Deputy Mayor and two-term district councillor Nancy Alcock will now sit at the head of Huntsville’s council table.
Alcock is the unofficial winner of Monday night’s municipal election, with 44.2 per cent of the vote. She comes out ahead of longtime municipal staffer Steve Hernen, who received 28.9 per cent, district councillor Tim Withey with 25.2 per cent, and Reuben Pyette-Bouillon with 1.7 per cent.
According to Huntsville’s Director of Legislative Services and Clerk Tanya Calleja, voter turnout was 36.9 per cent.
Alcock says it was tough running against people she’s worked with for so long, but it meant a better election for everyone.
“We all worked exceedingly hard and challenged each other to run a better campaign,” says Alcock. “Because we knew we were up against each other, I think it benefitted Huntsville, because it upped our game. I feel humbled that I happened to top the polls, but they were colleagues. I’ve enjoyed working with both of them, and I hope my relationship with them will continue.”
Alcock says she’s already begun meeting with the town’s senior staff, but doesn’t plan to stop there.
“I want to do a full meet-and-greet with everybody who works with the town, so they know who I am, and at the same time sit down with my council one-on-one,” says Alcock. “We can start building on what their interests are, what they’d like to move forward on, and then we’ll figure out a plan of action going forward.”
Alcock says that those meetings will be used to inform an updated strategic plan, with focus on matters such as active transportation infrastructure, workforce issues, and housing. On the District of Muskoka side, she says she would love to continue to chair the Community and Planning Services Committee, but that’s ultimately up to the to-be-announced District Chair.
At the council table, town councillors Dan Armour and Bob Stone have ascended to District Council, alongside newcomer Scott Morrison. Helena Renwick will represent Huntsville Ward, Cory Clarke Chaffey Ward, and Monty Clouthier Brunel Ward. Jason FitzGerald and Dione Schumacher return as councillors for Stisted, Stephenson, and Port Sydney Wards.
Alcock says she hopes to lead with an open mind, and the door is open to anyone who wants to use their skill sets for the betterment of Huntsville. She thanks the people of Huntsville, as well as outgoing mayor and close friend Karin Terziano.