As part of the Ranch’s ongoing municipal election coverage, The Ranch Newsroom reached out to each candidate via email provided in their registered nomination.
Included is candidates, more about them as well as issues and accomplishments locally.
This article could see additions up to election day as candidates return their email to the newsroom.
The municipal election in Wellington North is October 26th.
WARD 1
Michelle McInnis
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, education, work etc. Anything you’d like to share with the public about yourself or the community
1.) I am Michelle McInnis, and I am running for Ward 1 Councillor in Wellington North. I live in Mount Forest (Ward 1) with my husband and our two children. I come from a very middle class background. I understand what it means to struggle, to make difficult choices about money and to work hard for what you have. My husband and I have worked incredibly hard to get where we are, and we continue to do so. I have worked in finance since 2008, in roles ranging from Branch Manager to Vice President of Lending and many positions in between. Today, I am the Director of Risk, Legal and Investigations. My work has taught me to ask questions, look closely at the details, communicate clearly and make decisions I can explain and stand behind. I have also spent time volunteering and getting involved in our community. I am running because I care about the place my children are growing up in. I believe residents deserve a councillor who will listen, do the homework and speak candidly about what can be done.
2.) What are some things you’ve been proud to see within Wellington North, whether it the actions in the council chambers or within the community itself such as service clubs/organizations/good news stories?
2.) What makes me proudest is the way people in Wellington North show up for one another. Our service clubs, volunteers, coaches, local businesses and neighbours give so much time and energy to this community. You see it in fundraisers, youth sports, community events and the quieter moments when someone notices a need and steps in to help. That spirit is one of our greatest strengths, and it deserves support from Council.
3.) Over the last 4 years (or more) what are things within Wellington North you’ve seen that need to be addressed that you hope can be if elected?
3.) We need to take better care of the infrastructure and facilities we already have while planning honestly for growth. Residents are feeling the cost of living, and every major decision needs a clear account of its cost, its priorities and its effect on property taxes. I support having a pool in Mount Forest, but I want a practical facility we can afford to build and maintain. I also want us to address the condition and future of the old arena. Growth can be good for Wellington North if we get the pace and the details right. New development affects water and sewer capacity, drainage, traffic, recreation and schools. We already have children learning in portable classrooms. As we plan for more homes and more families, we need to work with the school boards and other levels of government so our schools are ready to serve them. I also believe the way we communicate with residents needs to change. Door knocking should not end when a campaign ends. When a project will affect a neighbourhood, we should go back to that neighbourhood, speak with the people who will live with the impact and keep them informed as plans develop. Residents should have more than one meeting at one time, or one survey, to give their feedback. We need different ways for people to participate, including those who cannot attend a meeting. We also need to make important information easier to find and understand. Residents should not have to work through hundreds of pages of documents to learn what a decision means for their street or their family. When someone calls or emails, they should hear back within 24 hours, even if the first response is simply an acknowledgment and a commitment to look into it. Those are reasonable expectations of the people elected to represent them.
4.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
Residents can reach me at mlynnbaird@hotmail.com or 647-964-6111. I welcome questions and conversations, including from people who disagree with me. Listening to residents is part of the job, during an election and after it.
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WARD 2
Laura Aston
My name is Laura Aston and I’m running for Ward 2 for the Township of Wellington North. I have a Bachelor of Professional Arts Degree in Governance, Law and Management, as well as a Diploma in Municipal Administration. I have worked in municipal government for over 10 years. I volunteer with Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington and 100 Women Who Care Rural Wellington.
2.) What are some things you’ve been proud to see within Wellington North, whether it the actions in the council chambers or within the community itself such as service clubs/organizations/good news stories?
The service clubs in Mount Forest and Arthur are amazingly dedicated to the community and Township. The amount of work that goes in to running the weekly Bingos, Chicken Dinners, Fireworks Festival, and Canada Day events, these activities add culture and belonging to the community. Without their participation we would not be the vibrant community we are today.
Additionally Council has been a steady hand in our roads and winter maintenance, focus on families for children’s camps, and innovation with the Tri-Township Fire Department.
3.) Over the last 4 years (or more) what are things within Wellington North you’ve seen that need to be addressed that you hope can be if elected/re-elected?
The need for a pool in Mount Forest continues to be on the forefront of residents’ minds. As well as a new well in Arthur. Both of these projects seem to be in limbo with little to no progress.
Additionally the downtowns of Arthur and Mount Forest seem to have more vacant storefronts. With each village having more homes, due to provincial density targets that means there are more entrepreneurs and more customers within our villages too. I want to encourage our residents to create and buy local, but that means we need to have local stores to buy from too.
4.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
I, Laura Aston, am running for Ward 2 for the Township of Wellington North and I can be reached by Email – LFAston@gmail.com or Phone 519.509.8867.
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WARD 3
Erin Kiers
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up, education, work etc. Anything you’d like to share with the public about yourself or the community
I am a North Wellington Original. Born on a farm between Mount Forest and Durham my family moved to a farm on Bells Creek, Now Maas Park when I was 12. I went to Mount Forest Public and Palmerston, Norwell High School. After post secondary I apprenticed at Julie’s Hair Salon in Mount Forest and subsequently worked in Harriston, Cambridge, Windsor and Arthur at the Hair Loft in the following 10 years or so. I opened 2 self owned businesses, the first in a seniors home in Columbia Forest Waterloo, then later Waterloo’s first Eco salon and spa in Belmont village. If the following years I would annually donate a tree to a local school or park and spoke on the educational speakers bureau. I also donated money through cutathons to the WellFit Program at the U of W for Cancer patients.
