As the Brant Beacon enters its fourth year of operation, we have decided to extend our coverage to include the Township of Blandford-Blenheim. In an effort to highlight some of the key community members, we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce the five elected members of Blandford-Blenheim Council.
The Township of Blandford-Blenheim is located in Oxford County, northwest of Paris, and has a population of around 8,000 people. Communities within the Township include Bright, Drumbo, Plattsville, Princeton, and Washington.
Mark Peterson, Mayor for the Township of Blandford-Blenheim
How long have you been a part of the community?
I have lived in Drumbo my whole life and my family has been here well over 100 years. My great grandfather was warden of Oxford County in 1924 .
Why and when did you decide to run for Council?
Entering into Politics was not necessarily on my mind, but I have been a volunteer all my life in my community and it seemed like the next step to take in giving back to the community.
I was a volunteer firefighter, Lions Club member, minor ball executive and minor hockey coach, just to just name a few.
The former clerk in Blandford – Blenheim township approached me and said you would be a good fit to be a councillor as you are always helping your community. The rest is history.
This is my fourth term on council. Two terms as councillor and in my second term as Mayor of Blandford- Blenheim Township.
What is your favourite thing about Blandford-Blenheim?
I may be biased, but I think Blandford-Blenheim is absolutely the best place to live and grow with your family. We have parks and recreational services that will rival many larger cities and are supported by several service clubs. Many social media outlets share stories of how help is always available; they’ll make a post like “does anyone have a…?” and before you know it – problem solved.
What makes Blandford-Blenheim special?
Blandford-Blenheim Township is located around many urban centres and has the 401 running through it as well as the 403 just south of the township, making it a desired location.
The location is most certainly a drawing card for urban families seeking a nice quiet and safe neighbourhood, with travel time to employment relatively easy with the major highway access.
What are some of the opportunities facing the municipality?
With the 401 located in the middle of the Township, it leaves us strategically located to develop residential and industrial growth. The four larger villages have either subdivisions started, or on the planning stage for residential growth.
What does it mean to you to represent the municipality as an elected official?
I find it very rewarding to represent this Township as an elected official. The trust that our constituents have put on me is not without sleepless nights. I am always wondering how I can make this township better, how to make it strategically competent, and while doing so, always ensuring the monetary impact is responsibly utilized.
What has been the most challenging or interesting thing about being on Council?
The most challenging thing about being in politics is the length of time it takes to get through the red tape to get things done. Most community members who come forward with a certain concern or request, want answers now. Keeping the troops happy is the root of many sleepless nights.
What is the best thing about being on Council?
The best thing about being on council is making a difference in your community. I have always said, “I have to stop complaining and do something about change.”
Growth will happen, so seeing the impact of controlled growth with infrastructure implementations well thought out, the strategic plan can be fulfilled utilizing commercial and industrial input rather than on the backs of residential tax increases.
What is the one thing you would like to accomplish before the end of this term?
I hope to have the start of industrial growth at Exit 250 on the 401 Drumbo Road as this will become a legacy for future councils to come.
Councillor Tina Young
How long have you been a part of the community?
In January, I will have lived in Plattsville for 11 years.
Why and when did you decide to run for Council?
I had never considered running for a position on council prior to the summer of 2022. I worked in not for profit for over 20 years and felt a position on council would be too far out of my element however, I feel that has turned out to be beneficial for me in this role. I felt that I didn’t have the knowledge of policy and how things ran in the township but I have always wanted to support my community and the people that live here. So when someone said to me that a position on council is exactly that, ‘it’s for your community’ I thought ‘let’s try it! I can always learn along the way’ and that is exactly what I have been doing.
What is your favourite thing about Blandford-Blenheim?
Opportunity! I see so much potential for our township and with the size it is and the people that live here, we could do really great things! I feel we have a small enough community that you know one another and can build some really solid connections, however we are large enough and growing to be able to be innovative and develop some great things in our community.
What makes Blandford-Blenheim special?
For being a small community we have a lot of opportunities for people and for the most part people in our township want to see our community thrive and will help to build each other up and encourage you along the way. The connections that people have in our community are amazing!
What are some of the opportunities facing the municipality?
I see potential for our children and youth as well as our senior community (and how they can work together and help one another) There are some great opportunities available for businesses and for local entrepreneurs to explore our township and build their business. As well I see an opportunity for new residents to come and enjoy our community as much as current residents do.
What does it mean to you to represent the municipality as an elected official?
I am honoured to be able to represent our community and to hopefully be a voice for others. I am blessed to have the opportunity to teach my kids about the importance of community and advocating for others and hope that one day they too will be leaders in their own capacity.
What has been the most challenging or interesting thing about being on Council?
It is never easy to make decisions people don’t like, that will never get easier I am sure (and you can never make everyone happy). I try to make my decisions to the best of my ability after gathering as much knowledge and information as I can. I do a lot of reading, learning and asking questions and feel that is the best way for me to ensure I can make the best decision. I have learned so many things, the list continues to grow daily!
What is the best thing about being a Councillor for Blandford-Blenheim?
