Good Day!

As the October 26th municipal elections approach, this is dominating local news coverage. It is great to see large turnouts for candidate events. In some municipalities advance voting has already begun. We have assembled some great election resources to share.

An important legal case began in Toronto on Monday - Six Nations is taking the federal and provincial governments to court regarding the Haldimand Tract.

Also, in this week’s news we note a lack of meaningful climate action locally, the impacts of funding cuts to public healthcare and education, weakening recycling programs and protections for water, farmland, food security, and wildlife habitat - these are all extremely expensive choices when we factor in the future impacts. The RCMP has confirmed that it continues to investigate the Greenbelt Scandal without providing any other details. Decisions made without considering the long-term impacts can be very expensive.

Finally, there is dreadful news from Alberta where Premier Danielle Smith is forcing cities to undo years of progressive changes for affordable housing, missing middle, and infill development, instead forcing single-family detached urban sprawl with far-reaching consequences.

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Here's the latest:

1) Municipal Election Events See Huge Attendance

It is terrific to see large turnouts of citizens at election events with many debates and candidate meetings across the Grand River Watershed filled to standing-room only. If you or someone you know is undecided, there are lots of resources to help you get answers to your questions from your local candidates. A very important task ahead is to help ensure there is a strong voter turnout. Every vote counts!

Elections have consequences. Our elected representatives should have our best interests, and our future well-being as their top priorities and be willing to be held accountable. Accountability starts with disclosing your priorities and campaign funding sources, participating in meet the candidates events and debates, accepting interview requests and not blocking people on social media. It means being open to public scrutiny, answering questions from the media, and responding in a timely manner to FOI (Freedom of Information) requests, not hiding behind NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements), in meetings behind closed door/in camera or using private devices for government work. Let’s do our homework and exercise our precious right to vote wisely while encouraging others to do the same.

Learn about the voting process for your local municipality. Here is a checklist for yourself, and to share with others:

  • Are you registered to vote?

  • How do you vote in your municipality? Some municipalities, such as County of Brant are utilizing voting systems that are online and by phone only, others have traditional in-person voting. Check your municipality's website for voting information.

  • When will you vote? Election Day is October 26, 2026. For this election many municipalities are offering advance voting or have set up a range of dates for voting. Make a voting plan, and bring two friends to vote with you. The more the merrier!

  • What are the requirements to vote? Check with your local municipality.

    • Do you need a voter information card (sent by mail)?

    • Do you need to present identification?

    • What forms of identification are acceptable?

  • Do you know what positions you are voting for, and how many candidates you are entitled to vote for? Unless they are acclaimed, you have one vote for mayor, and one vote for ward councillor. Some local municipalities have wards represented by two councillors. In that case, it is important to know you are entitled to cast two votes for ward councillor. You are also entitled to vote for school board trustees - this may be one or two votes, depending on the board. In municipalities with a regional government, such as Region of Waterloo, you are also entitled to vote for a regional councillor. Unfortunately, in this election the person who will serve as Region of Waterloo Chair will not be elected; instead that person will now be appointed by the provincial government in a huge loss of democracy for only some Ontarian's.

  • In some cases you may have the opportunity to vote for several candidates (such as for school board trustee or if you live in Kitchener you can vote for up to four Regional Councillors). If you aren't sure who to vote for you can leave a section blank or support one or two candidates and leave others blank. You are better to support the two candidates you desire and leave some areas blank than to accidentally support people you don't know or may not believe in.

  • Who are you going to vote for? There are many ways to learn more about local candidates: Attend election events, watch videos, check social media posts and websites, read news articles, talk to your friends and neighbours, make phone calls, send emails or arrange to meet candidates in person. We have assembled some excellent resources below to help.

