In Grey Highlands

From Sandy:

I am Sandy Thornton, and I’m proud to call Grey Highlands home. I have lived in the area for 16 years with my husband and two daughters. My career in the global health industry means I bring strong organizational, financial and administrative experience to my candidacy. My professional background required careful attention to financial responsibility, communication and managing competing priorities. I am an active community member who takes part in a book club, pickleball, Probus, and gardening in Markdale for the seniors’ Day Away program. For the past two years, I have co-managed the women’s curling league in Markdale.

These experiences have connected me with the people of Grey Highlands and I hear their ideas, concerns, and hopes for the community. “Municipal government has a direct impact on our everyday lives – from roads and infrastructure to recreation, planning, development and other services our residents rely on. Council needs people who will listen, ask questions, understand the issues and make responsible decisions.”

From Paul:

Investing in Our Future

We need to build and maintain the infrastructure our communities require, invest in the amenities residents value and strengthen our local economy.

Municipal taxes will always be necessary to provide services. Our responsibility as Council is to grow our assessment base, pursue new sources of revenue and funding, invest sensibly and spend taxpayers’ money wisely.

Protecting Local Health Care

We need to continue working with Grey County Council to keep Grey Gables Long-Term Care home open and put the reconstruction and addition of new beds back on the table.

Together with the new hospital in Markdale, an expanded Grey Gables would bring us closer to realizing the vision of a health-care campus in Markdale.

We are fortunate to have a new hospital after more than 20 years of planning and effort.

I’m also proud that the Ram Rodeo, held in Feversham for six consecutive years, has raised close to $200,000 for the Markdale Hospital Foundation.

Supporting Responsible Growth

Grey Highlands will continue to grow. We need to manage that growth responsibly so that it strengthens our existing communities.

The planned downtown revitalization in Markdale is one opportunity to support local businesses, encourage investment and help strengthen the assessment base that supports services throughout Grey Highlands.

Experience and Strong Relationships

With more than 29 years of experience, I have developed relationships with people at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government.

Those relationships matter when Grey Highlands needs to advocate for our communities, pursue funding and secure support for important local projects.

From Tom:

My Platform…….

•  Responsible Fiscal and Asset Management
•  Growth that preserves our Rural Heritage and respects the Environment
• Downtown Revitalization
• Attainable Housing
• Access to Primary Care

Currently…….

• Work a small farm in Markdale 
• Treasurer of the South Grey  Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the Markdale Brightshores Hospital Event Fundraising Committee 
• Member of the Grey Highlands Probus Club 
• Member of Prince Arthur #333 Lodge in Flesherton 
• Past President of the Markdale Golf and Curling Club
• Board Member of the South East Grey Community Health Centre

In The Past…….

• Executive Vice President and General Manager of Deluxe Laboratories Post Production Services
•  Member of the Board of Directors of Rank Canada
•  Member of the Board of Directors of The Canadian Academy of Film and Television
•  Chair of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
•  Member of The Variety Club

Hi, I’m Dave:

I don’t have all the answers, but I’m ready to learn and listen. I’m a neighbour you can trust.

Democracy doesn’t just happen on election day. Your voice matters every single day. If I’m elected to Grey Highlands council, this is my promise: On every issue, I’ll take the time to listen and I’ll bring your voice directly into the council chamber.

We deserve a town council that’s transparent, accountable, collaborative, innovative and practical. As your town councillor, I’ll do my best to bring these values to the table.

From Bayshore Broadcasting:

Why Are You Running?

I am running because Grey Highlands needs positive change in its municipal council. I am striving to be elected to help facilitate that necessary change. I first ran for council in 2002 when there were eleven candidates running for five seats and came in sixth and was not elected. The assurances given in the early days of the amalgamation process, of efficiency, lower staff requirements, increased quality and availability of service have not been achieved and the future of Grey Highlands wants and needs clear movement toward those very goals that council and staff have subsequently failed to deliver to our citizens. I am running to be a strong voice for that Change.

From Dane:

Dear Friends,

I offer logical investment in our water and wastewater, driving growth to where we can support it, not building systems hoping growth will come later.

I offer experience with vision, I sit on Grey County council, NEC and the Board of health, but have a fresh perspective about what Grey Highlands needs. I am not stuck in the past. I recognize the issues we have and I will not run from them. I will bring council together to tackle them head on.

