ACW Council Candidate: Dan Hayden

By: Kate Smith

Born and raised in the Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) community, Dan Hayden and his wife Bridget own and operate farm equipment to plant, care for and harvest grain crops.

Located not far from Port Albert, Hayden has had careers and experiences on off-farm employment positions.

Hayden has worked as a field technician, assisting with natural gas wells and pipeline maintenance within ACW.

Hayden worked for Vestas as a wind turbine technician, eventually becoming Lead Technician for Eastern Canada.

As a Kingsbridge Wind Farm Operations Manager, Hayden worked for EPCOR/Capital Power, and he’s helped keep Highway 21 clear of snow, operating a snowplough between Goderich and Amberley.

In the upcoming municipal election, Hayden seeks to earn a seat on the ACW Council for the first time.

Hayden says he’s recognised that many community leaders and role models who helped shape the community, are slowly stepping away.

“I feel it’s important that we continue to have people step forward, listen to our community, and help provide that leadership for the next generation,” said Hayden.

Over the years, Hayden has endeavoured to be involved in the community in various roles. This includes the Dungannon SuperPull Committee, Huron County Grain Farmers of Ontario Delegate and Treasurer, Dungannon Agricultural Society, Member of the ACW Agricultural Property Standards Working Group, and a cabinet member of the Magnetic Moments Campaign.

Hayden believes his life experiences and community involvement have given him the opportunity to understand many different aspects of the community.

“I feel this will help me connect with and listen to our residents, our agricultural community, and our Amish neighbours,” Hayden explained.

While he understands there is much to learn, if elected to council, he brings a wealth of knowledge regarding infrastructure, agriculture, and municipal issues.

“I don’t have a personal agenda, but I am most concerned with looking ahead, maintaining a strong municipality, improving community cohesiveness and being transparent,” added Hayden.

When it comes to high-priority issues ACW is facing, Hayden believes it comes down to infrastructure (roads and bridges), protecting drinking water, protecting conservation authorities, and focusing on new development.

“Growth needs to be managed responsibly while considering the impact on existing residents, infrastructure, agriculture and our environment,” said Hayden.

While ACW is made up of a diverse demographic, Hayden believes he could use his position on council to help the different communities better understand each other’s points of view.

If elected, Hayden would measure success by looking at whether ACW Council is maintaining the budget and infrastructure, managing growth responsibly, protecting the things that make ACW a great place to live and work, and listening to its residents.

Although Hayden says he doesn’t have all the answers, he stresses he is running because he cares about the community that he’s lived and worked in for his entire life.

“I want to help make sure ACW remains a great place to live, work, raise a family and operate a business or farm,” remarked Hayden.

“I would be honoured to have the opportunity to serve our community as your Municipal Councillor.”

Each candidate was presented with the same interview questions. What is presented in these profiles, is a result of the responses received.