October 24, 2022

3 NEW MAYORS: IN GRAVENHURST, HUNTSVILLE, MUSKOKA LAKES

MUSKOKA — A new political landscape took shape tonight with three new mayors and dozens of new councillors in Muskoka.

In towns across the district, Gravenhurst, Huntsville and Muskoka Lakes Township will now be led, respectively, by Heidi Lorenz, Nancy Alcock and Peter Kelley.

Voter turnout mostly reflected the lack lustre interest in the municipal election with residents and ratepayers more interested in these results than the race.

The exception of the six races was in Huntsville where the mayor’s contest drew more than 7,500 voters.

Nowhere was that reflected more than Georgian Bay Township where six of the seven members of council were acclaimed, including Mayor Peter Koetsier. Kristian Graziano won the only contested seat. Also in Lake of Bays Terry Glover was re-elected in one of only seats up for grabs after the other four were acclaimed.

GRAVENHURST:

In Gravenhurst three-term councillor Lorenz won out over Terry Pilger who was on and off the council for 26 years. She won by 218 votes, with 2,155 to Pilger’s 1,937. Marc Mantha had 809 supporters.

Also elected there again to district council was Sandy Cairns; and Erin Strength a former town councillor who moved up and newcomer Peter Johnston.

Ward councillors will be veterans Penny Varney and Jo Murphy (acclaimed), along with Randy Jorgensen who returns to council; and newbies Michelle Robinson, Christina Hunter in the rural wards.

BRACEBRIDGE:

In Bracebridge Rick Mahoney held on to the mayor’s chair after taking over from Graydon Smith who became MPP and Mahoney was deputy mayor since last spring.

His count of 3,140 topped Mike Opara with 1,596 and Paul Cambpell 1,215.

Don Smith returns to district with newcomers Brenda Rhodes and Tatiana Sutherland.

MUSKOKA LAKES:

Muskoka Lakes mayor Phil Harding was ousted in the district’s most heated contest, being soundly defeated by Peter Kelley 3,676-2,391.

Representing them at district will be Guy Bury, Sally Moyer-Kent and Jason Sifft.

HUNTSVILLE:

In Huntsville long-time councillor Nancy Alcock, now mayor, was an easy winner over former fire chief Stephen Hernen 3,379-2208. Tim Withey was third at 1,927 and Reuben Pyette Bouillon 131.

Dan Amour, Scott Morrison and Bob Stone will be their district councillors.