I offer an understanding of where staffs role and councils role meet. That council sets the policy and direction and staff implement. That good policy come from data, community engagement, and a realistic understanding of the resources available.

Grey Highlands together we can decide where the road will take us and together we will get things done.

From Joel:

I live in the village of Kimberley with my wife and our five-year-old son. I ran for council in 2022 because I believe in showing up for the community we love, protecting the natural environment that makes Grey Highlands special, and helping guide our municipality toward a healthy, vibrant future through thoughtful planning and balanced growth.

Serving on council has reinforced for me how important it is to listen, collaborate, and make decisions that reflect the needs of our community. I’m running for Deputy Mayor because I believe Grey Highlands deserves leadership that is thoughtful, transparent, and focused on building a strong future for the generations who call this place home.

Before municipal politics, I was a professional wine and cider maker, turning Grey County fruit into award-winning products. I studied philosophy and English literature at the University of Toronto, and I’ve always been drawn to thoughtful conversations, creative problem-solving, and the stories that connect us as a community.

When I’m not at the council table, you’ll find me skiing, fly fishing, rock climbing, paddling, writing for Rrampt Magazine, or volunteering with the Kimberley Community Association.

In her role as Host of In Grey Highlands Podcast, Karen Cox introduces the series of interviews we conducted with the candidates for Grey Highlands Municipality in the 2026 municipal elections. Half were recorded at the terrific Hanley Institute in Flesherton, and the other half were recorded in Fellowship Hall at the mighty Annesley United in Markdale.

Our goal is to provide a more detailed picture of the candidates, let them discuss and explain issues in their own words and time. Hopefully, giving the voters some better understanding of their choices in this term’s elections.

From Blake:

Hi, my name is Blake Martin and Grey Highlands is the only home I’ve ever known. I’ve lived here since I was two years old, went to Beavercrest and GHSS, and just recently returned home after finishing my Bachelor’s Degree in Canadian History and Political Science.

I have always loved learning about political institutions like Parliament, how they came about, the people behind them, how their decisions reverberate into our communities, and how citizens can hold their representatives accountable. But my decision to run for council came from conversations much closer to home.

After coming back to my home in Markdale and catching-up with family, old friends, and members of our community, I kept hearing the same concern: “I’m worried about the cost of living. Something needs to change.”

I share that concern. Rather than simply accepting that things have to stay the same, I decided to step forward and help bring about the change our community is asking for.

From James:

“I am a sixth-generation resident of Markdale, I come from a proud farming background and have a deep love for our Grey Highlands community,” he said. “I have always believed that strong communities are built not by developers and not by government, but by the people who live in them. For many years I’ve been involved in the local church community and have participated in beloved community traditions such as the Markdale Community Christmas Choir, the annual street frolic, the Markdale Fall Fair, and many more.”

“As a young husband starting a family, I want to help ensure Grey Highlands remains a place where families can put down roots, seniors can thrive, local businesses can succeed, and neighbours continue to feel connected to their community,” he said. “I bring experience working both in government and the trades, but most importantly, I bring a genuine love for the area and a desire to listen to the people like me who call it home.”

“I am running for council because I believe residents deserve a representative who will put their voice first and bring practical, logical consideration to every council decision,” he said. “The people of Grey Highlands don’t need councillors who have their mind made up before speaking with residents. They need someone who’s willing to listen and ensure that their voice is what gets brought to the council table, I’m hoping to earn their trust to be that voice.”

From Xerxes:

My journey into real estate began when I sold my own home—a custom-designed downtown Toronto loft that I had poured years of creativity and care into. That experience opened my eyes to the importance of having the right representation, and it inspired me to bring that same passion for unique and exceptional properties to others. Today, I channel that dedication into helping my clients achieve their real estate goals.
 
Before real estate, I spent nearly two decades in the fast-paced world of Film, TV, and advertising. Along the way, I also pursued my passion as a certified yoga instructor in downtown Toronto, which has grounded me in patience, balance, and connection—qualities I carry into every client relationship.
 
