Focus on trust, accountability, transparency: Sherry Gibson to lead Alnwick/Haldimand council as next mayor
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
Township of Alnwick/Haldimand residents have made a decisive choice in their new council leader with the election of Sherry Gibson.
The mayoral seat for the 2026 municipal and school board election had been occupied by long-time politician John Logel, who earlier this year, decided to not throw his hat back into the ring for the 2026 municipal and school board election.
Gibson and current Coun. Mike Ainsworth had stepped forward as mayoral candidates for the township. Residents’ choice was clear as Gibson earned 2,138 votes in comparison to Ainsworth’s 762 votes, according to the township’s certified results declared by municipal clerk Emily Cartlidge.
This means for the mayoral race, there was a total of 2,931 reported votes but 31 were spoiled.
“Voter turnout for the 2026 municipal and school board election in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand was 37.9 per cent,” reported Cartlidge, following Monday night’s election. “The number of ballots cast was 2,943 and 12 electors declined their ballot.”
This means the community did do slightly better in comparison to 2022, when there was a reported 35.3 per cent voter turnout for the election.
Leading up to the campaign, the Independent asked Gibson about what she sees as the top issue in the community, and she highlighted the need to restore trust, accountability and transparency in township business – particularly, around how tax dollars are spent and residents are included in local-decision making.
If elected, she shared her first step would be to work with council to tackle a “disciplined review of spending.”
“For each significant budget item, we should be able to explain the need, the capital and ongoing operating costs, and whether there are alternatives or opportunities to defer spending,” explained Gibson.
She said this isn’t about cutting costs but rather respectful, informed debate and being able to demonstrate taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars are being spent responsibly.
“Our priorities must begin with safety, including roads and bridges, (and) essential services, such as fire and water and maintaining the community assets we already have.”
She noted restoring trust also means creating meaningful opportunities for residents to participate, adding this could translate to strengthening citizen involvement on township committees, as one example.
On election day, she also publicly thanked her family on her mayoral Facebook page for standing by her “every step of the way,” as well as residents, friends, volunteers and all those who supported her along the way over the last several months. She noted the kindness and generosity she has been shown “have meant more than you know.”
“To the residents of Alnwick/Haldimand, thank you for opening your doors, sharing your concerns, asking thoughtful questions, and taking the time to have meaningful conversations. I’ve listened, I’ve learned, and I’m more committed than ever to the future of our township.”
Gibson echoed her commitment to the priorities that inspired her to step forward, including responsible leadership, accountability and a strong future for Alnwick/Haldimand.
And Gibson isn’t the only new addition for the coming term – residents’ votes showed a clear want for change with a brand-new council for the 2026-30 term.
In the deputy mayoral race, incumbent Joan Stover was knocked out by current Coun. Mary Catherine O’Neill for the win with 1,584 votes. In comparison, Stover took home 681 votes and Dave Forbes came in third with 554 votes.
According to the township’s official results, of the 2,931 votes cast, 112 were spoiled in the deputy mayoral race.
As for councillors, residents had five choices but only three seats were available, which are going to Jim McCormack, who received the highest number of votes with 1,945 ballots cast in his favour. Meanwhile, Jim Hogg earned 1,563 votes, while Cathie Ritchie secured 1,498 for the other two wins.
Terry Carruthers followed closely behind with 1,333 votes, while Ron Farrow had 726 votes, which was not enough for victory Monday night.
For councillor candidates, there was again a total of 2,931 votes reported and 117 went down as spoiled.
For the overall council makeup, this means O’Neill is the only member of the last term carrying on into the 2026-30 term but now as deputy mayor as opposed to councillor.
The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand did not host an in-person election announcement this year and instead announced results online.
EDITOR’S NOTE: School board trustees who were elected or acclaimed are included in Port Hope and Cobourg election rundowns.
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