TINY TOWNSHIP ELECTION 2026
Candidates’ Answers at a Glance
Eight questions were provided to candidates seeking the offices of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor. Responses have been condensed for space and readability while maintaining each candidate’s stated position.
THE EIGHT QUESTIONS
- Shoreline By-law — What is your position on the by-law currently before the OLT, and what would you do if elected?
- Goessman Reserves — What is your position on the Township’s acquisition of the Goessman lots and the ongoing court matter?
- Administrative Centre — How should the new facility be used to provide the greatest value to residents?
- Younger Residents — What could Tiny do to attract more residents in their 30s as year-round residents?
- Changing Your Mind — Give an example of changing your position after hearing a different perspective. What did you learn?
- Principal Residence — Is your Tiny property your principal residence, and how should Council consider the different interests of seasonal and full-time residents?
- Seniors & Your Candidacy — Why should residents vote for you, and what would you do for long-term, full-time senior residents?
- Wastewater & Septage — What is your long-term plan for wastewater/septage given Tiny’s reliance on private septic systems?
MAYOR
DAVID EVANS
About: Mayor since 2022 with more than 30 years of senior private-sector leadership. Focuses on financial stability, responsible planning and protecting Tiny’s character.
1 | Shoreline: Supports the Dynamic Beach Management By-law and says environmental protection, property rights and long-term interests must be balanced.
2 | Goessman: Supports protecting public lands and rights where they legally exist and would respect the court process.
3 | Administrative Centre: Supports a functional, accessible, net-zero facility with community meetings, age-friendly programming, cultural activities and health partnerships.
4 | Younger Residents: Supports additional housing options, including secondary suites and multigenerational housing where infrastructure can support them, along with better internet, health, recreation and transportation.
5 | Changing Your Mind: Says public participation has changed how he approaches Council decision-making and reinforced the importance of listening.
6 | Residence: Lives in Tiny; says financial decisions should be based on Township-wide taxpayer value and long-term financial sustainability.
7 | Seniors: Points to his four-year record as Mayor and supports aging in place, transportation, recreation, social programming and improved access to primary care.
8 | Wastewater: Supports restoring reliable septage treatment capacity through Midland, improved septic oversight and exploring localized or communal systems where appropriate.
DAVE BRUNELLE
About: Sixth-generation Tiny resident from Lafontaine with more than 40 years in construction and hospitality and decades of coaching and volunteer experience.
1 | Shoreline: Supports the by-law’s intent but would seek a 15-metre setback rather than the proposed 45 metres.
2 | Goessman: Wants a different approach to the long-standing dispute, involving public engagement and affected stakeholders.
3 | Administrative Centre: Would seek opportunities to lease portions of the facility to reduce the tax burden.
4 | Younger Residents: Says low taxes, safe communities, natural heritage and a strong neighbourhood culture can make Tiny attractive to younger families.
5 | Changing Your Mind: Changed his position on short-term rentals after hearing differing resident perspectives.
6 | Residence: Tiny is his principal residence.
7 | Seniors: Would improve communication about available services and explore a snow-windrow driveway-clearing program.
8 | Wastewater: Wants a long-term sewage solution and says septic re-inspection intervals could be extended to 8–10 years.
DAVID KOHLER
About: Former senior private-sector executive who has led private and public companies. Describes himself as a non-politician focused on fiscal discipline and consensus building leadership.
1 | Shoreline: Supports protection but says the 45-metre approach is too broad; would review the rules using site-specific science and public input.
2 | Goessman: Questions the decision to proceed and would seek legal and practical options while limiting costs and increasing transparency.
3 | Administrative Centre: Wants a public plan for use, costs and operations, with flexible community uses and partnerships.
4 | Younger Residents: Would prioritize reliable high-speed internet to support remote workers and younger residents.
5 | Changing Your Mind: Says conversations with residents who felt unheard changed his decision to enter municipal politics.
6 | Residence: Tiny is his permanent home.
7 | Seniors: Supports fiscal accountability, aging in place, transportation, programming and access to information about available assistance.
