SOUTH DUNDAS – Municipal elections are more important than many people think. Of all the level of government we deal with, the municipal level is the one in which we can have the most direct impact and interaction.

With that in mind, The Record, to introduce the certified candidates to their constituents as clearly and as equitably as possible chose to send each candidate, regardless of whether they were running for Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Councillor a list of three questions. Each candidate was allowed a total of 200 words to answer each question, and their answers would be published as received, with the only editing being for spelling and grammar, and length, should they exceed 200 words (word 201 onward would not be published.)

Candidates were advised that they were under no obligation to respond and that we would make no comment if they did, or they did not do so. A strong belief in Journalism is that it is not a journalist’s job to tell the public what to think, but what to think about. We each make our own, hopefully informed, decisions.

Here are the three questions, followed by the responses we received from each candidate. Last week we started with North Dundas. This week, we will feature South Dundas. In subsequent weeks, North Stormont, South Stormont and Russell will be featured.

Candidate Questions:

  1. What do you believe should be the top priorities for the municipality over the next four years, and what would you like to see council accomplish during your term in office?
  2. Municipalities face increasing pressure to provide services and maintain infrastructure while keeping taxes and other costs affordable for residents. How would you approach balancing these competing demands, and what factors would guide your decisions?
  3. What do you believe are the two most important issues or opportunities facing our community that deserve greater attention from municipal council, and what would you propose doing about them?

Jason Broad, Candidate for Mayor

Question 1: Over the next four years, I believe our top priority must be listening to you the resident and build a Strategic Plan together that truly reflects South Dundas. I have learned so much in my four years as Mayor, and I am ready to keep working hard for every resident.

I believe South Dundas would benefit from developing a clear, community-driven municipal strategic plan based directly on resident feedback. I would lead Council to actively engage residents, businesses, community organizations, and local groups to identify their priorities, concerns, and vision for the future. That feedback will then be used to establish a number of measurable priorities and actions that guide Council’s decisions and investments over the next several years. Our strategic plan would provide greater accountability, help Council stay focused on what matters most to residents, and ensure that municipal resources are directed toward projects that provide the greatest community benefit.

Together, we will create a community driven strategic plan by gathering input through public meetings, online surveys, and targeted engagement with residents, businesses, and community groups. Use that feedback to establish measurable priorities, guide budgets and decisions, and publicly report progress to ensure accountability.

Question 2: As your Mayor, I live this balance every day keeping services strong and roads, bridges, and water systems safe, while respecting what you pay. My Approach to Balancing Costs it to Plan long-term, not election to election. I will continue to use our Asset Management Plan to prioritize repairs where need and risk are greatest, so we fix the right projects at the right time and avoid costly emergencies.

Grow revenues, not just taxes. I have represented South Dundas with our MPs and MPPs at the highest levels, and I will keep fighting for provincial and federal grants to pay for major infrastructure.

Protect core services first. Safe drinking water, fire and emergency services, roads, and waste management come before nice-to-haves. What Will Guide My Decisions, Affordability for families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses. Safety, legal obligations, and condition of assets. Work on economic benefit that will this attract jobs, housing, and growth.

I’m willing to take on challenging topics honestly, and make transparent choices that keep South Dundas affordable, well-maintained, and aligned as a community.

Your voice through an open and large public input into our next Strategic Plan. Together, we will keep South Dundas aligned, affordable, and proud.

Question 3: I believe two of the most important issues facing South Dundas are affordable housing and community infrastructure.

First, South Dundas needs more affordable and attainable housing options. Rising housing costs make it increasingly difficult for young families, seniors, and local workers to remain in the community. Council should work with developers, the United Counties, and the provincial government to encourage a wider range of housing, including affordable rental units, smaller homes, apartments, and seniors’ housing. Council should also review municipal policies and processes and by-law of our communities.

Second, we need to continue investing in infrastructure and community services. Roads, water and wastewater systems, recreational facilities, parks, and other municipal assets require long-term planning and responsible investment. Council will establish clear priorities from the Strategic Plan based on safety, community need,  while seeking provincial and federal funding wherever possible. At the same time, we need to be mindful of the impact of taxes and user fees on residents.

