Deputy mayor Brad Smith seeking re-election to EZT council

East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) deputy mayor Brad Smith Contributed photo

By Lee Griffi

East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) deputy mayor Brad Smith is running for a second term in the position and said he has more to give and more to learn from the opportunity to represent the township’s constituents.

“I hope I am a voice of common sense and reason.”

He added he has learned something new almost every day during his first term.

“From what we as representatives are allowed to do, and equally what we cannot control. I use the example of policing to people who ask. We do not negotiate the cost of policing with the province. It is passed down to the municipality.”

He added the calculation is based on population, settlement areas and kilometres of roads serviced.

“The only decision we really have a say in is whether we want or do not want the enhanced officer, which is an added service to the township. I feel it is working well for us.”   

Smith, a first-time politician, explained he has become more aware of how municipal government works.

“It is a learning curve. I better understand ratepayer concerns and how to act accordingly. I understand that no one, including myself, wants to see their taxes rise, but still expects the same or better level of service. We in the municipality must maintain a certain level of service mandated by higher levels of government, and that comes with a cost. Sometimes this does not line up with the personal needs of our public.”

As for what has been accomplished in the township during the current term, he pointed to the completion and implementation of EZT’s strategic plan.

“This council voted unanimously to declare the township an unwilling host to a proposed wind farm. It was the most highly attended meeting of the term and the presentations and voices of the people spoke loud and clear that it was not viewed favourably. We, as council, listened to the people. I personally am not opposed to alternate forms of power, but not on the best farmland in all of Ontario and certainly not with what the cost to the province is annually on wind farms that were established in and around 2015.”

Smith said council has adopted prudent budgets and is keeping its reserves at a reasonable level while providing required services.

“We have been able to fully fund internally any purchases that have been needed. We, as well as councils of the past, have set the municipality on a fiscally responsible path and have posted a surplus every year of this term.”

He added township staff are a great asset that provides council with the information needed to make educated decisions.

“Our five-year capital plan and our soon-to-be-completed facility audit will also be used wisely for future planning. The new fire hall in Hickson will start to take shape in late 2026 on land purchased, which houses our new sand and salt shed and equipment storage.”

Smith said the biggest issue following the election will be the expected push from the City of Woodstock to annex EZT land.

“Woodstock approached us early in this past term, and this council insisted that we would not open discussion until our own settlement area boundary adjustment (SABA) was completed. While we hoped it would have been adopted by now, changes made by the province in 2025 added time and more preparation to the equation. Late 2026, early 2027, we should see this happen.”

He explained the SABA will allow controlled growth in residential and industrial areas of the township.

“Growth is inevitable, and towns and villages must grow to sustain their existence. Controlled growth is what is needed.”

Smith also floated the idea of providing greater support for community groups.

“I would like to see a community grant program initiated by the next council. The idea works in other municipalities, and I would like to see it explored here as well. Small support by the township encourages groups, and it has been shown to bring ideas and support to the communities many times over.”

EZT’s former grant program was disbanded in 2020.

“Going forward, it has been my honour to represent East Zorra-Tavistock and its residents for the past four years. I hope to receive the privilege again,” Smith said.