Community Groups & Resources with an Election Focus (Non-partisan):

VisionWR - New grassroots volunteer organization dedicated to promoting education, dialogue, and debate on the issues that will shape our shared future in Waterloo Region: climate change, housing, transportation, water, biodiversity, food security, wellbeing and local democracy:

Cambridge Elects - A terrific election resource for Cambridge residents. Ten Town Hall events were held, featuring the candidates for Regional Councillor, Ward Councillors and Mayor. Recordings are posted on their website:

Waterloo Region Votes - Great information for Waterloo Region voters:

Candidate Information for Waterloo Region - Information for all municipalities, organized into a neat chart format by Bob Jonkman

BrantVotes - Excellent non-partisan candidate and election information for the County of Brant residents organized by John Monkhouse (registered as a third party). Recordings of interviews (done as a podcast) and candidate events posted on YouTube.

Get Involved Guelph - Municipal election resources, coordinating survey of candidates with 18 local organizations.

Guelph: One Page Summary of Election Information

  • Created by Mitchell Tremblay See poster in Section C below.

Municipal Election Events

We encourage you to attend local debates, candidates meetings and town hall events. Recent turnout has been impressive with many events filled to standing-room only. There are still some events remaining. If you missed an event, in many cases these were recorded, so you can watch the recordings. Let us know about events in your community and we will promote them.

Woolwich Township:

Wednesday, October 14th at 7pm - Ward 1 and Mayor All Candidates Meeting - Lions Hall, 40 South St W, Elmira

City of Kitchener:

Friday, October 16th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm - All Candidates Meet and Greet - The Canadian Dream Forum Theatre, Victoria Park (Willow River) Pavilion, Kitchener

Wilmot Township:

Recordings of recent Ward 1, 2, 3, 4 and Mayoral debates - https://www.youtube.com/@WilmotCAN

Media Coverage:

A terrific op-ed with a reminder about the importance of voting in municipal elections:

National Observer @nationalobserver.com - Climate despair? Take it to the civic election booth:

Lots of election resources for Kitchener & Waterloo Region highlighted by Melissa Bowman :

Melissa Bowman - Citified - Municipal Election 2026

The Hamilton Spectator - Threats And Harassment Are Driving Candidates Away From Local Politics:

Province-wide Organizations & Toolkits for Municipalities:

Ontarians Against Corruption (ONAC) - An excellent resource! This network of volunteers is compiling sourced information about the mayoral candidates to inform voters for a growing list of municipalities. For each municipality there is an excellent toolkit that provides candidates' policies and records, including fundraising - provides the ability to do side-by-side candidate comparisons.  In addition there is a downloadable printable poster that can be posted to help inform local voters.  Currently toolkits available for Brantford, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Barrie, Niagara Falls, Greenstone, Hamilton, Kingston, Markham, Mississauga, Windsor and Sarnia.  Other cities are in progress.  If your city is not listed, consider volunteering to help!  Visit:

Ontario Headwaters Institute (OHI) -  Has compiled a one-pager of important information and questions about water to ask candidates. Please see the downloadable poster in Section B below.

Alliance for Liveable Ontario (ALO) - New!  "A Roadmap to a Liveable Ontario" a one-pager to email, or print out to hand to candidates when they knock at your door:

And check out the Building a Liveable Ontario YouTube channel with videos that cover important municipal issues to inform candidates and voters

Municipal Election Toolkit with 10 Actions Municipal Governments Can Take To Help Build Liveable Communities:

Vote Compass (Toronto Star) has created an excellent online tool to query how candidates align with your own views and perspectives for 50 large municipalities including several in the Grand River Watershed: 

Who's Running Where & Voting Information 

Candidate lists were finalized for the municipal election on August 21st.

Make certain you confirm your voter registration. It takes just a few minutes.

If you are not currently registered to vote, or need to update your details, contact your municipality. Voting registration can be done right up to election day October 26th. Find the contact info here:

County of Brant - New for 2026! Voting for the municipal election is online and by phone only. There will be locations to provide help with using the new system. Learn more:

Please see also the candidate information from municipalities listed in Section C below.

