Ella Haley elected in Ward 5 byelection

Ella Haley, newly elected Ward 5 councillor for the County of Brant, will be sworn into office on March 24 following her byelection win.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Ella Haley has been elected as the new Ward 5 councillor following a County of Brant byelection held Monday, March 16, 2026.

The results were certified by the County Clerk after voting concluded at 8 p.m., with ballots cast online and by phone for the first time in the municipality’s history. A total of 1,447 eligible voters participated, with Haley receiving 568 votes, representing 39.3 per cent of ballots cast. 

“I want to thank the other candidates for running, Brant County staff who conducted the election, my husband and all of those who helped and supported me, and the residents of Ward 5 for putting their faith in me as a new councillor,” said Haley in an email to the Paris Independent. “I look forward to serving the residents of Ward 5, and working together with the rest of the councillors and the Mayor to serve Brant County residents. I feel honoured to be elected as a councillor and I have a lot of homework to do to learn my new role.” 

Haley added that as she collected campaign signs following the vote, one resident remarked on her efforts. “You’ve worked long and hard for this position.” She said she intends to carry that same work ethic into her new role. 

Mayor David Bailey thanked residents for participating in the process and welcomed Haley to council.

“Thank you to the residents of Ward 5 for taking part in this important by-election,” said Bailey. “We are grateful to once again have a complete Council, representing all five Wards.” 

The byelection was called following the resignation of former councillor Christine Garneau in October 2025. Haley will be sworn in at the regular council meeting on March 24 and will serve the remainder of the 2022–2026 term, which concludes in October.

During her campaign, Haley emphasized managing growth while preserving the county’s rural character. A fourth-generation Brant resident, she pointed to concerns about rapid development and its impact on farmland, infrastructure and affordability, while advocating for sustainable planning and increased housing options.

Haley has previously served on several county committees and community organizations, bringing experience in environmental policy, agriculture and community engagement to the council table.