Ultimately, focus on practical, sustainable solutions that strengthen South Dundas today while preparing it for future generations. By working collaboratively, and making responsible financial decisions, we can build a community where people can afford to live, work, raise families, and retire.

Ky-Lee Hanson, Candidate for Mayor

Question 1: I want this municipality on a legal track that residents can see.

Council is the voice of the people for fair governing. It is not a second layer of authority over them. Staff may research and draft a by-law. That is allowed. Council is supposed to read it, debate it, and own the vote. When that does not happen, the check is gone.

Over four years I want the process opened: town halls before a vote, a public page for local debate, grievances answered, and resolutions presented in the open. I want real gaps filled with specialized staff or consultants so Council is not guessing and then paying a lawyer to defend the guess. Legal counsel advises. Council decides.

I support any resident seeking justice for wrongdoing they have already lived through. I will ask the rest of Council to mediate with you instead of defaulting to a file. I am one vote. I cannot promise a result I do not control. I can put that motion on the table and say so in public.

If I do not win the chair, I still live here. I am still here to protect South Dundas.

Question 2: Taxes should buy roads, water, fire, and the work that keeps a rural township standing. They should not buy a penalty machine.

Residents have received administrative fines from $3,000 to $50,000. The review stays inside the municipality. There is no independent court on the merits. Call that compliance if you want. I call it an unethical collection system with a crest on it. I will not use by-law as a revenue tool.

An unpaid penalty has been added to tax rolls. Fees stack. A tax sale starts. People pay what they can and watch the sale continue. That is not a service.

Every spend gets a simple test. Is it legal, necessary, and fair? If the money is going into that pipeline, ask whether a conversation or a specialist would have cost less. Pay for the right advice once — planning, engineering, property standards, finance — instead of paying twice to defend a decision made in the dark.

I will not promise a magic cut. I will promise this: keep essential services, stop the leak, publish what we are selling and why, and put ratepayer dollars into infrastructure instead of into fighting the people who live here.

Question 3: The first is land being moved without the community. Zoning that seems to vanish without a trail residents can follow. Surplus property offered with the thinnest notice — in this township, neighbour notice can stop at 197 feet. In a rural municipality that is not wide notice. It is a quiet sale. What are they trying to sell, and to whom, that has no neighbour within that distance? Surplus sales should be advertised so the whole community can see them. Zoning should stay on a map people can actually read.

The second is enforcement that becomes a land problem. AMPS was expanded off parking and onto property. Penalties climb into the thousands. They hit taxes. They feed a sale. The last word stays in-house. That is how you run authority. It is not how you run a community. I will not act like that.

The opportunity is fair governing. Mediate with the person who was wronged. Debate the by-law before it binds anyone. Hire the skill we do not have in-house. Do not use the crest to finish what a conversation should have started.

Marc St. Pierre, Candidate for Deputy Mayor

Question 1: Over the next four years, Council must stabilize the budget by focusing on paying down our existing debt, maintaining a responsible annual contribution to our Asset Management Plan, and delivering an appropriate level of municipal services that our tax base can afford.

When elected in 2022, we heard from residents and businesses was the need to address our aging infrastructure, our village streets, malls and municipal assets, while the need for more housing opportunities and daycare services was becoming increasingly important.

Over this term of Council, we have seen the rehabilitation of the Iroquois Mall, the start of upgrades to the Morrisburg Mall, the arena entrance, and the continued investment to the Municipal asset plan.

We committed funds toward building upgrades at the former medical building in Iroquois, which will allow a new childcare provider to establish services and provide 50 additional daycare spaces.

While we have been fortunate to receive support from the province, our municipal tax base remains the primary source of funding. That means we must make responsible financial decisions and ensure that the services and infrastructure we provide are sustainable for our residents and businesses without in major increases to the annual tax.

Question 2: Over the next term of Council, we must continue to regularly review the level of service provided and make sure that municipal services are delivering value to our community. We need to distinguish between what is needed and what is simply wanted.