CBC - Who Is Running Where - Waterloo Region:

CTV News - Waterloo Region Candidates Running In The 2026 Election:

CTV News - Guelph Candidates Running In The 2026 Election:

CTV News - Brantford and Brant County Candidates Running In The 2026 Election:

Greenbelt Pledge

Get candidates to commit to protect water, farmland, green space, and future. Have them sign the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance pledge to show voters first-hand where they stand and what they will commit to protect:

See also Appendix C) below for additional election information and resources.

Action Required - Take the time now to get involved and active in local elections so we don't have regrets for the next four years.

2) Waterloo Water Crisis Update

The Region of Waterloo has successfully brought the first side-stream filtration unit online with three more units to connect in the coming months, helping to address some of the water shortage in the Mannheim Service Area of Waterloo Region. However, issues have arisen at the Greenbrook Water Treatment Plant that will require significant repairs.

The Region feels that it can meet about 80% of the anticipated demand for tens of thousands of new residents by 2031 and there is agreement with the development community that we have enough water within our region to address our needs for at least the next 30 years or at least to 2051, which is fantastic since it negates the need for any sort of unsustainable and unaffordable Great Lakes pipeline for decades.

Read more in Thursday's front page news article:

The Waterloo Region Record - Development Backlog Cleared In Waterloo Region

Public events continue regarding the ongoing Waterloo Region Water Crisis.  Plan to attend this upcoming presentation which promises to be excellent:

Better Groundwater Management in Waterloo Region - Featuring well known local expert hydrologist Dr. Hugh Simpson, this presentation will focus on how and why our groundwater management approach has contributed to water uncertainty, and explore opportunities for our communities to better manage groundwater resources for greater water security. Dr. Simpson is an excellent presenter. Please make plans to attend.

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 27th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Location: Woolwich Memorial Recreation Centre, 24 Snyder Ave S., Elmira

To learn more and Register, visit:

Action Required - Keep speaking up and ensuring we have the future water sustainability and security we need.

3) Six Nations of the Grand River Haldimand Tract Court Case Begins

After decades of preparation, a significant court case started Monday October 5th in Toronto. Six Nations of the Grand River is taking the federal and the provincial governments to court over claims to the Haldimand Tract which includes most of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo:

Two Row Times - Six Nations litigation against Canada begins in Toronto:

Background:

Two Row Times - Six Nations litigation starts this Monday – what to know:

Six Nations of the Grand River Litigation - Six Nations Of The Grand River Band Of Indians V. The Attorney General Of Canada And His Majesty The King In Right Of Ontario: Court case description:

CBC News - Six Nations takes Canada and Ontario to court over Haldimand Tract:

The Hamilton Spectator - Up to $8.7 trillion at stake as Six Nations land claim finally goes to trial:

Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation - Community Update: Six Nations Litigation Proceedings:

4) Greenbelt RCMP Investigation Continues

It's been more than 1,100 days since the RCMP launched an investigation into Doug Ford and the Conservative provincial government's actions on trying to carve up and sell off the Greenbelt to well-connected developers in a multi-billion dollar scandal. The RCMP state that they have "no updates at this time and that the investigation is ongoing." A former Ontario attorney general has stated the Mounties should properly update the public on the status of the probe.

Waterloo Region Record - Three years later, RCMP says investigation into Doug Ford's Greenbelt Scandal is still ‘ongoing’:

Also published in both the Hamilton Spectator and Toronto Star:

Action Required - Keep speaking up and demanding answers about this investigation into the egregious attempt to sell off the Greenbelt.

5) Martin Grove Gateway Industrial Development Concerns

It's great to see the amazing work of the grassroots community groups raising concerns about the land speculators trying to force the very concerning Gateway Industrial proposal that would breach the Countryside Line and destroy the firm City of Waterloo urban boundary that has held strong for over 50 years - protecting Woolwich farmland from urban and industrial development.

