and buildings," he says.

Livingston says that in speaking with a large number of local residents, many have voiced that "we need change," though what that looks like varies depending on who you speak to. To summarize the specific concerns directly raised with him:

Clear communication, staff accessibility and bylaw transparency - Many residents feel unsettled regarding new municipal bylaws being introduced — particularly those regulating lakefront and shoreline areas, beaches, and parking. Council needs to provide clear communication, transparency, and sensible regulations that respect community concerns. Additionally, residents have expressed frustration with the difficulty of reaching municipal staff and a lack of timely follow-up calls or E-mails.

Housing diversity and growth - Balancing new development across all areas of the township by supporting affordable housing options, proper residential intensification, and responsible growth that respects the character of the rural, settlement, lakeshore and urban communities.

Drainage, infrastructure and cost management - Navigating the municipal drainage process efficiently, keeping project costs manageable for landowners, and applying a practical, common-sense approach that reserves formal engineering strictly for when it is required rather than standard routine maintenance. Furthermore, council must ensure funds are continuously allocated to reserves to help offset development costs when addressing critical water and wastewater infrastructure.

 

ED McGUGAN

Ed McGugan and his wife, Karen, live just north of Lucknow on a few acres where they have planted more than 4,000 trees. Karen was born and raised in Kinloss Township, and the couple moved back to the area in 1985, not long after they were married.

He graduated as a mechanical engineering technologist in 1982 and worked for Versatile Farm Equipment in Winnipeg, Champion Road Machinery and Volvo in Goderich, as well as Britespan Building Systems in Lucknow and Wingham, before retiring almost six years ago.

His family also milked a herd of Jersey cows on the home farm on the 6th Concession for many years until retiring from farming.

McGugan is running for re-election because of a couple of major concerns.

"The provincial plan to amalgamate the conservation authorities across the province and in our region, has tremendously weakened local representation and influence over the decisions made that affect our residents and landowners," he says. "I would like to continue to represent the interests of the people of Huron-Kinloss to ensure we get as fair a representation as possible, given the circumstances.

"The firefighting and fire prevention work that has occurred in Huron-Kinloss is of paramount value. We have much more to do and I would like to continue to be part of that effort in saving the lives of residents, visitors and our firefighters."

McGugan has served as a Huron-Kinloss councillor for almost eight years. He was assigned to the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Board (MVCA) in 2018 and has served as vice-chairman and been elected chairman for the past three years. In addition, he has served as vice-chairman of Conservation Ontario for the past two years.

"I have worked very hard to ensure the quality of service to our residents has been of top quality and to ensure we maintain our representation as a rural and small-town municipality in the province’s new amalgamated Regional Conservation Authority," he says.

He was assigned to the Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART) board in 2018 and has served both as vice-chairman and chairman.

"We were able to develop and implement a menu-of-services arrangement for one municipality which has purchased an enhanced service package providing more hours and days of service for its residents," says McGugan. "Another municipality that was less able to afford accessible transit, was able to access a basic service package that is more affordable and yet still ensures its residents can remain in their own home and 'age in place.'

"We were also able to apply for, and secure, a $1.4-million grant from the Federal Rural Transit Solutions Fund that we used to upgrade our scheduling software and purchase a large number of new accessible vans and buses. Both of which have contributed to a 30-per-cent reduction in fuel costs, saving taxpayer dollars and improving our level of service.

"Over the years as a councillor, I have received many phone calls and visits from residents in Huron-Kinloss," says McGugan. "And I have made a point of driving out to their place to see for myself what their concerns are. While photos and maps are valuable, it is much better to meet people at the site of their concern. Many people have been to my place and either sat on that old chair at the end of my work bench or in the kitchen for a cup of coffee so that we could talk. And I have appreciated each one of those people as it helped clarify the issues at hand."

McGugan says the major issue facing the township right now is good financial management.

"We need to plan carefully for future expenses," he says. "The township owns many millions of dollars of hard assets that need maintenance and eventual replacement. Nobody has an appetite for large property-tax increases so council must examine every expenditure very carefully to ensure we have the right focus.

"Huron-Kinloss has a very detailed Asset Management Plan and it indicates our township is in quite a good financial position. However, we need to be very vigilant to ensure we do not let that favourable position slip.

"We have been able to purchase a number of new firefighting vehicles and have invested in turn-out gear-cleaning facilities to reduce the risk of cancer for our firefighters. And we have been very serious about supporting enhanced training for our volunteers.

"In addition, Huron-Kinloss has invested in the new position of deputy fire chief that has been assigned a whole array of duties, including implementing a FireSmart program to reduce the likelihood of wildfire damage. As has been pointed out, fire-fighting is the last stage, and fire prevention is the first stage of fire protection services.

"OPP policing costs have risen dramatically for Huron-Kinloss. And we have certainly had some drug-trafficking, theft and uncontrolled party concerns raised by our residents.

"While some of these issues are beyond our control, council does need to ensure that this file receives considerable attention as the impacts on our lives and the costs are very serious considerations."

 

CARL SLOETJES

Carl Sloetjes has lived in the Lucknow area for 52 years, including the past 22 years in the Township of Huron-Kinloss. He and his wife, Belinda, have been married for 41 years, and have been blessed with four children and nine grandchildren.

He has been a general contractor and business owner for 37 years. During the past eight years, his son, Dan, has joined him as a business partner in the Clera Windows business.

Sloetjes is running for re-election because he believes he works well with others, and he enjoys helping residents solve concerns and address challenges within the community.

"I value public service and want to continue working with residents and fellow council members to help our community thrive," he says. "By listening to residents and working collaboratively, I hope to contribute to making Huron-Kinloss an even better place to live, work, and raise a family."

He has served as a Huron-Kinloss councillor for the past 16 years. Prior to that, he was a councillor for Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Township.

"These years of experience have given me a strong understanding of municipal governance, budgeting, infrastructure planning, and the importance of representing the interests of residents," he says.

Sloetjes says the top three issues facing Huron-Kinloss right now are:

Housing affordability

"One of the most significant challenges facing our community is the high cost of entry-level housing," he says. "We need to continue working collaboratively with council, developers, and provincial and federal government partners to identify practical solutions that increase housing availability and affordability for young families, seniors, and first-time home buyers."

Homelessness and housing security

"Like many rural communities, Huron-Kinloss is experiencing increased pressure related to homelessness and housing insecurity," says Sloetjes. "We must work with community organizations and other levels of government to support residents in need and help ensure that everyone has access to safe and stable housing."

Managing growth while maintaining our community character

"As our township continues to grow, it is important that we invest in infrastructure, roads, and municipal services while preserving the small-town and rural values that make Huron-Kinloss a great place to live," he says. "Careful planning will be essential to balancing growth with the needs of current and future residents."