8 | Wastewater: Supports better management of septage tipping programs. Preserving our water quality must be a top priority.
CHUCK STRADLING — MAYOR
About: Permanent Tiny resident since 2011 and founder of the Lafontaine Areas Homeowners Association (LASHA), which he led for 10 years. He chaired the Lafontaine Beach Master Plan Implementation Committee and later the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee. A former GO Transit Property Management executive and EVP of BOMA Toronto, Stradling says he brings more than 40 years of leadership and government experience, along with more than a decade monitoring Tiny Council.
1 | Shoreline: Supports protecting the shoreline but believes mediation could reduce impacts on property owners while achieving environmental goals. Says this could also reduce litigation costs and avoid the need for additional regulatory measures.
2 | Goessman: Says the reserves should have been left with the Province and that litigation should be curtailed given Tiny’s financial situation. Wants the Township to determine the best long-term approach once its finances are more stable.
3 | Administrative Centre: Says the project is now difficult to reverse and the focus should be on reducing its financial impact. Would review the Township’s organizational needs, determine excess space available for rental, investigate a potential sale-leaseback and explore government funding to repurpose the existing municipal building.
4 | Younger Residents: Says attracting young families is difficult because of housing, schools and daycare availability. Proposes planning conditions enabling at least 100 attainable/age-friendly housing opportunities, subject to market demand and approvals.
5 | Changing Your Mind: Cites short-term rentals. Initially supported stronger controls but concluded that a few bad actors should not determine policy for everyone. Would focus more on enforcing existing noise rules and reviewing the STR by-law.
6 | Residence: Permanent Tiny resident since 2011.
7 | Why Vote & Seniors: Says his leadership, municipal knowledge and community involvement make him qualified to guide Tiny through its financial challenges. Emphasizes strategic, calm and measured decision-making and says he has no hidden agenda.
8 | Wastewater & Septage: Would establish a Septage Task Force with a 12-month goal of developing a business case, identifying technology/location options, calculating costs and pursuing funding. His four-year goal is a permanent, environmentally responsible septage solution.
DEPUTY MAYOR
ROB PANASIUK
About: Former Tiny councillor (2003–2006). His family roots in Tiny date to the 1880s. Has owned his Tiny home for 28 years and has lived full-time in Tiny since 2017. Lawyer and self-described data-driven problem solver.
1 | Shoreline: Would withdraw the current by-law and begin with community stewardship and education, followed by targeted rules where needed.
2 | Goessman: Would review the legal advice, costs and likelihood of success and consider a second legal opinion before proceeding.
3 | Administrative Centre: Questions the approximately $32-million borrowing and says the building’s costs, use and value should have been established beforehand.
4 | Younger Residents: Says Council should first establish whether attracting more people in their 30s is actually a problem requiring action.
5 | Changing Your Mind: Says he is “data driven, not opinion driven” and would change his position when the underlying information changes.
6 | Residence: Has lived in Tiny both seasonally and full-time, becoming a permanent resident in 2017.
7 | Seniors: Encourages everyone to vote and says Council must balance seniors’ needs with those of families, businesses and farmers.
8 | Wastewater: Believes the current Midland arrangement is sufficient for the foreseeable future and says capacity should be considered alongside actual growth.
KAREN ZULYNIK — Candidate for Deputy Mayor
About: Founder of Stop the Build. Deeply involved in Tiny’s governance since 2023, scrutinizing budgets and reports. Knocked on 6,000+ doors. I offer forensic fiscal oversight and dedicated taxpayer protection.
1 | Shoreline By-law: I will immediately de-escalate litigation, restore the original 15m setback, and scrap the punitive 45m expansion from GSC 178.
2 | Goessman Lots: This ongoing court battle is costing our taxpayers and the township heavily. It must be carefully reassessed in light of the severe financial commitments already enacted by the outgoing council.
3 | Admin Centre: With an unsecured $28M borrowing facility at Prime + 2.0%, my focus is strict operational cost containment—not adding programs that duplicate existing community and seniors centers.