South Dundas has developed a detailed Asset Management Plan. This plan identified the infrastructure the Municipality is responsible for, including roads, water and wastewater systems, bridges, municipal buildings and fleet. This plan gives us the tools to make informed decisions about both our current and future infrastructure needs. It allows Council to identify operational and capital priorities based on the level of service provided to our residents and businesses throughout South Dundas.

We must continue reviewing our road network, municipal buildings, fleet and operations to ensure we are maintaining these needs, for the right cost while maintaining an affordable tax rate.

Provincial funding is key for reducing the burden on local taxpayers. We need to continuously meet with our local MPP and Provincial Ministers to identify our funding needs. Every dollar we can secure from senior levels of government is a dollar that does not have to come directly from the local taxpayer.

Question 3: Along with stabilizing the budget and maintaining a level of service that is affordable to our tax base, Rural education is important and must remain a primary focus for South Dundas.

I have worked along the Counties’ Education Committee and will continue to advocate for rural students and schools. Together, we have met with the Minister of Education to stress the importance of protecting rural education and ensuring that our school remain open.

Rural schools are an important part of our communities, and keeping them open is essential to maintaining strong, vibrant rural communities. The Minister has recognized the importance of rural schools and has stated that school closures are not an option.

Rural students deserve access to the same educational opportunities available to students in urban communities. Providing comparable programs will better prepare our students for post-secondary education and the workforce, ensuring they are able to compete with students from larger urban schools.

Another key issue is student transportation funding. Additional provincial funding would help improve rural transportation services and ensure that students can get to school safely and consistently.

We must increase the advocacy for our rural students and schools; our students deserve every opportunity to succeed.

Louis Hautecloque, Candidate for Councillor

Question 1: Vandalism, security cameras, overcrowded beaches, and aging infrastructure will be my immediate concerns. The first two years of the municipality’s term will focus on reaching the established 2028 strategic goals of operational excellence, a growing and connected community, and sustainable and dynamic growth. This will include completing existing council projects while developing a new strategic plan based on the evolving needs of the municipality.

During my term as councillor, I will be a diligent representative and advocate for community needs. Ideas, feedback, and decision-making input start with the residents who are directly affected by a decision. As a team, we will assess our current situation and challenges with the intention of fixing issues rather than assigning blame. My focus will be on long-term solutions that are practical and ensure the public budget is used efficiently.

By the end of my term in office, the municipality will have greater ownership of in-house services, better-maintained infrastructure, and long-term planning for expenses and development. If property taxes increase, residents will receive transparency and a clear justification for why the increase was necessary.

Question 2: Council must identify the services and assets that require reliable funding, including roads, emergency services, waste collection, and parks. Property taxes, user fees, grants, and other revenue sources should be assessed against these needs so decisions are evidence-based rather than driven by short-term pressure.

Arenas, libraries, parks, community grants, public spaces, and local events may not all be essential in the same way, but they contribute to our community’s strength and quality of life. I would protect these services while reviewing their usage and long-term sustainability.

I support responsible spending, transparent decisions, and gradual improvement. That means addressing urgent needs first and using debt only when immediate action is required and financially appropriate.

Costs should be assessed beyond the initial price. For example, lawn care provided in-house may offer greater quality control, local employment, and long-term value compared with outsourcing. Decisions should be guided by public value and South Dundas’s long-term interests.

Question 3: My two priorities are addressing aging infrastructure and improving the security of public property. South Dundas’s 2026 asset-management review reports that 72% of municipal facilities were rated poor or worse (based primarily on age). This points to the need for better planning and prioritization of building repairs, bridge replacements, arena maintenance, water systems, roofs, and municipal equipment.

Public assets are also being targeted by vandalism and fire. I would review the municipality’s proposed security-camera locations and broader security plan before making a decision. Cameras may help deter and investigate crime, but they will not prevent every incident. Council should consider better lighting, stronger building security, youth activities, community-watch partnerships, mental-health supports, and more visible patrols by OPP.

We need to be proactive rather than reactive. These challenges are not the result of one council or staff member. The responsible approach is to work as a team to make steady improvements.

Tom Smyth, Candidate for Councillor

Question 1: I believe over the next four years one of the top priorities should be infrastructure.  Many roads, bridges, water mains, and municipal owned buildings are old. They require ongoing investment,  and proper long-term asset management planning.

