ONTARIO — People across the province went to the polls Monday in the municipal elections to install new Mayors and councillors, and bring back some folks for another kick at the can. Here are some of the results from the surrounding area.
Brantford
In a very close contest, Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis has been re-elected for a second term with 9,220 votes. He takes his seat with a lead of just 208 votes over Dave Wrobel, a longtime city councillor who has been outspoken about Davis’ handling of the Arrowdale Golf Course closure. Brantford’s election this year saw a reduction in eligible voter participation with just a 27.22% turnout.
Brant County
Mayor David Bailey will take a second term in the County after a major victory seeing him take 72% of the votes for mayor. Bailey overcame candidates Shawn Pratt and David Swanson to lead the County. One of Bailey’s ambitions for the next four years is to see a tri-council gathering with Six Nations of the Grand River, the City of Brantford and Brant County. The County of Brant had a 26.45% voter turnout.
Haldimand
A new face will lead Haldimand County as Mayor-elect Shelley Ann Bentley replaces longtime Mayor Ken Hewitt. Bentley won with a total of 4,760 votes or 32%. In a narrow race, Bentley edged out Jake Vandendool by just 166 votes. Bentley campaigned door-to-door in the County, speaking in opposition to a planned expansion for Nanticoke and says she will focus on careful planning focusing on creating infrastructure in the County such as medical services to support new housing and increasing populations. Haldimand saw a 36.59% voter turnout.
Hamilton
Former Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath will start a new chapter in her political career, where it all began, as the new mayor of Hamilton. Horwath narrowly beat out challenger Keanin Loomis. She previously served three terms on Hamilton city council starting in 1997. Horwath was victorious over eight other candidates, including Bob Bratina, who previously served as mayor and was a Hamilton MP. Hamilton had a 34.76% voter turnout this election.
Norfolk County
Norfolk will also have a new face leading the County with Mayor-elect Amy Martin taking 8,199 votes — a significant lead over all other candidates. Martin was elected in 2018 to serve as a municipal councillor for Ward 6 in 2018. She replaces incumbent Kristal Chopp with a significant gap of 3,072 votes. Norfolk saw a 36.11% voter turnout.
