Month: October 2026

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 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.

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.