Voters Speak in North Simcoe-By Kari Belcourt North Simcoe Springwater News
Voters across North Simcoe headed to the polls on October 26, deciding who would lead their communities for the next four years. While some municipalities experienced relatively straightforward elections, others saw contentious campaigns, questions about leadership and public spending, and significant changes to their municipal councils.
From Springwater’s closely watched mayoral race to Tiny’s debate over transparency and municipal spending, the 2026 municipal election gave residents an opportunity to voice their opinions on the direction of their communities.
Springwater: A contentious election and a decisive result
Few local elections attracted as much attention as Springwater’s, where the previous council term was marked by controversy surrounding the Barrie boundary adjustment, municipal legal expenses and the use of Strong Mayor Powers.
The boundary adjustment, which resulted in Springwater losing significant territory to Barrie, became a central issue throughout the campaign. Legal expenses associated with the process reached hundreds of thousands of dollars, while disagreements over the municipality’s response and the use of Strong Mayor Powers became increasingly prominent.
Mayoral candidates George Cabral and incumbent Jennifer Coughlin offered voters different perspectives on the municipality’s future. Cabral focused heavily on Strong Mayor Powers, the loss of municipal lands and accountability surrounding the boundary adjustment. Coughlin emphasized her experience, research, community relationships and the importance of building a strong community.
When the ballots were counted, Coughlin secured another term with 3,535 votes to Cabral’s 2,798.
The results also brought significant changes to council, with four members of the previous term not returning: Deputy Mayor Cabral, Ward 4 Councillor Anita Moore, Ward 2 Councillor Danielle Alexander and Ward 5 Councillor Phil Fisher.
All four had opposed aspects of the Barrie boundary adjustment, and several disagreements during the previous term, including a council decision to reduce the mayor’s compensation, became part of the broader political debate.
Deputy Mayor-elect Liz Grummett received 3,287 votes, defeating incumbent Anita Moore, who received 2,934.
In the council races, Matt Garwood secured Ward 1 with 1,390 votes, Greg Davidson won Ward 2 with 506, Wanda Maw-Chapman won Ward 3 with 856, Christine Spellman won Ward 4 with 791 and Mike Campbell won Ward 5 with 697.
Election night at Springwater’s announcement gathering reflected just how much emotion had built throughout the campaign. As former councillor Brad Thompson announced the results, declaring that “all seven got in,” the room erupted into cheers. Attendees embraced one another in celebration as the results became clear.
For Coughlin, the result carried considerable weight after a term marked by legal disputes, political disagreements, public criticism and a contentious campaign.
“Thank you Springwater! We are overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement! Your vote and your support has shaped Springwater’s future! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!” Coughlin shared following her victory.
Reflecting on what another term means to her, Coughlin emphasized the responsibility that comes with earning residents’ confidence once again.
“First and foremost, gratitude. I am incredibly thankful to the residents of Springwater for placing their trust and confidence in me once again. I don’t take that trust lightly, and I recognize the responsibility that comes with it. The opportunity to continue doing what I love, for the community I love, means more than I can put into words. My commitment is to honour that trust by continuing to show up, listen and work hard for all of Springwater,” she said.
Looking ahead to the next four years, Coughlin said she hopes to see a council that works collaboratively, respects differing perspectives and makes thoughtful decisions together.
“We have important work ahead, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish when the focus remains on relative municipal business and community priorities,” she said.
Describing what the election outcome means for Springwater, Coughlin called it “a new chapter.”
“One focused on working together, protecting what makes Springwater special and preparing our community for the future. An opportunity for our residents to be represented by a Council they can be proud of.”
Deputy Mayor-elect Grummett also expressed gratitude for the confidence residents had placed in her.
“Over the next four years, I want to see Springwater move forward while holding on to what makes our communities special. I grew up here, raised my family here and understand how much this community means to the people who call it home,” she said.
Grummett highlighted growth, infrastructure and responsible spending as important issues facing the municipality, emphasizing the importance of working together and making decisions in the best interests of residents.
