September 25, 2026
The Dufferin Board of Trade (DBOT), in partnership with the Dufferin Federation of Agriculture, hosted the Future Dufferin County Council Election Forum on September 24. Eleven mayoral and deputy mayoral candidates from Grand Valley, Melancthon, Mono, Mulmur and Shelburne participated.
Moderator Doug Harkness, DBOT’s past chair, opened by outlining the county’s responsibilities, including roads, land use planning, community services, economic development and tourism. He said the forum was an opportunity for voters to hear candidates’ views while keeping business and agricultural concerns in the election conversation.
Candidates answered five countywide questions on economic development, tourism, infrastructure, governance and cooperation between municipalities. Each municipality represented also received a question tailored to local issues. Candidates had up to two minutes to introduce themselves and one minute to answer each question.
Ideas from the candidates
Economic development across Dufferin. Several candidates said business growth in one municipality benefits its neighbours. Wade Mills pointed to Shelburne’s largest employer, KTH, whose employees come from across the county. Darren White called for clearer planning processes and more projects ready for development. Philip Rentsch proposed renewed county cooperation with DBOT to help existing businesses grow. Steve Solomon discussed Grand Valley’s employment lands as a way to bring jobs closer to home and broaden the tax base. John Creelman called for clearer guidance so businesses know whether to approach the county or their local municipality with a proposal.
Agriculture and local opportunity. Paul Latam linked a strong local economy to protecting productive farmland, supporting businesses and creating jobs close to home. Emerson Pendleton described agriculture as a major Dufferin business and suggested farm visits to help people understand food production. Melinda Davie emphasized that farms are businesses too, and that municipalities can work together while pursuing growth suited to their communities. A question for Melancthon candidates explored the proposed aggregate pit and its potential effects on agriculture, water, roads and traffic.
Tourism throughout the county. Candidates discussed how farms, trails, accommodations, restaurants and shops can benefit from promoting Dufferin together. Patricia Clark supported countywide promotion while acknowledging the pressures visitors can place on rural roads and attractions.
Infrastructure for workers and employers. Housing, transportation, broadband and cell reception all drew attention. Speaking as a business owner, Laura Campbell described affordable housing as essential to retaining staff who need to live near their work. Ruth Plowright described how poor cell reception in Hornings Mills affects businesses and the ability to call for help in an emergency.
Candidates also discussed a possible review of county council representation and weighted voting, including the principles that should guide county decisions. Harkness noted that Orangeville candidates may offer additional perspectives on weighted voting and said the question should also be raised at their October 5 forum.
Harkness closed by thanking the candidates, viewers and the Dufferin Federation of Agriculture. He encouraged voters to visit DBOT’s Election Hub, where all 90 municipal election candidates across Dufferin were invited to submit a profile and record a video. A recording of the county forum will also be posted there.
Across Dufferin’s eight municipalities, 26 candidates are running for mayor or deputy mayor. DBOT has organized two forums: one for Orangeville and one for candidates from the other seven municipalities. This gives candidates more time to share their views and voters more opportunity to hear them. The public is invited to the Orangeville Mayor and Deputy Mayor Election Forum on October 5 at 7 p.m. at Theatre Orangeville.
Learn about the candidates, ask questions and make your voice heard by voting in your municipal election.