Plus 2

Higher pay fails to dramatically increase the candidate pool

If the goal of raising council compensation was to increase public participation in municipal decision-making, it succeeded— if only marginally. In July, council agreed to raise members’ compensation from a base of $29,645 to $40,422—a 36 per cent hike in pay.

“The expectations of this job deserve a better and higher remuneration, without a doubt,” said Councillor Phil St-Jean during the debate in June. “My biggest worry is, if we keep this at under $30,000, we are going to eliminate the opportunity for [some residents] to step up and put their names on a ballot.”

Similarly, Councillor Kate MacNaughton said a modest increase could broaden the pool of potential candidates and improve voter choice during municipal elections.

As it turned out, the cast of candidates did expand in 2026, but just barely—35 residents will see their names on the ballot on October 26 compared to 33 in 2022—just two more.

Three wards will see their current council member acclaimed: Chris Braney in Hillier, John Hirsch in South Marysburgh and Corey Engelsdorfer in Wellington. Picton avoided acclamation in the closing days of the nomination period. A fourth candidate, Jane Lesslie, raised her hand in Picton, joining Emery Niles in challenging sitting Councillors St-Jean and Mac- Naughton.

Eight candidates will vie for two open seats in Bloomfield/Hallowell. Councillor Phil Prinzen declined to run for a third term. Brad Nieman is running for mayor. Six candidates will compete for three council seats in Ameliasburgh. In Athol, four residents will vie for the seat vacated by Sam Branderhorst.

In Sophiasburgh, three folks are challenging current councillor Bill Roberts for the single seat in the northeast end of the County. David Harrison has decided not to seek another term in North Marysburgh. Three candidates have let their name stand, including Harrison’s wife, Siobhan.