“I’m also proud to take on this role as a woman in municipal leadership. I hope it encourages more women and young people to get involved and know that their voices matter.”
“For me, being Deputy Mayor isn’t about a title. It’s about being accessible, listening to people, asking tough questions and following through.”
Springwater voters spoke loud and clear, they’re looking for a council that works together for the future of Springwater.
Tiny: Change at the council table
In neighbouring Tiny Township, the election also reflected a community engaged in important discussions about municipal direction, spending and transparency.
The previous council’s approval of a new administrative centre became a point of contention among residents, with questions surrounding the project’s cost, financing and the level of transparency in the decision-making process.
Four candidates entered the mayoral race, with Dave Brunelle emerging victorious with 3,515 votes. David Kohler received 2,661, David Evans received 2,194 and Chuck Stradling received 455.
Karen Zulynyk won the Deputy Mayor position with 3,869 votes, defeating Sean Miskimins, who received 2,569, and Rob Panasiuk, who received 2,189.
The council results brought several new faces to the table. Don Anthony received 3,487 votes, Jessie Garland received 3,786 and Steffen Walma received 2,371, securing their positions alongside the other elected members.
Notably, Walma was the only member of the previous council to return for another term, making the new council a significant departure from the one residents had been accustomed to.
Tiny recorded the highest voter turnout among the municipalities in this regional roundup, with 8,889 ballots cast from 19,651 eligible voters, representing 45.23 per cent participation.
The new council will have an opportunity to address residents’ concerns while navigating the administrative centre project, municipal finances, development pressures and the continued challenge of balancing growth with the community’s rural character.
Midland: Gordon secures mayoral seat
In Midland, Bill Gordon received a decisive mandate from voters, securing the mayor’s position with 4,006 votes compared to Ute Schmid-Jones, who received 895.
The Deputy Mayor race was considerably closer, with Beth Prost receiving 2,709 votes to Catherine E. MacDonald’s 2,443.
A total of 5,400 votes were cast among 16,314 eligible voters, representing a turnout of 33.1 per cent.
The municipal council race featured 15 candidates competing for council seats. Blain Dusome received the highest number of votes with 2,643, followed closely by Cody Oschefski with 2,628 and Sheldon East with 2,622.
Bill Meridis received 2,464 votes, Jamie-Lee Ball received 2,401, Margaret Hamelin received 2,358, Jaz Patel received 2,135, Megan Marchildon received 1,965 and Tyler Downer received 1,944.
Penetanguishene: Rawson acclaimed as mayor
In Penetanguishene, Doug Rawson was acclaimed as Mayor, while voters determined the remaining municipal positions through the ballot.
Suzanne Marchand secured the Deputy Mayor position with 1,801 votes, defeating Dan La Rose, who received 1,069.
Jill St. Amant led the councillor race with 2,017 votes, followed by Douglas R. Leroux with 1,868, Bonita Desroches with 1,602, Daryl O’Shea with 1,523, George Vadeboncoeur with 1,385, Bill Waters with 1,261, Marie Richardson with 1,177 and Martin Prost with 1,131.
A total of 2,988 votes were cast among 9,113 eligible voters, representing a turnout of 32.8 per cent.
Of those ballots, 2,446 were submitted through internet and telephone voting, while 542 were cast using traditional ballots.
A new chapter for North Simcoe
The October 26 election results mark the beginning of another four-year municipal term across North Simcoe.
While each municipality faced its own challenges and local priorities, the results demonstrate the importance of public participation in municipal government. From questions about development and infrastructure to accountability, spending and the preservation of community character, voters have selected the people they believe will best represent their interests.
For Springwater and Tiny in particular, the results bring substantial changes to the council table following contentious terms. The incoming councils will have to work through the issues that divided residents and elected officials while setting priorities for the years ahead.
The campaign signs will come down, but the decisions made around council tables will continue to shape these communities long after election night.