I often spend extended time with my dogs in Grey County and the Blue Mountains, where my family’s traditions and love for farms and environmentally protected land continue to inspire me. This connection led me to settle permanently in Grey Highlands, where I’ve lived on a farm south of Kimberley since 2021.

“I know that as one councillor I will have one vote. I can’t promise that every idea will become reality. What I can promise is that I will do the work, listen to residents, ask difficult questions and make decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.”

From David:

“My goals for the municipality are fiscal responsibility, to preserve and protect our environment, to promote economic development and tourism.”

“I am running for the councillor position in Grey Highlands because of my previous council experience and the north end of the municipality needs a voice at the council table. Communication between council, staff and residents needs to improve. The municipal facilities need to be better maintained.”

From Andrea:

We need change and transparency.
We need Logic, Backbone and Hope.

“There’s a huge opportunity to create sustainable communities in this municipality using green initiatives and pilot projects thru Not for Profits. The communities need responsible building that doesn’t impact the surrounding areas like the 1950s style of building. Building housing that’s affordable, built with re-purposed materials. “Eco villages” that work on a totally off grid, closed loop system, housing built with wind turbine blades, nacelles, seacans, bunkies, modular homes. Food co-ops, greenhouses, cisterns, solar/wind towers, geothermal and incinerator heating, redesigned waste systems.”

From Emmett:

I’ve lived in Kimberley since I was a child. My family moved here in 1989 .

I moved back home in 2018 to become a partner in our family business, Eko Nomos Inc.

Just as I would on Grey Highlands Council, we help charities, businesses, towns, and schools, building sustainable livelihoods in Ontario and across Canada. We do research, planning and evaluation – skills needed on Grey Highlands Council

Since 2021 I have been a member of the Grey Highlands Museum Advisory Board, and the Grey Highlands Heritage Committee. 

Since 2024 I have been a volunteer Game Master at the Hanley Institute.

I am a founding Director of AHIGH Affordable Housing In Grey Highlands Inc.

I look forward to meeting you during the campaign, and finding out how I can best serve you as a Grey Highlands Councillor.

From Bayshore Broadcasting:

Why are you running?

The short answer is that I believe that the council of Grey Highlands (GH) needs more experienced Business leaders on it that understands the concepts of VALUE & SOLUTIONS.

How would you address the need to maintain municipal services and infrastructure without high tax increases for residents?

GH Council and Senior Management team should start with the GOAL of a ZERO per cent increase for residents and engage in a line by line budget review that distinguishes the difference between NEEDS and WANTS. The process starts with a mindset change where egos, agendas and payback to special interest groups are put aside for the greater good of the GH taxpayer.

From Kat for Council:

One person can begin a change. Together, we create the ripple.

I am Katrina Wood, small-business owner, mother, community builder and candidate for Grey Highlands Council.

I am not creating a political version of myself for this campaign. I am showing up as the person I already am.

If my experience, perspective and hopes for Grey Highlands resonate with you, I am asking for your vote.

From Dave:

Dear Friends,

My name is Dave Russell, I have been a resident of what is now Grey Highlands for over fifty years and am now seeking to be elected to a seat on Municipal Council.

I was raised on a farm on the west back line of Artemesia, went to school at Agnes Macphail Memorial Elementary and Grey Highlands Secondary schools, played Hockey in the Flesherton, Markdale, Rocklyn and Feversham Arenas.

After finishing school I lived and worked in Markdale, Priceville, Beaver Valley and now reside in Rob Roy in the former Township of Osprey.

My beloved children were both born in the Markdale Hospital.

As a guitar player/singer/songwriter and music instructor I am also self employed as a builder and property maintenance provider, skilled in many aspects of the building trades.

Currently, as a director of the Osprey Museum I occupy the position of Chairman, working to preserve and promote the deep roots and profound history of our community.

My focus upon being elected will be first and foremost Communications and Community dialogue, thereby finding solutions to the many issues we are facing, and are bound to face in the years to come, then putting those agreed upon solutions into action.

My deep interest in World and general history combined with my personal study of Political Economy and economics will be an asset to the functioning of our community in a more efficient, cost effective manner with enhanced quality and availability of municipal services.

As a councillor, it will be my goal to help guide our Municipality into the future to become the best possible example of how a community is governed among the communities of Grey County, the province of Ontario, Canada and our World.