4 | Younger Residents: Controlled property taxes protect generational homes. I will leverage regional partnerships (Simcoe County, Route 93, North Simcoe CFDC) to connect residents with regional careers.
5 | Changing Mind: Supported regulated ORV (off road vehicles) road access after subject-matter experts (OFATV) presented clear safety, licensing, and trail protocols.
6 | Residence: Tiny Township is my principal residence.
7 | Seniors: Enforcing fiscal restraint on fixed incomes, partnering with regional transit and Wheels 4 Wheels for medical trips, and supporting active wellness programs.
8 | Wastewater: A multi-million-dollar Tiny plant is financially unfeasible (with “the build” costs). I support maintaining our Midland hauling partnership and pursuing provincial infrastructure grants for long-term transition.
SEAN MISKIMINS
About: Incumbent municipal and County councillor emphasizing practical decision-making, regional cooperation and Tiny’s rural character.
1 | Shoreline: Supports reasonable shoreline rules and defending the current framework, with future review for unnecessary restrictions.
2 | Goessman: Supports protecting the lots for future public access while respecting the courts and reviewing legal and financial considerations.
3 | Administrative Centre: Wants the building to function as a community hub with municipal services, healthcare partnerships, recreation, seniors’ programs and community events.
4 | Younger Residents: Supports a “Make Tiny Home” approach with attainable housing, smaller homes and additional residential units.
5 | Changing Your Mind: Changed his position on the Springwater/Oro-Medonte annexation after a facilitated process and additional information.
6 | Residence: Says both seasonal and full-time residents pay the same tax rate and services must work for everyone.
7 | Seniors: Supports the Age-Friendly Plan, transportation, housing, recreation, social connection and County-level advocacy.
8 | Wastewater: Supports a regional approach, continued septic inspections and future localized systems where appropriate.
COUNCILLOR
STEFFEN WALMA
About: Seeking re-election after 12 years of municipal service, with a focus on community, future generations and long-term planning.
1 | Shoreline: Supports the protection framework and would defend it while remaining open to improvements.
2 | Goessman: 2) Supports adding secondary suites to shoreline residential, youth transportation and technology/co-working opportunities
3 | Administrative Centre: Supports the investment with a clear operating plan, community access, partnerships and annual reporting.
4 | Younger Residents: Supports secondary suites, youth transportation and technology/co-working opportunities.
5 | Changing Your Mind: Cites changes to beach parking, Sunday hunting and the administrative-centre design following resident input.
6 | Residence: Tiny has been his principal residence since 2012.
7 | Seniors: Supports affordable programming, healthcare, transportation, safer roads, aging in place and multigenerational housing.
8 | Wastewater: We secured $3.6 million in grants to improve Midland treatment facility. Continue to work with Midland and neighbours, improve septic inspections and introduce communal systems where appropriate.
DON ANTHONY
About: Has lived in rural Tiny near Wyevale for 23 years. Business owner with an Economics degree and Turf Management diploma.
1 | Shoreline: Calls the current approach excessive and supports negotiating with residents while protecting dynamic beaches.
2 | Goessman: Supports a negotiated settlement rather than continued litigation.
3 | Administrative Centre: Wants long-term leases and revenue opportunities to help offset operating costs.
4 | Younger Residents: Says lower taxes and Tiny’s rural lifestyle are the strongest incentives for young families.
5 | Changing Your Mind: Did not provide a specific example, but says he listens to all sides before making decisions.
6 | Residence: Tiny has been his principal residence for 23 years.
7 | Seniors: Supports stable taxes and focusing municipal resources on core responsibilities, including roads and infrastructure.
8 | Wastewater: Supports continuing neighbouring-municipality arrangements while reviewing septage policies and contracted inspections.
DAVID SPARROCK
About: Retired police officer with family ties to Tiny, emphasizing problem-solving, conflict resolution and community cooperation.
1 | Shoreline: Would repeal the current approach and conduct a broader review with beach associations, residents and experts.
2 | Goessman: Questions the acquisition and wants greater transparency, legal accountability and review of costs and history.