I was nominated for my community service work KW Oktoberfest Woman of the year award 2015. My Husband and I bought my parents home in Maas Park in 2016 and moved my Eco business to St Jacobs the same year. When Covid hit the decision was made to inevitably transition Hybrid Hair and Detox spa to Mount Forest. While located in Mount Forest I noticed some community main street issues I had hoped to impact. The first event I did within weeks of operation was run a cutathon to raise money for Aletha’s Place.
Shortly after my husband and I opened a not for profit Art gallery on the second floor where local artists could display and sell art at no cost, offer free art openings, and share art and mental health events. Eventually we opened an accessible outdoor alley art gallery still visible beside Pizza Pizza. I also initiated and executed 3 outdoor main street murals beside the Tipsy Fox in Mount Forest I started a petition to push township council to put pressure on land owners and developers of the ‘Old Tea Room’ and the 89 and 6 hwy gas station both abandoned for 10 to 15 years approx.
I enjoy bringing Mind, Body, and Spirit awareness to the local community through volunteering at 88.7 the river through my show of the same name, currently on pause due to my signing up to run for council.
I was honored to be nominated and to have won a couple of Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce awards as well for my service efforts and for improving the community
2.) What are some things you’ve been proud to see within Wellington North, whether it the actions in the council chambers or within the community itself such as service clubs/organizations/good news stories?
I loved having the Your Town Rising organization bring revitalization recommendations to our BIA’s for Arthur and Mount Forest. I am impressed with local private members seeing gaps in our social service hubs and creating activities and events that are meaningful to our community supporting mental health, seniors, and drug awareness support.
I am grateful a new water system is being proposed in Arthur and Mount Forest’s water tower is projected to be upgraded as well, although both are not set in stone for dates for execution.
3.) Over the last 4 years (or more) what are things within Wellington North you’ve seen that need to be addressed that you hope can be if elected/re-elected?
We are more than roads, pipes and wires. We need heart and soul back into our communities. We need to grow while respecting our rural roots and values. We need social hubs offering opportunities for neighbors to get to know one another. We need safety nets for our most vulnerable unhoused and addicted. As a community we are only as healthy as our most vulnerable. We need social infrastructure as well as utilities. The ‘Idea’ to double in size by 2030 in Mount Forest or quadruple by 2050 in Arthur is only as accessible and viable as the fabric of social amenities, and job opportunities we have to offer our constituents. Planning for growth on just population attraction alone is irresponsible. Slapping in homes most cant afford and not setting space and planning aside for community hubs and social support is fool hearty at best and dangerous at worst.
We need creative problem solving to infuse Wellington North into the thriving vibrant communities it has the potential to become. We need genuine financial responsibility to better maintain amenities and avoid unnecessary inflated costs of replacing what we could sustain. We need greater balance in investment between the towns and villages within Wellington North. We need a common goal and ‘Glue’ that collectively motivates us all to thrive, grow and evolve while still maintaining the unique warmth that each of our amalgamated communities inspire. We need growth with intention and integrity. Embracing our amalgamized reality and moving forward with creative solutions will give us the resilient communities we know our rural families deserve.
I see this campaign as a job interview. When you apply for a new job you bring your full resume of accomplishments and goals to the meeting. I have a history of frugal project planning, preservation and sustainable growth to profit and non profit ventures. I have a history of creative problem solving to create accountability and life enriching experiences.”
4.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
I can be best reached at erinkierspod@gmail.com, or follow me for up to date responses and events on my facebook page under ‘Erin Kiers’
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WARD 4
Alex Zantout
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself
My name is Alex Zantout, and I am running for Ward 4 Councillor in Wellington North.
My wife and I are proud to call Arthur home. Professionally, I serve as Assistant Director at Starling Community Services, where I oversee public funding, community partnerships, strategic planning, and workforce development initiatives.
Throughout my career, I have worked closely with municipalities, community organizations, employers, and government partners to help build stronger communities and respond to local needs. Those experiences have given me valuable insight into leadership, budgeting, long-term planning, and bringing people together to solve challenges.
I decided to run because I care deeply about the future of Wellington North. Over the past several months, I have spent a great deal of time meeting residents, knocking on doors, attending community events, meeting with local organizations, farmers, and business owners, and listening to what matters most to our community.
2.) What are some things you’ve been proud to see within Wellington North?
One of the things that impresses me most about Wellington North is the strength of our community spirit. Whether it is the Arthur Agricultural Society, the Lions Club, Optimist Club, Legion, Chamber of Commerce, churches, service clubs, agricultural community, local businesses, there is a strong culture of people helping people.
I have also been encouraged by the community’s willingness to plan for the future and have important conversations about growth, infrastructure, housing, recreation, economic development, and agriculture. While not every decision is easy, I believe Wellington North has many dedicated residents, staff, and volunteers who genuinely care about ensuring our community continues to prosper.
3.) Over the last 4 years (or more), what are things within Wellington North you’ve seen that need to be addressed if elected?
Like many growing communities, Wellington North faces both opportunities and challenges. One of the most important issues is ensuring growth does not outpace infrastructure, housing, community services, and our agricultural sector. Residents have consistently told me they want responsible growth that protects the character of the community while also providing opportunities for families, seniors, businesses, and future generations.
I have also heard concerns regarding housing affordability, downtown revitalization, infrastructure investments, support for local businesses and agriculture, healthcare access, and ensuring recreational amenities keep pace with growth.
If elected, I will focus on thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and long-term decision-making so that Wellington North continues to be a great place to live, work, raise a family, operate a business, and farm.
4.) For those who want to contact you, what are the best ways to do so?
I welcome questions, ideas, and conversations from residents.
📧 Email: ward4alex@gmail.com
📱 Phone: 437-972-2042
📘 Facebook: Alex Zantout for Ward 4 Wellington North