Local grassroots groups continue to give tours of the area, meet with elected officials at all levels of government, delegate to Woolwich Council, and raise awareness in the media:

The Woolwich Observer - Woolwich Eyes Major Growth Over Next 25 Years:

Unfortunately, this article has numerous errors. The fact is the Regional Official Plan and the Countryside Line designation remain in effect until a new municipal Official Plan is approved (perhaps later this year). There are considerable efforts underway to ensure that Woolwich Township continues the Countryside Line designation in its new Official Plan, as all other area municipalities have carried it forward.

Apparently there is breaking news that these Gateway Industrial lands are being considered for a new large data centre despite the lack of water, electricity, and network infrastructure.

Find more information on the EngageWR site: https://www.engagewr.ca/cra-lands-limited

Action Required - Keep speaking up and emphasizing that this industrial development is not currently needed nor anticipated in any Official Plan.  Help to protect farmland, water, and our communities by ensuring the Countryside Line is upheld and this proposed development is rejected.

6) Wilmot Mega-Industrial Land Assembly Updates

The absurd Wilmot Mega-Industrial Land Assembly continues to dominate local election debates and meetings. It is great to see some candidates have done their homework - making it clear that they would stand up for the community, show that Wilmot is not a willing host, and push back to help ensure Wilmot remains a small, rural, agriculturally-focussed municipality. We also note that some other candidates advocate for this horrible plan that no one (still!) has any details about, with little understanding of the consequences for our community's future.  

Kudos to local journalist Luisa D'Amato for calling out the Wilmot Mega-Industrial Land Assembly and demanding the answers to important questions that remain unanswered during the election period when the public has the greatest chance of finally getting needed answers:

Waterloo Region Record - Luisa D'Amato - The Elections Are All About Money - Your Money:

https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/waterloo-region-elections-are-about-taxes/article_269bd4b7-b830-5148-a392-f1f6b7a2a1b4.html

Action Required - Attend local election events, support well-informed, community-minded candidates, and demand this absurd waste of taxpayer money is finally cancelled.

7) Decisions and Policy Choices have Consequences

There have been numerous articles this week that show directly the consequences from poor decisions and bad policy choices:

The Waterloo Region Record - Local climate plans are stalling - and the 2030 goal is slipping:

The Hamilton Spectator - PM Mark Carney pledged to ‘Buy Canadian’. Since then, $7.8 billion in contracts went to American corporations:

CBC News - Don't support Trump tariffs then blame Stelco job cuts on 'act of God,' minister Joly warns Cleveland-Cliffs:

CBC News - Water, toxic waste and opportunity: Indigenous leaders react to Carney's pipeline plan:

CBC News - Liberal MP calls for more safeguards in new bill to fast-track development projects:

8) Yet Another New Provincial Government Scandal

The scandals and costly choices of the Ford government continue. A new scandal was revealed this week as one of the most powerful business leaders in Canada accused the Premier’s office of using leverage to get favourable media pre-election media coverage:

The Trillium - Postmedia ex-CEO alleges Doug Ford’s office used ‘leverage’ over son’s company to get newspaper chain to publish pre-election letter:

Patrick Sackville, the premier’s then-chief of staff, had communicated to Rob Godfrey that he would approve Keel Digital’s proposal for a new three-year agreement with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, but “in the meantime, the Premier needed a favour from Postmedia”
“The Premier wanted to make his case to voters for calling an early election … (and) to publish a letter to voters in all Ontario Postmedia newspapers before he officially called the election,” continued Paul Godfrey in his declaration. "It was understood that… if Postmedia did not print the letter to voters that Mr. Sackville would not be motivated to take the steps to ensure the three-year proposal was approved,” he alleged.