Affordable housing is also needed. It’s no secret that we need more housing options,  whether it be first time homeowners, retirees or renters, everything needs to be considered.

Economic growth is also needed. I am a strong supporter of small and large businesses , and all sizes of family farms. We need to attract investment and encourage entrepreneurship.

Responsible financial management is also a priority. Careful spending,  saving money for future large expenses,  and pursuing grants from Provincial and Federal  Governments is needed. Most importantly make sure long-term spending equates to long-term value.

A successful 4-year term of Council should have more kilometres of paved roads, new water/wastewater infrastructure under our village streets, more housing options, business expansion, and most importantly,  only modest property tax increases.

This will make South Dundas an even better place to live, raise a family,  start a business, be a farmer, or retire.

Question 2: Myself, every time I make a decision,  I look at it in a couple ways: 1) Is this the most economical decision today, and 2) What do we wish we would have done 10 years from now.

We have to start with the basics first: road infrastructure,  safe water/wastewater services, fire protection, and public safety. Next, we look at Municipal-owned buildings.  Often preventative maintenance of buildings is more affordable than neglect leading to a major failure, and sometimes paving a road is cheaper than maintaining a gravel road over the years.

After that, we can delve into services offered such as recreation,  parks, beaches, walking trails, daycare space. Quite often grants can be secured, user fees could be implemented or adjusted where appropriate,  and partnerships could be established to help reduce the burden to the tax payer.

Spending decisions should come from measurable objectives. For instance, if we add 50 daycare spaces to our immediate area, does this attract or retain residents and businesses?

We have to maintain essential services, invest responsibly in infrastructure,  find alternate funding where possible,  and be accountable for any tax increases.

Question 3: I believe business retention is essential to building a thriving community.  Local businesses create jobs, provide valuable services, and help give our community its unique character.

Business retention begins with listening to their concerns. Meeting with local business owners can help identify challenges facing them such as rising costs, infrastructure needs, parking, permitting,  zoning changes, and access to skilled workers. Council should work with businesses to help find solutions to make it easier for them to remain viable and grow.

Equally important is open communication with residents.  People need to know why decisions are made the way they are,  how projects may affect them,  and how they can provide input.  This can be accomplished through public meetings, updates on social media,  and most importantly, a timely returned call, text or email. By maintaining ongoing dialogue with both residents and businesses,  council can build trust, ensure accurate information is provided,  respond early to concerns, and make decisions better aligned with residents needs and wants.

Long term prosperity comes from residents that feel involved and businesses that succeed.

Mike Thompson, Candidate for Councillor

Question 1: South Dundas needs growth that pays its way. I support attracting businesses and good-paying jobs that expand our commercial and industrial tax base, strengthen local employment and reduce the pressure on residential taxpayers—while making sure growth is responsible and fits our community.

Agriculture and Roads go hand in hand as priorities.

We need to improve rural roads and bridges so farm equipment can travel safely and products can reach market efficiently.

We need to advocate for better drainage and maintain municipal drains to reduce crop losses.

I would support spending more on side road maintenance, shoulders, and ditches and look into the protocols regarding crop fire responses.

I believe we need to invest in our roads before they become major problems. That means maintaining good roads, fixing deteriorating roads, improving drainage and culverts, and planning ahead for the traffic that comes with responsible growth. Every road project should provide good value for taxpayers and be built to last.

Question 2: Balancing services, infrastructure and affordability requires discipline, long-term planning and a commitment to living within our means.

My priority would be controlling tax increases. Taxpayers work hard for their money and should not automatically be expected to pay more because costs have increased. Before considering a tax increase, I would expect Council and staff to identify efficiencies, review spending, prioritize projects, look for savings and alternative sources of funding.

I would apply zero-based thinking to municipal spending by asking what is essential, what can be done more efficiently, and whether each program and expense delivers value for taxpayers. Where possible, I would pursue partnerships, grants, and other funding sources to reduce the burden on local property taxpayers.

I would support a long-term capital plan that prioritizes projects based on safety, condition, urgency, affordability and the consequences of delaying them.

