Wasaga Beach Ratepayers Association Inc.

10/23/2026

Please get out and VOTE, it's your civic privilege and duty.

High voter turnout is critical because it ensures that elected governments truly reflect and represent the entire community, not just a vocal minority.
In our last municipal election, Wasaga Beach achieved its highest voter turnout on record at 49%. While that milestone showed incredible community dedication, we can do even better this time. Let’s work together to surpass that record and reach at least a 60% voter turnout to ensure our next town council has a definitive, unmistakable view of the true will of the people.

3 days to go! Have you voted yet?

7,508 voters have cast their ballots so far, bringing voter turnout to 26%. There’s still time to cast yours!

💻 Vote ONLINE anytime until 8 p.m. on October 26.

📍 Vote IN PERSON on Monday, October 26 at Wasaga Stars Arena, 544 River Road West. Polls open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Find voting information and access online voting at wasagabeach.com/election

10/17/2026

Wasaga Beach Town Staff Recognized https://mailchi.mp/wasagaratepayers/videos-town-staff-recognized

10/11/2026

Videos -WBRA Mayoral Debate - https://mailchi.mp/wasagaratepayers/videos-wbra-all-candidates-meeting

10/04/2026

📢 Setting the record straight!
Despite some misinformation circulating online, the upcoming All-Candidates Meeting sponsored by the Wasaga Beach Ratepayers Association is fully focused on fairness and impartiality.

To ensure a balanced debate, the meeting will be led by an independent, non-resident moderator, and a dedicated timekeeper will be on-site to keep everyone strictly on track.

Both Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral candidates will receive exactly equal time to present platforms, answer questions, and directly question their opponents.

Here is everything you need to know to attend:
📍 What: Wasaga Beach Municipal Election All-Candidates Meeting
🏢 Where: Wasaga Beach RecPlex (1724 Mosley St, Wasaga Beach, ON)
🗓️ When: Thursday, October 8, 2026] | Doors open at 5:00 PM
👥 Who: All formal candidates have been invited. Moderated by Tara-Dawn Winstone (Radio Host on Barrie’s Fresh 93.1).

Event Agenda:
• 5:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Meet the Councillor Candidates. Visit individual tables to grab campaign materials, chat directly, and ask your questions.
• 6:50 PM – 7:00 PM: WBRA Presidential Address
• 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Moderator Address & Deputy Mayor Debate
• 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Mayoral Debate

Come out, get informed, and make your vote count! 🗳️

09/26/2026

Let’s Set the Record Straight on WDI

A persistent story about the 2016–17 Wasaga Distribution Inc. (WDI) controversy deserves a factual review. The issue has recently resurfaced in our town’s politics, but the history is more complicated than those who claim the Town simply tried to sell its hydro utility over local objections suggest.

In October 2016, WDI’s board presented Town Council with an analysis of the utility’s future. The presentation examined several options, including retaining WDI, restructuring or merging it, and selling it. Council did not vote to sell WDI. Instead, it directed staff to develop a public-engagement process so residents could consider the options and make their views known.

That process included public information meetings, communications and a statistically designed telephone survey. In April 2017, Innovative Research Group presented Council with its proposed methodology for a statistically reliable public-opinion survey of Wasaga residents.

Meanwhile, opposition to any sale became an intensive public and political campaign. CUPE Ontario was an active participant and provided the funding. Its 2017 Convention Action Plan explicitly identified Wasaga Beach, along with Toronto, Peterborough and Guelph, as municipalities where CUPE and its coalition partners supported campaigns to keep local utilities public. The same CUPE strategy document discusses campaigns aimed at “targeting municipal politicians.”

The campaign was certainly impressive in scale. A submission to Council records 8,537 petition signatures against selling WDI, including 7,383 paper signatures and 1,154 online signatures. CUPE and the Keep Hydro Public coalition subsequently reported distributing more than 4,200 lawn signs in Wasaga Beach.

Whatever you think about the campaign, those numbers demonstrate that the issue generated substantial public engagement. They do not, however, establish that the Town ignored public opinion. In fact, the Town conducted its own public consultation and commissioned its own survey. The petition organizers themselves reported that their survey results closely mirrored the Town’s survey.

The decisive point came on July 6, 2017. After receiving their own commissioned survey results, Council unanimously voted to retain ownership of WDI. The official minutes record every member of Council voting in favour of retaining the utility.

Today, Mark Winegarden describes his previous political experience as organizing “a community campaign to save Wasaga Distribution.” He is now promoting this in his campaign for mayor in the 2026 municipal election.
There is nothing wrong with taking credit for organizing a successful community campaign. But the historical record should not be rewritten to suggest that the Town simply ignored its residents or that Council had already decided to sell WDI. The record shows something different: Council evaluated the options, undertook public engagement, commissioned polling, considered the public’s response, and ultimately voted unanimously to retain the utility.
Political disagreement is part of municipal democracy. Repeating a simplified version of the WDI story as though it were the complete record is something else. That’s why it’s important to set the record straight here. Beyond political divisions, Wasaga Beach deserves the facts, not slogans. We need to openly acknowledge the community campaign that helped shape public opinion, while recognizing the important official steps taken by the Town and Council that preserved WDI as our public asset.