Learning new things. I have really enjoyed learning about our local community as well as our larger community in Oxford County. I have met some great people and have learned a lot from the opportunities that I have been provided. I love that I can help others in my community and that I can help to build a positive and supportive place for people to live and for kids to grow up in.
What is the one thing you would like to accomplish before the end of this term?
I don’t really have a list of objectives as I like to see what our community wants/needs and go from there. I am excited that we are starting our strategic planning process to see what our goals are as a community and where that can take us. I also want to connect with people that I maybe haven’t had the opportunity to previously and see how they feel about their community.
Councillor Daryl Barnes
How long have you been a part of the community?
I’ve lived in Blandford-Blenheim for over 60 years now.
Why and when did you decide to run for Council?
I have always lived here and I worked for the township for over 25 years. I have been on council for two years now.
What is your favourite thing about Blandford-Blenheim and what makes it special?
There are many things that make our township great. It’s our residents and our rural areas, the agriculture and the small towns, the county atmosphere and the back roads, and the Nith River that runs through our whole township. It’s a great place to live.
What are some of the opportunities facing the municipality?
Affordable housing and industrial development.
What does it mean to you to represent the municipality as an elected official?
I’m very proud to be a councillor for the Blandford-Blenheim Township.
What has been the most challenging or interesting thing about being on Council?
Learning how council works, helping with township related issues and sometimes making hard decisions.
What is the best thing about being a Councillor for Blandford-Blenheim?
“I get to meet with the residents of Blandford-Blenheim and help where and wherever I can.”
What is the one thing you would like to accomplish before the end of this term?
Keeping Blandford-Blenheim moving forward, affordable housing and some industrial development at the 250 and 401 exit.
Councillor Nancy Demarest
Why and when did you decide to run for Council?
I decided to run for council after receiving encouragement from residents to do so in 2018. I grew up in Blandford-Blenheim so it was important to me to ensure future generations in this community have the positive start that I did.
What is your favourite thing about Blandford-Blenheim? What makes it special?
The spirit of volunteerism is very strong in our community and that is something close to my own heart – we support each other when we can, maintain an appreciation for our roots and encourage a sense of belonging, regardless of background.
What are some of the opportunities facing the municipality?
If I had to pick one thing, it would be the development at the 401 and Oxford Road 29. Industrial/Commercial development in this area will take some of the pressure off of our residents in terms of tax burden. It’s about reaching a level of sustainability for the township.
What does it mean to you to represent the municipality as an elected official?
It’s humbling to have the confidence of residents. I take great pride in my rural upbringing.
What has been the most challenging or interesting thing about being on Council?
There is so much to learn about how the municipal government operates! Coming from a business background, it’s been a continuous challenge to modify my expectations.
What is the best thing about being a Councillor for Blandford-Blenheim?
It gives me a chance to meet neighbours that I may have otherwise never known, but the best thing is to know that I can add value to the community by advocating for them.
How long have you been a part of the community?
I was born and raised in the community, left for university and career and then returned about ten-plus years ago. I was never more than a 20 minute drive away and always considered it home.
What is the one thing you would like to accomplish before the end of this term?
I’ve been an advocate for implementing an updated strategic planning process since early in my first term. It is so important in establishing a baseline from which we make decisions and it needs updating. We are getting started with that this spring so, my expectation is that this plan will come together in 2025 and from that process, we will see comprehensive departmental plans. We have a great township staff and momentum so, I am hopeful.
Councillor Bruce G. Banbury
How long have you been a part of the community?
I have spent my whole life here in Blandford-Blenheim.
Why and when did you decide to run for Council?
Prior to the municipal election in 2005 for the 2006-2010 term of council I was approached by two very prominent citizens of Blandford-Blenheim asking me to run for council. After some persuasion I took the plunge… I am now beginning my 19th year on council.
What is your favourite thing about Blandford-Blenheim?
My favourite thing about Blandford-Blenheim is the diversity of its residents; backgrounds, employment, opinions, interests, volunteering, support for one another and for the township and social projects and the sense of community among our residents.
What makes Blandford-Blenheim special?
The main opportunity facing Blandford-Blenheim is growth both residential, commercial and industrial by taking advantage of many of the provincial changes in the planning area, giving more options for housing and small rural enterprises..
What are some of the opportunities facing the municipality?
I feel very privileged and honoured to represent the residents of Blandford-Blenheim on council. It is a large responsibility that I don’t take lightly.
What does it mean to you to represent the municipality as an elected official?
Blandford-Blenheim is special because of its rich history, its people, it’s location (located right in the middle of Southwestern Ontario, served by two 400 series highways and both national railways).
What has been the most challenging or interesting thing about being on Council?
The most challenging thing perhaps is navigating issues involving the County with regards to planning, public works re:water and waste water and county roads throughout our township.
What is the best thing about being a Councillor for Blandford-Blenheim?
The best thing about being a councillor is having the opportunity to help shape the future of the township.
What is the one thing you would like to accomplish before the end of this term?
I would like to see the successful completion of the update to our township strategic plan for going forward.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