I would also expect greater transparency around major spending decisions, with residents able to clearly understand what a project will cost, how it will be funded, what alternatives were considered and what impact it will have on their taxes.

I believe responsible municipal government means protecting essential services, maintaining infrastructure, finding efficiencies and keeping tax increases as low as possible.

Question 3: A Major opportunity is Economic Development:

South Dundas has some very good advantages: Highway 401, rail, agriculture, the St. Lawrence River, tourism and available industrial/commercial opportunities. The municipality itself identifies agriculture/food processing, logistics/warehousing and tourism as target industries.

We need to protect the South Dundas Identity. South Dundas doesn’t need to become something different—it needs to make better use of what it already has while preparing intelligently for the future.

South Dundas needs population growth to sustain schools, businesses, recreation and municipal services—but growth must fit the community.

We must bring in businesses that provide good-paying jobs and broaden the tax base without putting the entire burden on residential taxpayers.

Smart growth rather than growth for growth’s sake.

The expansion of ATV access to municipal roads is another example of using an existing recreational asset to encourage tourism and local spending

Major Issue: Housing and controlled growth

South Dundas needs housing and responsible growth-but growth must be planned. Development should follow infrastructure capacity.  We should examine the long- term impact on roads, sewer, water, drainage, parks, emergency services and taxpayers.

Roads, bridges, and infrastructure-the biggest ongoing challenge

Nancy Van Allen Marcellus, Candidate for Councillor

Question 1: Three priorities that I feel are necessary are:

  • The infrastructure, like our homes, are aging and there is always the need to plan for upkeep and possible replacements down the road. Yes, there are reserves in all departments, but they are for “emergencies” that arise and not budgeted for.
  • The municipality looks after so many needed programs and services. We need to continue with these. We are made up of families with small children all the way to residents living well into their 90’s.  Let’s create resources for all.
  • As more homes are being built and more people are moving into the area, there will be a greater need for businesses such as grocery, clothing, home essentials. A variety of resources will it easier to shop at home and keep the money here.

What would I like to see Council accomplish? Council should continue to “listen” to its residents – whether needs, wants or complaints. Together, anything can be worked out by following the required rules laid out by Municipality, Counties and Province.

Question 2: With costs rising in every area, it is inevitable that all departments will present their budgets with increases. That is where trust comes into play. All departments have leads

Trained specifically in that area and with much experience.  When they present their needs for the overall budget; they know what they are doing.  They are able to make suggestions on purchases, repairs, ongoing maintenance and possible equipment replacement.  Together with council, the budget can be worked on and a realistic number can be agreed upon, with the intention of continuing to provide services and programs.

Question 3: What do we need?

  • Policies and various rules exist for the purpose of managing in a consistent manner. Some have been in place for years and some are either new or are in the development phase. I believe that everything needs to fit the present day and also look to the future.  What does this mean to me?  It means having a thorough look at why things may not be working – by talking to staff, the community and all impacted.  Working together to adjust ways of doing things, looking at realistic time frames and even consulting with others who may have even more experience.  Ultimately, efficiency benefits the budget.
  • Let’s continue to grow the municipality. Let’s put the municipality on the map for people to want to come. How?  Create an area that looks after everyone – infants to elders.  We need doctors or Nurse Practitioners, increased recreational opportunities, commercial businesses – grocery, family clothing and essential, opportunities for the Agricultural sector – markets (food, clothing), to name a few.  The attraction of large employers to the area by showcasing our close proximity to highways and the St. Lawrence River!

Dylan Dejong, Candidate for Councillor

Question 1: I believe it’s hard to choose top priorities.  I will support ideas that I think are best for the people, and the spending of tax dollars.  I will be supporting rural South Dundas and agriculture anyway possible. With a young child who frequently enjoys visiting the parks and water front, that is something I will definitely be supporting as well! As far as accomplishing goals, I believe the voice of the people is what truly matters. I will not set unrealistic goals nor will I make promises.  There are many steps that need to be addressed with making decisions, is it best for the majority of South Dundas, are other members of council going to agree and will it pass the laws to make the decision finalized.  I’ll start simple with my goals to make citizens feel their voices matter as the new council is working for them.