Global News - Ford government used “leverage” over taxpayer-funded company to extract political benefit: legal letter:

And Other Provincial Government Scandals Continue:

It’s not just used tires piling up. Post-secondary students across Ontario will face mounting debt as changes to OSAP have shifted provincial funding to loans instead of grants - despite the Ford government being aware that misuse of OSAP funding was primarily limited to a small number of private career colleges. Underfunding public healthcare is resulting in significant staff cuts, meanwhile testing equipment in hospitals sits idle as private clinics are being paid. Also, see Section 4 above: Greenbelt RCMP investigation continues.

The Trillium - Company at centre of Skills Development Fund scandal ordered into receivership:

Keel Digital Solutions tried to settle its legal battle with the Ontario government, but was unsuccessful, lawyer says

The Trillium - Ford government refers OSAP ‘criminal allegations’ to police, more than two years after concerns first raised:

CTV News - Court records show Ontario's 'serious concerns' about three career colleges:

Global News - ‘Caught in the middle’ More than 500 private career colleges impacted by OSAP freeze:

CBC News - Students worried, devastated after Ontario pauses OSAP for private career colleges:

The Hamilton Spectator - Ford government reverses decision to give $34 million in recycling fees to tire companies:

The Hamilton Spectator - Hamilton hospital MRIs sit idle overnight while Ontario pays private clinics

Sudbury.com - Surgeries begin at latest Ford government-promised private clinics funded with public funds

9) Alberta Government Forces Cities To Revert To Outdated Urban Sprawl Only Housing

In a draconian, regressive move, Premier Danielle Smith is forcing the cities of Calgary and Edmonton to undo years of progressive efforts for housing affordability and accessibility towards infill housing and missing middle initiatives that have seen record amounts of housing built - particularly in Edmonton - meeting demand and keeping house and apartment prices affordable. Instead, these cities are going to be forced into only unaffordable and unsustainable urban sprawl with far-reaching consequences

CBC - Alberta Government To Force Edmonton To Change Rules:

Action Required - Speak up, educate elected-officials, and help to ensure the sustainable housing solutions needed here in Ontario are not dismissed as is happening in Alberta. It is critical that we remain vigilant , and never assume success and progress will be permanent, as the short-sightedness of some governments can't be underestimated - their regressive policies can quickly unravel years of our efforts.

10) Recent Articles

Includes an important article on how fossil-fuel companies are targeting environmental groups and First Nations to reduce our effectiveness, spreading misinformation, and promoting fossil fuels; A report about the real costs of nuclear energy; and an approval for development of thousands of homes in Waterloo :

The Narwhal - ‘Knowing our opponents’: how a pro-oil-and-gas group tracks journalists, First Nations and environmentalists:

Energy Transitions Commission (UK) - Nuclear energy could double by 2050, but AI-driven power demand does not change the economic case

The Waterloo Region Record - Former NCR Lands In Waterloo Set For A Phased Development Of Up To 3,084 Homes:

11) National Water Security Strategy

The federal government has initiated a public consultation period for the National Water Security Strategy.  It is a simple survey that is fast and easy to fill out:

Water Canada - Feds launch public engagement on Canada’s National Water Security Strategy

Learn more about this proposed strategy:

Overview by McMillan - Federal Government Seeks Public Input on First National Water Security Strategy:

Direct link to the public survey:

The survey closes October 25th.

Action Required: Take advantage of this opportunity to speak up and provide feedback on Canada's National Water Security Strategy before October 25, 2026.

12) Save Ontario Place Update

The battle over Ontario Place continues and it is great to see so many community groups working together for the greater public good. Help support the fight to save Ontario Place at the Supreme Court Of Canada - more than half of the needed funds have already been raised:

This is a remarkable thread on Bluesky with a series of photos showing both the present view of demolished Ontario Place compared to what it looked like two years ago and the biodiversity that used to exist there:

Francesca Bouaoun :

Action Required - Donate and help to secure better solutions for Ontario Place than Doug Ford's Spa/Casino nightmare.

