Those residents in Ontario who voted, particularly in York Region and in Simcoe County, spoke loud and clear about the direction that they want their municipalities to go in the next four years.

The results were clear — some want change, pursuing new ventures and new opportunities; and other closely-matched decisions will mean that the status quo may not be good enough when decisions are made for their residents.

It is in that backdrop that the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association would like to thank all candidates who threw their names on the ballot — the most difficult decision made in a democratic process is running. It is a courageous decision and all candidates, despite results, should be given a tip of the hat.

That being said, the association would also like to welcome the new councils, particularly in King Township, East Gwillimbury and Bradford — West Gwillimbury, where farming activities are of great importance to these municipalities. We look forward to working with each and every council that has governance over the Holland Marsh and area, including the larger councils of York Region and Simcoe County. There is an education process that will need to be done by the farmers and this association with the new members, and we welcome the opportunity to showcase the vital importance of farming to the local and provincial economies.

As well, the association would like to congratulate Avia Eek, who won the Ward 6 council seat of King Township. Avia is a board of director member with the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association — and is a newcomer to the political arena. We wish her the very best of luck. In addition, we would like to offer our congratulations Steve Pellegrini as the incoming Mayor of King Township, returning Bradford — West Gwillimbury Mayor Doug White, newly elected BWG Deputy Mayor (and dairy farmer) Rob Keffer, and East Gwillimbury Mayor-elect (and former councillor and Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority Chair) Virginia Hackson.

We look forward to working with all councils that govern the Holland Marsh and area and will be maintaining our working relationships with staff and officials in the foreseeable future.

Jamie Reaume

Executive Director,

Holland Marsh Growers’ Association