Question 2: I believe if the job needs to be done and is causing any issues to public safety it needs to be addressed immediately. As far as other priorities, can it be pushed off and be done at a later date with no additional cost? I believe not all decisions need to be made right away and knowing the necessary information behind the specific problem will definitely influence my decisions. No two issues are likely ever the same, although there will always be differences and similarities.  I believe having as much knowledge on the specific topic is very important.  Is there provincial or federal funding involved or funding from outside sources who are willing to absorb some of the cost.  Does the topic at hand directly affect the citizens and if so does the majority approve of the decision.  Does the cost out way the risks involved.  With every decision comes a risk but do the risks outweigh the rewards.

Question 3: It’s no secret in South Dundas the water front and parks are a hot topic.  I have heard many stories, some good and some flat out disturbing and disgusting.  With the recent fires and vandalism to these facilities I believe this is something that needs to be addressed quickly.  I have many ideas surrounding these areas and I know many people do as well. The main ones being cameras and tolls.  That is why there are other people on council most ideas need refining.  One of my other concerns is rural and urban overgrowth on our roads.  I believe overgrowth needs to be addressed; it can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage to machinery.  In town there is growth around builds, utility poles, etc. The solution to this is more simple: the township owns a piece of machinery used to do this job, let’s put it to work. The more serious overgrowth can be contracted out to someone with the necessary equipment and knowledge to do the job in a timely manner. Also reaching out to hydro, bell, etc to see if they have this on their agenda.

Christian Major Meuller, Candidate for Councillor

Question 1: I believe the top priorities for the municipality in the upcoming council term can be summarized in one word – growth. Growth in my opinion, boils down to three sectors – economic growth, population growth, and growth of services. The pillars of my campaign – agriculture, small business, recreation/tourism, and focusing on the family physician shortage – go hand in hand with these priorities. In the upcoming term, I would like to see the council do multiple things to support growth. First, would be to introduce a program where local businesses and agricultural operations are “spotlighted” at council meetings – this would allow for a more open dialogue to council. Second, would be for the council to support the recruitment and retention of primary care providers – both physicians and nurse practitioners. Currently, South Dundas, along with the rest of the country is experiencing a shortage of PCPs. The incoming council should work with both the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic, and the Great River Ontario Health to continue to recruit and retain providers locally. This is especially true as the population in South Dundas and surrounding areas grows. As the population grows, additional providers are needed to provide care at the local level.

Question 2: Approaching the competing demands of providing services and maintaining infrastructure while keeping costs affordable comes down to one simple task – doing a cost-benefit analysis. I believe that when it comes to decision making, it is the responsibility of the council to weigh the risks/costs versus the benefits of a particular service or need. Three questions come to mind with decision making as a potential councillor. On what scale is the community going to be benefited? What is the potential cost to the taxpayers and municipality? How is our community going to be affected? While yes, no one likes an increase to their property taxes or cost of living, there are certain instances where it is necessary to raise taxes. Yes, attempts should be made to reduce costs when possible, yet there are times when it might be necessary to increase taxpayer cost. In this case, an explanation on why and how taxpayer costs are increased should be made available. In short, the main factors that would guide my decisions are what results from a cost-benefit analysis.

Question 3: In my opinion, the biggest opportunity for the municipality in this election is the general community. South Dundas is truly a great place to live – and I am very honoured to say I was raised and continue to live here. We have such a beautiful area – from the waterside to the small businesses. The municipality should continue to find ways to attract new residents and businesses, and to continue to support existing residents and businesses. A major issue this election on the other hand given recent events is public safety. From by-law enforcement to Fire & Emergency Services to general law enforcement. This is especially true with recent vandalism and the lack of a formal fire chief. I will whole-heartedly admit that I don’t know the exact specifics, but vow to try and better these services and learn what can be done better. For example, the introduction of security cameras or an increased law enforcement presence where there is a history of vandalism. While these solutions may not be liked by some, it all boils down to a cost-benefit analysis. If elected, I vow to hear the communities input, find answers, and learn how to find ways to support our community.

These are your candidates in South Dundas.