13) Pacific Link Pipeline Petition

The Pacific Link pipeline was designated on October 1st by PM Mark Carney as the first project in the national interest.  Estimated completion will be in 2032-33 at a cost of $35.2B to $43.7B. The announcement is not being warmly received by First Nations or environmental groups.

CBC News - Cold Lake First Nations seeking judicial review of Pacific Link pipeline designation:

Narwhal - Carney’s expensive Alberta truce: the Pacific Link pipeline:

CBC News - West Coast oil pipeline becomes 1st project designated in national interest:

New Petition! - Speak up and express your concerns along with thousands of citizens using this new petition just launched by Stand.earth:

Action Required - Speak up and let the federal government know your priorities and how you would like your tax dollars spent.

14) Grand River Watershed Hub 

Here are a few highly recommended resources to check out:

How to Live on Earth - an amazing new feature documentary presented by Benedict Cumberbatch:

Add to your fall reading list:  

Ecocivilization a book by Jeremy Lent

Bringing Bioregional Learning into the Light - an article by Joe Brewer of the Design School for Regenerating Earth:

If you are passionate about restoring and protecting the Grand River Watershed, connecting with like-minded people and participating in local regenerative and bioregioning projects and events, please feel welcome to join us in the Hub. It is free!

15) Next GREN Zoom Meeting

Please make plans to join our next meeting online Friday, October 16th at 5:30 pm. 

Topic: Grand River Watershed Zoom Meeting
Time: Friday, October 16th, 2026 at 5:30pm EST. 
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

Meeting ID: 826 4469 5701
Passcode: 713374

Thank you for reading, and for all the great efforts so far. Please share any questions or ideas.

Kevin Thomason @kthomason.bsky.social , Mike Marcolongo @mikemarcolongo.bsky.social

and Joan Faux  @joantelferfaux.bsky.social on behalf of all our community groups.

We encourage you share this newsletter.

If you were forwarded this update and would like to subscribe (you'll receive the weekly updates sent directly to your inbox), or to find previous updates, visit:

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  • You can also click on the Grand River Watershed Regional Update heading at the top of the page.

A) Upcoming Events

Wednesday, October 14th at 7pm - Ward 1 and Mayor All Candidates Meeting - Lions Hall, 40 South St W, Elmira

Friday, October 16th at 5:30pm - Grand River Environmental Network Zoom Meeting -

Friday, October 16th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm - All Candidates Meet and Greet - The Canadian Dream Forum Theatre, Victoria Park (Willow River) Pavilion, Kitchener

Tuesday, October 27th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm - Better Groundwater Management In Waterloo Region - Woolwich Memorial Recreation Centre, 24 Snyder's Road S., Elmira - https://rwlibrary.libnet.info/event/17311828

Saturday October 31 - Province -wide Fight Ford Protest - For locations and times see Section D below.

B) Water and the Election - Questions for Candidates

Download and print the poster below from the Ontario Headwaters Institute here: 

C) Election Resources

City of Guelph Election Information at a glace - Created by Mitchell Tremblay

Local Municipal and Regional Election Candidate information: 

City of Guelph:

Wellington County:

Waterloo Regional Council - Note: Regional Chair is no longer an elected position:

City of Waterloo:

Kitchener:

Cambridge:  

Woolwich Township:  

Wilmot Township:  

Wellesley Township:

County of Brant:

City of Brantford:

Haldimand County:

Norfolk County:

Caledon:  

If your municipality is not listed above, visit the official municipal website and search “candidate list 2026”.

D) Province-Wide Ford Protests

Make a sign and join in one of the many rallies taking place across Ontario on the last Saturday of the month!  These events are organized locally.

Learn more:

Facebook - Fight Ford Protests:

Instagram - Fight Ford Ontario Protests:

Website - Protest Doug Ford:

E) Contact Info:

Speak Up and Ensure Your Voice is Heard

Wilmot Township Council

All Wilmot Councillors can be reached at a single simple address:  council@wilmot.ca  

Letters should also be sent to: clerks@wilmot.ca to be included as part of the public record.

