Dunstall not seeking re-election in Wilmot

By Lee Griffi

Lillianne Dunstall’s political career will come to an end in November.

One of two Wilmot Ward 4 councillors will not have her name on the ballot on Oct. 26 after serving one term. Dunstall made the announcement in a recent Facebook video.

“After some considerable thought, I have decided not to run for re-election. Some of you may be pretty happy about that and some of you may not, but I am not going away,” she said in the video.

Dunstall is now the president of the New Hamburg Board of Trade, something that has taught her the area needs more of a commercial sector.

“It creates jobs and it takes the tax burden off of our residents.”  

As she reflected on the last few years as a member of council, Dunstall said she learned how little power lower-tier municipalities actually have.

“Many, many decisions that affect our community are made at the regional level, which leaves local council frustrated and with a lot less influence than our residents expect.”

The Gazette reached out to Dunstall to take a closer look at her thoughts on how regional government functions.

“Before I ran for council, I made the assumption council has a lot more influence on decisions. I found out very quickly that isn’t the case. Water, wastewater, transit and some growth decisions, those are all regional responsibilities, and I don’t think our constituents are aware of that.”

Dunstall said residents deserve to know who makes what decisions in a two-tier system.

“It’s about understanding who has the authority to make the decisions. Local council still plays an important role but knowing what level of each government is responsible for helps our constituents understand.”

She added it is important to ensure decisions at the regional level don’t come at the expense of Wilmot residents, its farmers and rural way of life. Dunstall also pointed out regional staff members have always been supportive when she would reach out.

“I have worked with Grand River Transit both as a councillor and as the president of the Board of Trade to get transit into Wilmot for residents and businesses. They have always been there to offer what they could. The issue is that regional council makes the decisions as to where funds are allocated, and it is at that level we need to have more representation.”

Wilmot provides the Region of Waterloo with significant water, aggregate resources and land, but Dunstall said when it comes to making investment decisions, the township doesn’t have much of a voice at the table.

“That’s where I think there is an inequity. I don’t think we can change the authority who makes those decisions. The region has it whether it's right or wrong, and it is what it is.”

Dunstall shared her Ward 4 post with Coun. Steven Martin, who is throwing his hat back in the election ring. She said despite their differences, they worked well together.

“We have always been extremely respectful of each other. We have different approaches and we view things from a different lens. However, that was an advantage because it meant all voices in New Hamburg were at the table.”

She joked the pair vowed not to come to blows in the parking lot and added they always explained their positions to each other when they took different stances on an issue.

“When I understood where he was coming from, I may not have agreed, but I understood his thought process,” Dunstall said.

Dunstall also highlighted some of the achievements during this term of council, including Canada Day operations being given back to local service clubs, the resurrection of the Prime Ministers Path and the introduction of mandatory financial training for all members of council.

“Why was that never implemented? We are dealing with millions of taxpayer dollars, and that’s probably something people have never experienced in their careers, but it was really important.” 

She added she can be most impactful for Wilmot in her role with the board of trade.

“Wilmot has the lowest base commercial tax rate compared to Kitchener and even some of the other rural locations that have a lot more industry. I’d like to see the board of trade expand to include manufacturing, trades and service providers. They bring the jobs, and we need more of them. People want to work where they live.”

Dunstall also thanked other councillors, the mayor and township staff. She ended her video by thanking her constituents.

“It was truly a privilege to represent you.”