North Simcoe Springwater News Presents Springwater All-Candidates Meeting-By Kari Belcourt North Simcoe Springwater News
Democracy is a cornerstone of our society. At its heart is the principle that the power to shape our communities belongs to the people — whether exercised directly or through the elected officials who represent them.
With the 2026 municipal election approaching, residents of Springwater deserve an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking their support, ask questions about the issues that matter to them and make informed decisions about the future of their community.
That is why the North Simcoe Springwater News is hosting the Springwater All-Candidates Meeting on September 24, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Snow Valley Ski Resort.
Municipal government has a direct impact on residents’ everyday lives. From roads, snow removal and infrastructure to fire protection, parks and recreation, planning, zoning, waste services and other local programs, decisions made at the municipal level affect the community in very practical ways.
Municipalities are primarily funded through property taxes, user fees and other revenues, while operating within the authority granted to them by provincial legislation.
These are not abstract issues. They affect the roads we drive on, the services our families rely on, how our communities grow and, ultimately, what residents pay for those services.
Residents deserve the opportunity to ask questions and hear the answers for themselves.
A Meeting Focused on Residents
The All-Candidates Meeting is being produced by the North Simcoe Springwater News in accordance with the journalistic standards and requirements the newspaper is expected to uphold. The goal is to provide residents with a fair, respectful and non-partisan opportunity to hear from those seeking elected office.
The meeting will be moderated by Johnathan Inacio, selected for his ability to bring an independent perspective, strong communication skills and a diverse professional background to the evening.
Inacio is not a resident of Springwater and has no involvement in the township’s current political landscape, allowing him to approach the discussion without a personal or political stake in the outcome. His educational background includes English and teaching, complemented by professional training in utilities, giving him experience in both communication and practical, hands-on environments.
Today, Inacio works as a project coordinator with a provincial organization that has no involvement or relationship with the Township of Springwater. His professional experience requires organization, communication, accountability and the ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds — qualities that will be particularly valuable in keeping a meeting of candidates and residents focused and productive.
His background in English and teaching also brings an important strength to the role: the ability to listen carefully, understand what is being asked and ensure questions are clearly presented. Combined with his project coordination experience, Inacio is well positioned to keep the evening moving, ensure candidates have a fair opportunity to respond and maintain a respectful and orderly discussion.
Most importantly, his lack of personal involvement in Springwater politics allows him to enter the room as a neutral moderator rather than a participant in the political conversation.
The goal is simple: to have an experienced and independent individual at the centre of the discussion who can keep the focus where it belongs — on the candidates, the questions being asked and the issues that matter to Springwater residents.
Your Questions Matter
Questions submitted by confirmed Springwater residents will be reviewed and asked first.
Residents are encouraged to submit their questions as early as possible. Questions must be reviewed and provided to candidates in advance of the meeting, making early submissions particularly important.
If there are not enough submitted questions to fill the evening, the meeting will move to questions from those attending in person.
For questions submitted during the meeting, residents should be prepared to provide their name and proof of Springwater residency. Attendees will receive a ticket, with tickets selected at random for those given the opportunity to ask a question.
Residents are encouraged to come prepared, know what they want to ask and make the most of the opportunity if their ticket is selected.
A Respectful Conversation
The purpose of the evening is to encourage meaningful discussion about the community — not personal attacks or political theatrics.
Candidates and attendees will be expected to follow reasonable standards of conduct throughout the meeting. Defamatory or disrespectful statements, unsupported allegations, personal attacks and other conduct that fails to meet basic standards of decorum will not be permitted.
Questions that do not meet those standards may be disqualified, and individuals who refuse to follow the rules may be asked to leave.
This is an opportunity for residents to learn more about the people seeking to represent them, hear different perspectives and have a constructive conversation about the place we call home.
There is no need for schoolyard antics. There is plenty to discuss when it comes to the future of Springwater.
For residents unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be live streamed, allowing the broader community to follow the discussion.
The North Simcoe Springwater News looks forward to welcoming residents, candidates and members of the community on September 24.
Your community. Your questions. Your future.
We hope you will join us, participate respectfully and do your part in shaping the future of Springwater.