Goderich Council Candidate: Chris Garnier

By: Kate Smith

Born in Oakville, raised in Burlington, and later working in London, Garnier moved to Goderich 28 years ago.

During high school, Garnier completed a co-op placement with a local funeral home, which helped him decide to make funeral service his career.

For the last 28 years, Garnier has worked at one of the local funeral homes until July 2026.

Married to his wife Dawn, Garnier has a blended family, including children and now two grandchildren, many of whom live in Goderich as well.

“It makes it easier for us to spend quality time together,” said Garnier.

In 2018, Dawn and Garnier started West Coast Cleaning Solutions, which has now grown into a successful commercial cleaning company thanks to its great staff.

As of late August 2026, Garnier’s full-time work is with their new business – Sunset Coast Cremations. This business began in order to provide low-cost cremation and burial alternatives for members of the community.

Garnier says he is running for council this election because he wants to give back to this community in a bigger way.

“Volunteering has always been important to me, but I also want to help shape the future of Goderich and be part of the work that keeps this town such a wonderful place to live,” he explained.

With no prior political experience, Garnier does have experience serving on boards, working with structured organisations, and running successful businesses.

“Opening and operating businesses that involve government agencies has been eye-opening, but it has also shown me that preparation, research, and a willingness to learn go a long way,” Garnier said.

“I believe those qualities will help me serve effectively on council.”

Over the years, Garnier has been someone who always got involved in the community he was living in.

In Burlington, he was part of the Teen Tour Band and served on its executive. He later volunteered with Canada’s largest outdoor free music festival.

During Garnier’s apprenticeship in Grimsby, he was elected to the local Chamber of Commerce Executive Board.

Since moving to Goderich, he’s been a member of the Goderich Kinsmen Club, where he’s held nearly every office and was twice elected club president.

Garnier says his family makes a point of supporting and enjoying the many events that happen in town.

During many of his earlier years in Goderich, Garnier taught drumming to a variety of marching groups throughout Ontario, led several programs and eventually advanced to tour director for the Canadian Drum Corps champion, Dutch Boy Drum Corps.

Most recently, Garnier joined the Goderich Bicentennial Committee to help plan the upcoming celebrations, where he took on the task of organising volunteers from within the community.

Garnier believes what sets him apart from other candidates is his background as a funeral director.

In that role, he worked with people during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

“It taught me how to listen carefully, take in information, and help create something meaningful from it,” Garnier said.

“I can bring that same approach to council by listening to residents, understanding their concerns and ideas and bringing their voices forward.”

Garnier believes voters can count on him because of his drive, his dedication and that he is approachable.

He stresses that he cares deeply about making the community better, and his willingness to get the work done.

If elected, Garnier says one of his first priorities would be reviewing where money is being spent.

“Many of the issues residents have raised with me come back to responsible spending, tases, infrastructure, and support for important programs,” Garnier explained.

“Council has a responsibility to use taxpayers’ money wisely and make decisions that improve life for everyone in Goderich.”

Three priority issues Garnier would like to focus on are responsible spending/taxation, infrastructure and affordability – especially housing.

Garnier says these issues are connected because every decision council makes has an impact on residents, whether through taxes, services, roads, facilities or the ability to live and work in Goderich.

To address responsible spending/taxation, Garnier says he would support careful review of where money is spent, look for ways to grow the tax base, and pursue grants, partnerships and other funding opportunities whenever possible.

On infrastructure, Garnier says he would work to identify the areas most in need of repair or replacement and support planning that completes necessary work at a fair cost.

On affordability/housing, Garnier would support working with local agencies, removing unnecessary barriers and building partnerships that help create more affordable housing options while keeping the best interests of all residents in mind.

“My values and priorities are transparency, respect, responsible decision-making and community connection,” Garnier added.

“Not every decision will be popular, but people should be able to understand the reason behind it. I want to help build trust by encouraging open decision, supporting public engagement, and helping bring the community together.”

If elected, Garnier hope to have a positive impact on how people view local government. Halfway through the term, success could be measured by whether residents can see that Garnier stayed engaged, acted transparently, listened to concerns, and voted in the best interests of the town.

Garnier and his wife enjoy all this town has to offer, including driving down to the waterfront, spending time by the lake, visiting local restaurants, and going to the farmers’ market or special events at the Square.

“We love having lunch outside, sitting on a patio, and taking in the views, whether it is watching people go by, or looking out over the water,” expressed Garnier.

“These are the places that remind us how special Goderich is, and how much community pride exists here.”

Garnier’s final message to voters is simple – he’s committed, dedicated and wants to help continue to make Goderich the best it can be.

“A friend of mine used to use the motto ‘better every day’, and I’ve always like that idea,” added Garnier.

“If we all work with that mindset, listen to one another, and keep trying to improve, I believe Goderich can keep getting better, every day.”

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