Natasha Salonen, Mayor, Wilmot, natasha.salonen@wilmot.ca or 519-634-8519 x 9351
Stewart Cressman, Councillor Ward 1, Wilmot, stewart.cressman@wilmot.ca
Kris Wilkinson, Councillor Ward 2, Wilmot, kris.wilkinson@wilmot.ca
Harvir Sidhu, Councillor Ward 3, Wilmot, harvir.sidhu@wilmot.ca
Lillianne Dunstall, Councillor Ward 4, Wilmot, lillianne.dunstall@wilmot.ca
Steven Martin, Councillor Ward 4, Wilmot, steven.martin@wilmot.ca

Region of Waterloo Council

All Regional Councillors and Mayors can be reached at this single address:  regionalcouncillors@regionofwaterloo.ca

Karen Redman, Regional Chair, kredman@regionofwaterloo.ca
Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor, Kitchener, berryv@kitchener.ca
Dorothy McCabe, Mayor, City of Waterloo, dorothy.mccabe@waterloo.ca
Jan Liggett, Cambridge Mayor, Cambridge, liggettj@cambridge.ca
Sue Foxton, Mayor, North Dumfries, sfoxton@northdumfries.ca
Natasha Salonen, Mayor, Wilmot, natasha.salonen@wilmot.ca
Joe Nowak, Mayor, Wellesley, jnowak@wellesley.ca
Sandy Shantz, Mayor, Woolwich, sshantz@woolwich.ca
Doug Craig, Regional Councillor, Cambridge, dougcraig@regionofwaterloo.ca
Pam Wolf, Regional Councillor, Cambridge, pwolf@regionofwaterloo.ca
Colleen James, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, CJames@regionofwaterloo.ca
Michael Harris, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, MHarris@regionofwaterloo.ca
Matt Rodrigues, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, mrodrigues@regionofwaterloo.ca
Joe Gowing, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, jgowing@regionofwaterloo.ca
Jim Erb, Regional Councillor, Waterloo, JErb@regionofwaterloo.ca
Chantal Huinink, Regional Councillor, Waterloo, CHuinink@regionofwaterloo.ca

City of Kitchener Council

Mayor - Berry Vrbanovic - berry.vrbanovic@kitchener.ca 
Ward 1 - Councillor Scott Davey scott.davey@kitchener.ca 
Ward 2 - Councillor Dave Schnider dave.schnider@kitchener.ca 
Ward 3 - Councillor Jason Deneault jason.deneault@kitchener.ca
Ward 4 - Councillor Christine Michaud christine.michaud@kitchener.ca 
Ward 5 - Councillor Ayo Owodunni ayo.owodunni@kitchener.ca 
Ward 6 - Councillor Paul Singh paul.singh@kitchener.ca 
Ward 7 - Councillor Bil Ioannidis bil.ioannidis@kitchener.ca 
Ward 8 - Councillor Margaret Johnston margaret.johnston@kitchener.ca 
Ward 9 - Councillor Debbie Chapman debbie.chapman@kitchener.ca 
Ward 10 - Councillor Stephanie Stretch stephanie.stretch@kitchener.ca

County of Brant Council:

Mayor David Bailey  david.bailey@brant.ca   226-387-2490
Councillor Ward 1 Jennifer Kyle jennifer.kyle@brant.ca 519-242-0898
Councillor Ward 1 John MacAlpine john.macalpine@brant.ca 519-757-9359
Councillor Ward 2 Steve Howes steve.howes@brant.ca 519-442-4955
Councillor Ward 2 Lukas Oakley lukas.oakley@brant.ca  226-216-3037
Councillor Ward 3 John Bell john.bell@brant.ca 519-209-2277
Councillor Ward 3 John Peirce john.peirce@brant.ca 519-442-7134
Councillor Ward 4 Robert Chambers robert.chambers@brant.ca 519-449-2633
Councillor Ward 4 David Miller jedamiller@sympatico.ca 519-449-1240
Councillor Ward 5 Brian Coleman brianatbridgeview@gmail.com 519-753-2798
Councillor Ward 5 - Ella Haley ella.haley@brant.ca 226-802-2801