09/26/2026

Why You Should Vote

Let's Make History: Pushing for a 60% Turnout in Wasaga Beach
A municipal government is the local governing body that manages the immediate, everyday services such as infrastructure, utilities, emergency services, and community amenities. Because they control the infrastructure you interact with daily, municipal policies heavily impact your quality of life.

High voter turnout is critical because it ensures that elected governments truly reflect and represent the entire community, not just a vocal minority.

In our last municipal election, Wasaga Beach achieved its highest voter turnout on record at 49%. While that milestone showed incredible community dedication, we can do even better this time. Let’s work together to surpass that record and reach at least a 60% voter turnout to ensure our next town council has a definitive, unmistakable view of the true will of the people.

Learn about the candidates running for office.
Here are two opportunities:

Watch Candid Frank Candidate Interviews
Frank Stanisi, a.k.a. Candid Frank, volunteered his time to record an interview with each candidate. Watch interviews by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cah3aXPVrHM&list=PLPyFAd_cCVd0

Attend Our All-Candidates Meeting
It's one of the most effective ways to prepare yourself for our municipal election. Making an informed choice has a powerful, immediate impact on our community. Plan on attending the WBRA All-Candidates Meeting.
Sponsored by Wasaga Beach Ratepayers Association OCTOBER 8TH

WASAGA BEACH RESIDENTS/TAXPAYERS: — BE INFORMED, BE ENGAGED.
All candidates have been invited. An independent non-resident/taxpayer will be assigned to moderate.
OCTOBER 8TH

Open to all Wasaga Beach residents/taxpayers.
Doors Open: 5:00 pm for meet-the-councillor candidates

Deputy Mayor and Mayor Debates Begin: 7:00 pm
RecPlex,1724 Mosley St, Wasaga Beach

This election includes a
Ward System Referendum on the Ballot

Ballot Question
On February 12, 2026, Council passed a by-law to place a question on the 2026 Municipal Election Ballot. The question that will be posed to voters is:
Q: 'Are you in favour of moving to a ward system?
A: 'Yes' or 'No'
For more information on this question and on the distinctions between the current at-large voting system vs ward, please visit engagewasaga.ca.

Arguments FOR the Ward System (Voting "YES")
Supporters argue that dividing a municipality into districts improves local accountability and makes running for office more accessible.
Direct accountability: Residents get a designated "go-to" councillor who is explicitly responsible for fixing localized issues like neighborhood speeding, drainage problems, or park maintenance.
Guaranteed geographic representation: A ward system ensures that all parts of the town have a voice at the table. In an at-large system, it is possible for all five elected councillors to live on the same street or wealthy side of town.
Simplified ballot: Instead of researching and choosing up to five different councillors from a long, confusing list of names, voters only have to pick one candidate for their ward.

🟥 Arguments AGAINST the Ward System (Voting "NO")
Opponents believe that keeping the town-wide at-large system ensures a unified approach to local government and protects taxpayer dollars.
Promotes a community-wide focus: Under the current at-large system, every councillor must care about the entire town to get re-elected. Critics argue a ward system creates "siloed" politicians who only look out for their own street/ward and ignore broader town priorities.
Voters lose the ability to vote for the whole council: In a ward system, you can only vote for one councillor.
Risk of political gridlock: Ward-based systems can lead to "log-rolling" or vote-trading, where councillors refuse to approve a project in another ward unless they get funding for a project in their own district, potentially increasing municipal debt.
Implementation costs: Passing a "Yes" vote triggers an expensive, multi-year Ward Boundary Review. The municipality must hire consultants to draw balanced lines based on population data, which can result in legal appeals and administrative costs.

📋 The Voter Participation Rule
According to Ontario's Municipal Elections Act, a referendum result is only legally binding if more than 50% of eligible voters cast a ballot on the question. If voter turnout falls below that 50% threshold, the council can choose to ignore the results and make the final decision themselves.
Election Day 2026
The next Municipal Election will be held on Monday, October 26th, 2026. Wasaga Beach voters will elect the following offices:
​​​​​Mayor (1)
Deputy Mayor (1)
Councillor (5)
School Board Trustee​​ (1)

On Election Day, the Town of Wasaga Beach will offer both online voting and in-person paper ballot voting by tabulator at the Wasaga Stars Arena (544 River Road West) from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm.
Questions? [email protected] 705.429.3844

Advance Voting Period
The Advance Voting Period for online voting will begin on October 1, 2026, and will remain open until election day. Internet voting is available from October 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to October 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.

The following Advance Voting Days for in-person paper ballot voting.