3 | Administrative Centre: Would review the space for potential leasing and medical, seniors’ and community uses.
4 | Younger Residents: Supports working regionally to attract employment, including job fairs and commercial/light-industrial opportunities.
5 | Changing Your Mind: Changed his position on short-term rentals and says he would target problem properties rather than apply broad restrictions.
6 | Residence: His Tiny property is a cottage; says property taxes apply based on property value.
7 | Seniors: Supports regional transportation, senior committees and cooperation with Midland, Penetanguishene and the County.
8 | Wastewater: Calls it a critical issue and would review the facts, science and available long-term options.
JESSIE GARLAND
About: 40 + years of financial and insurance experience. B.A. 1982. Full time Tiny resident since 2020. Former president of Bluewater Dunes Ratepayers Corporation.
1 | Shoreline: I would amend the by-law from 45 M to 15 M from the 178 M highwater mark.
2 | Goessman: I cannot comment on an active court matter but I would review with legal counsel if elected.
3 | Administrative Centre: To mitigate the unknown costs of the debt and operating expenses of the centre, I would lease some of the space and promote exhibitions and markets.
4 | Younger Residents: I would reduce the long-term municipal tax burden and eliminate salary increases for Council.
5 | Changing your mind: I changed my mind about a proposed group home after I learned more about the youth who would reside there.
6 | Residence: Tiny is my principal and only residence.
7 | Seniors: My financial background helps me to understand the fiscal reality of seniors on fixed incomes and the need for transit such as Wheels 4 Wheels.
8 | Wastewater: I support the agreements with Midland and the approved septage field owners. Further study is needed before committing to a municipal treatment plant.
STEPHEN McNAMARA
About: Family has lived in the Penetanguishene/Tiny area for more than a century. Full-time Tiny resident since 2001, campaigning on a “Back2Basics” platform.
1 | Shoreline: Would repeal the current by-law and return to a 15-metre approach.
2 | Goessman: Would repeal the acquisition by-law and return the property to the Province, ending taxpayer-funded litigation.
3 | Administrative Centre: Would review costs and contracts and look for opportunities to rent or repurpose excess space.
4 | Younger Residents: Says Tiny can attract families as a residential community for workers employed in surrounding municipalities.
5 | Changing Your Mind: Says his experience after the 2022 election changed his expectations about the direction of Council.
6 | Residence: Tiny is his principal residence.
7 | Seniors: Supports better transportation, accessible spaces, safer roads, recreation, wellness and diverse housing.
8 | Wastewater: Supports the Midland agreement and says he would review the available information and options.
RAY MILLAR
About: Ray Millar has called Wyevale home for 40 years. He has served Tiny as Councillor, Mayor and Fire Chief, sat on Simcoe County Council, and owned a design-build construction firm.
1 | Shoreline By-law: On a dynamic beach, 15 metres is not simply an alternative to the provincially derived 45-metre hazard area; Tiny must recognize the hazard but has more discretion over what it regulates within it.
2 | Goessman: Tiny should not have assumed the responsibility and expense of resolving a provincial title problem while our infrastructure deficit continued to grow.
3 | Administrative Centre: The next Council inherits the project and must obtain the greatest possible value from what taxpayers are now committed to owning.
4 | Younger residents: Review planning rules and remove unnecessary barriers to housing where servicing and environmental conditions permit.
5 | Decision-making: Listen to people whose judgment you value and who are willing to test your reasoning.
6 | Principal residence: Wyevale has been my permanent home for more than 40 years, where my wife and I raised our five children.
7 | Seniors: Control underlying municipal costs, protect dependable services and recognize the effect of taxation on people living on fixed incomes.
8 | Septage: Plan ahead and cooperate with existing regional treatment facilities rather than unnecessarily duplicate expensive infrastructure.
For more information about my background and positions, visit raymillar.ca.
ABOUT THESE RESPONSES
The candidate responses above have been condensed for newspaper/infographic presentation. They are intended to give residents a quick comparison of the positions expressed by candidates in response to the same eight questions. Statements and proposals remain those of the individual candidates.