Following the release of the unofficial election results in South Stormont, the members of the incoming council were congratulated. From the left, front row: Councillor Reid McIntyre, Deputy Mayor Jennifer MacIsaac. Back row: Councillor Susan Clarke, Mayor Andrew Guindon and Councillor Matthew Tinker. Thompson Goddard Photo

LONG SAULT – Close to an hour after the polls closed in South Stormont, the Director of Legislative Services/Clerk Loriann Harbers entered the council chambers in Long Sault and announced the unofficial results of the 2026 municipal election.

After thanking all the candidates seeking election to the South Stormont municipal council and expressing a note of thanks to the township staff for their work, she noted these were unofficial results and that the official election results would probably be posted the next day.

The unofficial election results were then presented to those people gathered in council chambers as well as being provided by video to those not present.  These results were also available through the municipality’s website at www.southstormont.ca/electionresults.

Andrew Guindon was acclaimed as South Stormont Mayor, with Jennifer MacIsaac acclaimed as Deputy Mayor.   Susan Clarke led the polls with 2,472 votes cast, followed by Reid McIntyre receiving 2311 votes and Matthew Tinker receiving 2,139 votes.  Cindy Wood received 1,962 votes, with Martin Lefebvre receiving 661 votes and Jaxon Chapman-Scott receiving 622.

John Danaher was acclaimed as the English Public (Upper Canada District School Board) trustee, with Karen E. McAllister acclaimed as the English Separate (Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario) trustee.  Mathieu Tondreau will serve as the trustee for the French Public (Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario) after being acclaimed to the position and Carole J. Larocque acclaimed as trustee for the French Separate (Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien).

After the announcements, people gathered to speak to the candidates and take photos to record this auspicious occasion.   South Stormont Mayor Andrew Guindon commented in a message to The Record, that “After eight years on council, I am excited to take on this new role as mayor. I look forward to working with our new council team and the fresh perspectives, ideas, and insight they will bring to the table. Together, we will build on the work already done and continue moving our township forward.”

Jennifer MacIsaac, the new South Stormont Deputy Mayor, commented how “As Deputy Mayor, I’m excited about the next four years and the opportunity to work alongside the new council. We have some great momentum from the work and projects started by the previous council, and I look forward to building on that foundation while welcoming fresh ideas and perspectives from our new members.”

Reid McIntyre, upon being re-elected as a municipal councillor, welcomed “the two new councillors, Matthew and Susan.  I would also like to thank the people of South Stormont for putting their trust in me and I am looking forward to the next four years.

Susan Clarke commented “I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by the support I’ve received from the residents of South Stormont. Throughout this campaign, I’ve had so many meaningful conversations with residents who care deeply about our community and its future. I want to thank everyone who put their trust in me, and I look forward to representing all residents, whether they voted for me or not.”

“I am exceptionally honoured and excited. I am very grateful for all the support and I’m certain its going to be a great term for what we can accomplish.” said newly elected South Stormont Councillor Matthew Tinker in a post election email to The Record.

It is important to remember that municipal, provincial and federal elections are an integral part of the Canadian democratic process.  It takes a great deal of courage and fortitude to stand for election in any level of government.

A sincere thank you is extended to all those who stood for election in the 2027 municipal elections in this province and to those who took the time to cast a vote.