Mayor Ann Lawlor's March 2025 Message

HALTON HILLS, ON – The Monday, March 3 meeting of Halton Hills Town Council saw some shifting of seats! Two of our local councillors ran in the provincial election on February 27, and one, Joseph Racinsky, was successful. We now have a new Member of Provincial Parliament for our riding of Wellington-Halton Hills! Joseph has resigned his Ward 2 council seat.

Alex Hilson, the second councillor who made the provincial bid, will return to his role as one of Acton’s local councillors. 

I am very proud of our two youngest, rookie councillors, Hilson and Racinsky, who stepped up, declared their commitment to political values and action and presented themselves to local voters. Thank you, gentlemen, for your leadership, for entering the Ontario provincial election fray, and for your passion for democracy.

As Joseph Racinsky embarks on a new venture representing us at Queen’s Park, I know that he will continue to have, top of mind, the best interests of our Halton Hills community. He will remember lessons from neighbours, constituents and council colleagues as he is involved in formulating provincial policies. And I am confident, too, that when we call upon our MPP to advocate for us, that he will understand the issues, he will be ready and he will be passionate on our behalf.

Halton Hills Council had a few options when deciding how to fill the Ward 2 vacancy left by Joseph Racinsky. Members could appoint someone to finish out the council term or hold a formal by-election.

In making that decision, councillors considered that an appointment could have someone move into the position within a month, while a by-election would take three or four months to stage and finalize. In addition, the expense to appoint someone would be minimal while a by-election would cost up to $50,000. Further, a democratic process occurred in 2022 when Ward 2 voters reviewed eight candidates who then ran for the two local council positions. There was a third place finisher whose vote tally was fairly close to the numbers received by the second of two councillors elected for the ward.

The Council decided to fill the vacancy by appointing the ‘next in line’ candidate. Matt Kindbom who garnered those votes, has been contacted by the Clerk and has said yes, he is enthusiastic about joining the council table. It is expected that he will be sworn in on March 24 and perform the Ward 2 councillor role until the next municipal election in October 2026.

Residents of Glen Williams, Norval, Limehouse, Speyside, Hornby and the rural areas in between will have a new elected representative to call on. We are looking forward to our Council being at full strength and the fresh insights that a new councillor will bring!