Province of Ontario

Premier Doug Ford - doug.fordco@pc.ola.org or 416-325-1941 - available 24/7 - all calls confidential, 
Call or text Doug Ford’s Personal Cell Phone - 647-612-3673

Andrea Khanjin - Minster of Environment, Conservation and Parks - andrea.khanjin@pc.ola.org or 705-722-0575
Vic Fedeli - Minister of Economic Development- vic.fedeli@pc.ola.org or 416-326-8475
Rob Flack -  Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing- rob.flack@pc.ola.org or 416-326-3074
Michael Parsa - Associate Minister of Housing - michael.parsaco@pc.ola.org

Local Conservative MPPs:

Mike Harris Jr - Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, MPP Kitchener-Conestoga - mike.harris@pc.ola.org or 519-669-2090
Brian Riddell - MPP Cambridge - brian.riddell@pc.ola.org or 519-650-2770
Jess Dixon - MPP Kitchener South - jess.dixon@pc.ola.org or 519-650-9413
Will Bouma - MPP Brantford-Brant - will.bouma@pc.ola.org or (519) 759-0361
Joseph Racinsky- MPP Wellington-Halton Hills - joseph.racinsky@pc.ola.org or (519) 787-5247
Ernie Hardeman - MPP Oxford - ernie.hardeman@pc.ola.org or (519) 537-5222
Matthew Rae - Associate Minister Energy-Intensive Industries, MPP Perth-Wellington - matthew.rae@pc.ola.org or (519) 272-0660

Local NDP MPPs:

Catherine Fife - MPP Waterloo - cfife-qp@ndp.on.ca or 519-725-3477

Local Green Party MPPs:

Mike Schreiner - MPP Guelph - mschreiner@ola.org or (519) 836-4190
Aislinn Clancy - MPP Kitchener Centre - aclancy-co@ola.org or 519-579-5460

Independent MPPs:

Bobbi Ann Brady - MPP Haldimand-Norfolk - babrady-co@ola.org or (519) 428-0446

Federal Members of Parliament

Prime Minister Mark Carney - mark.carney@parl.gc.ca

Local Liberal MPs:

Tim Louis - MP Kitchener-Conestoga - tim.louis@parl.gc.ca or (519) 578-3777
Bardish Chagger - MP Waterloo - bardish.chagger@parl.gc.ca or (519) 746-1573
Dominque O-Rourke - MP Guelph - dominique.orourke@parl.gc.ca or (519) 837-8276

Local Conservative MPs:

Michael Chong - MP Wellington-Halton Hills - michael.chong@parl.gc.ca or (519) 843-7344
Dan Muys Flamborough-Glanbrook-Brant North - Dan.Muys@parl.gc.ca or (519) 448-1483
TBA - MP Brantford-Brant South Six Nations -  (Note: Larry Brock resigned effective Sept 18, 2026)
Connie Cody - MP Cambridge - connie.cody@parl.gc.ca or (519) 624-2828
Matt Strauss - MP Kitchener-South Hespeler - matt.strauss@parl.gc.ca or (519) 571-5509
Kelly Deridder - MP Kitchener-Centre - kelly.deridder@parl.gc.ca or (519) 746-8867
John Nater - MP Perth-Wellington - john.nater@parl.gc.ca or (519) 273-1400

Kevin Thomason
Vice-Chair, Grand River Environmental Network

www.gren.ca
Phone: (519) 888-0519

Mobile Phone/WhatsApp: (519) 240-1648
Twitter: @kthomason
E-mail: kevinthomason@mac.com