North Dundas council faces a new look following a sweeping change. Mayor Elect Theresa Bergeron was still processing the events of the evening but acknowledged that she was very happy with the outcome. Tinkess Photo

WINCHESTER – The winds of change blew through North Dundas and left the municipal council with a completely different look going forward.

Theresa Bergeron, the former Deputy Mayor, defeated two-term Mayor Tony Fraser for the top spot. Bergeron is the only member of the current council to survive, albeit in a new role, with 2,688 votes compared to Fraser’s 1,822.

Capturing the Deputy Mayor title was John Thompson, who is not a newcomer to municipal politics. He garnered 3,240 votes compared to William Healey, who ended up with 1,204.

Only one current councillor, Matthew Uhrig was hoping to be re-elected but was unsuccessful. Peter Guy was the top council vote getter with 3,130 votes, followed by Michael Erickson with 2,039 and Cory Houle with 2,017.

On the outside looking in were Gerald Jaquemet (1,742), Matthew Uhrig (1,420), Jordan Alexander Hodge (1,367), and Edgar Ramirez Aguilar (517).

Final voter turnout was 46.94 per cent with 4,637 votes being cast. Results have been certified by clerk Natalie Charette.

Candidates and family had gathered at the municipal building in Winchester to await the results, but most dispersed quickly following their release. Fraser and Uhrig were observed congratulating the successful candidates before departing.

Mayor-Elect Theresa Bergeron was still digesting the results moments after learning she would lead North Dundas for the next four years. “I have to let it sink in,” said Bergeron. “It’s a little overwhelming right now, but I am pleased, very pleased with the result.”

Deputy Mayor-Elect John Thompson was happy to be given the opportunity to return to municipal politics. “It is nice to have it over and to get back in the game again,” said Thompson, who is one of the few elected that have experience to fall back on, something that will be essential for a group that may be heavy on enthusiasm, but lacking in experience.

“Experience is going to be an important part with this new council, I think. A lot of new faces.

“I had 16 years in, so, yeah, looking forward to it, looking forward to getting involved in County Council, that part of it too.”

Cory Houle, one of the newest councillors was relieved that the race was over. “I’m feeling good,” said Houle. “Really, really good. It was…I was super nervous going into this. It was a lot of good names on the board, so it’s hard to… you never know.”

They say that the electorate is never wrong, and they obviously wanted to change something, right?

“Yes, yeah, they did, and they got it,” said Houle. “Wholesale change. It’s exciting the next four years.”

Tony Fraser, Mayor till the new council are sworn in, did not make a statement before leaving, but posted a statement on Facebook early the following morning, thanking everyone who he had interacted with in his 16 years, first as a council member, and for eight years as Mayor of North Dundas. He congratulated the newly elected members of council and wished them well as they take on the responsibility of representing all the residents and guiding the future of the township.

“Although my time as Mayor is coming to an end, my commitment to this community doesn’t end with an election. I’ll continue my work at Lactalis, doing a job I enjoy for a company I’m proud to have been part of for the past 38 years,” said Fraser. “North Dundas has always been home, and I’ll continue to support the people, organizations and initiatives that make it such a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“To everyone who has supported and encouraged me over the years, thank you. I am grateful for the friendships, the experiences and the opportunity to serve. It has truly been an honour to serve as your mayor.”