Monday, October 5
10:00 am - 4:00 pm RecPlex 1724 Mosley Street
Wednesday, October 14
2:00 pm - 8:00 pm RecPlex 1724 Mosley Street
Saturday, October 17
10:00 am - 6:00 pm Wasaga Stars Arena 544 River Road West

Register to Vote
To confirm if you are on the Voters List, email [email protected] with your name, qualifying address, and date of birth.

Not on the voters’ list, or need to update or correct your information?
Complete the Voter Amendment Form.

Already on the list and your information is correct?
You are ready to vote on election day or during the advance voting period.

Please note: If you or your spouse owns or rents property in a municipality other than your primary residence, you may be eligible to vote in more than one municipal election. For more information about voter eligibility, please visit the Elections Ontario website.
Candidates for Mayor

Name Date of Filing Contact information:
Brian Smith May 1, 2026 – 9:02 AM
705.818.3886
[email protected]

Mark Winegarden May 1, 2026 - 12:59 PM
705.443.2343
[email protected]
markwinegarden.ca

Leslie Farkas May 8, 2026 - 11:02 AM
416.509.1301
[email protected]
elevatewasaga.com


Marilyn (Raven) Broughton August 21, 2026 - 8:58 AM
[email protected]
705.619.6215

Candidates for Deputy Mayor

Name Date of Filing Contact Information
Tanya Snell May 1, 2026 – 9:31 AM
705.229.8873
[email protected]
https://tanyasnell.ca/

Mike Foley July 29, 2026 - 1:02 PM
705.351.7474
[email protected]

Candidates for Councillor
Name Date of Filing Contact Information
Joe Belanger May 1, 2026 – 10:00 AM
705.816.0733
[email protected]

Ellen Timms May 1, 2026 - 11:55 AM
705.606.5934
[email protected]
ellentimms.ca

Dan Gale May 1, 2026 - 11:28 AM
705.321.1318
[email protected]
galeforwasaga.ca

Richard White May 4, 2026 - 8:57 AM
705.888.7936
[email protected]
richardwhite.ca

Carrie Plater May 5, 2026 - 1:59 PM
705.607.9917
[email protected]
carrieplater.com

Sasha Rose Dileo May 22, 2026 - 10:02 AM
416.258.5018
[email protected]
sasharose.ca

Faye Ego May 29, 2026 - 2:01 PM
705.888.0763
[email protected]
fayeego.ca

Kyle Graves July 13, 2026 - 10:00 AM
705.795.0158
[email protected]
kyle-graves.ca

Harvey Mihalic July 20, 2026 - 12:07 PM
416.419.2279
[email protected]
harveyforcouncil.com

Kendra Marr July 27, 2026 - 11:32 AM
705.532.5860
[email protected]
votekendra2026.com

Dean Robinson July 28, 2026 - 12:39 PM
249.899.4010
[email protected]
vote4dean.org

Aldona Barysas-Oleinikas August 18, 2026 - 1:55 PM
705.500.2112
[email protected]

For complete information on the municipal election, click on the town website here https://www.wasagabeach.com/get-involved/elections/

The WBRA strives to provide its members with important information in the Town of Wasaga Beach
We welcome your comments

09/17/2026

Mark your calendar, don't miss this important informational meeting.

📣 A Vision Shaped by 16,000+ Voices.

This is more than a master plan. It's a once-in-a-generation vision for the future of Wasaga Beach.

Over 16,000 residents, visitors, business owners, students and community stakeholders have contributed to the Destination Wasaga Master Plan, making it the largest public engagement effort our community has ever undertaken. Together, that input has helped shape a long-term vision for a more connected, vibrant and sustainable Wasaga Beach—one that protects the natural features that make our community extraordinary, creates more year-round opportunities for residents and local businesses, strengthens our commercial tax base, helps reduce pressure on residential taxpayers, and builds on our unique natural and cultural assets to position Wasaga Beach as one of Canada’s most distinctive and extraordinary waterfront destinations.

Join Town staff and Urban Strategies as we unveil the Destination Wasaga Master Plan, a roadmap to reimagine the Town of Wasaga Beach as a vibrant, four-season destination that reflects the values and aspirations of our community. It is a plan grounded in a simple principle: a place where people love to live is a place people will want to visit.

Be among the first to see how your feedback has helped shape the future of Wasaga Beach.

📍 RecPlex, 1724 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach
📅 Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

See the vision. Ask questions. Learn what comes next.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/46aMK3h

09/14/2026

What you need to know - https://mailchi.mp/wasagaratepayers/wbra

09/08/2026

Click on this link for information on all 3 Wasaga Beach All Candidates Meetings: Oct 2nd 6:00-8:30pm General Public Sponsored by Escarpment Corridor Alliance, Oct7th 5:30-9pm Business Registration required Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Oct 8th 5-9pm General Public Sponsored by Wasaga Ratepayers Association.
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=bcfb996a412bdedcac7b47d9b&id=ade2e260eb

06/13/2026

Get your free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wbra-general-public-meeting-tickets-1990743179439?aff=oddtdtcreator