Kris Wilkinson elected Wilmot mayor
By Galen Simmons
Wilmot Township will have a new mayor after voters elected first-term councillor Kris Wilkinson to lead the municipality for the next four years, defeating incumbent Mayor Natasha Salonen and two other challengers in the Oct. 26 municipal election.
According to the township's unofficial election results, Wilkinson received 2,992 votes, finishing ahead of Stephanie Goertz with 2,495, Salonen with 1,691 and Clive Woolner with 790.
Wilkinson captured approximately 37.6 per cent of the vote, winning by a margin of 497 votes over Goertz. Speaking the morning after his victory, Wilkinson said he was excited to begin his new role and grateful for the confidence residents had placed in him.
“I'm over the moon,” Wilkinson said. “It's a real feeling and honestly, it's one that's very exciting and I'm very much looking forward to get to work on it.”
Wilkinson, who represented Ward 2 during the previous term of council, campaigned on affordability, fiscal responsibility, transparency and improving how the township communicates with residents.
He said he believes his message about controlling municipal spending resonated with voters struggling with the rising cost of living.
“I think the number one issue at the end of the day is affordability,” Wilkinson said. “People are struggling right now and the economy's in a tough spot, and taxes and additional costs are really hurting people.
“So, I think my message of affordability and different budget management really is a strong one.”
Wilkinson's election brings Salonen's time as mayor to an end after one term. First elected in 2022, Salonen campaigned on continuing her administration's efforts to stabilize township finances, improve municipal operations and manage growth and infrastructure pressures.
Following the election, Salonen told the Gazette she respects the choice voters made at the polls and she is grateful to all those who supported her, both during her term as mayor and during her campaign.
“Elections are an opportunity for our community to reflect on where we have been, where we are today and where we want to go next. It has been a privilege to serve as Mayor of Wilmot Township. Over the past four years, I have met remarkable people and witnessed firsthand the generosity, resilience and community spirit that make Wilmot so special.
“Public service is never without its challenges, and leadership sometimes requires making difficult decisions. I am proud of the work we have done to strengthen the township’s financial foundations, improve organizational accountability and build a healthier culture of governance. These changes are not always easy or immediately visible, but I believe they are important to Wilmot’s long-term future. … I wish the incoming council every success as they take on the important responsibility of serving our community. Wilmot is a special place, and I sincerely hope we as a community continue to work together toward a strong future for our township.”
Looking ahead, Wilkinson said the incoming council will have several significant decisions to make almost immediately, including developing the 2027 municipal budget, establishing a new strategic plan and hiring a chief administrative officer.
“There's budget, we have to do a strategic plan and then immediately following that, we have to hire a new CAO,” he said. “So, there's quite a bit on our plate.”
While acknowledging the divisions that can emerge during an election campaign, Wilkinson said he hopes to bring council and the broader community together.
“I think it's important that we try and build bridges and come together as a group and address as many concerns as we possibly can,” he said.
Wilmot's incoming council will include:
Ward 1: Stewart Cressman, 621 votes, defeating Peter Varga (567) and Kiera Upward (52) – Upward withdrew from the election earlier in the month.
Ward 2: Michael Roth, 453 votes, narrowly defeating Lucy Lantz (438) and Alan Dicknoether (226).
Ward 3: Harvir Sidhu, 1,074 votes, defeating Kevin Sundberg (588) and Tammy Gaudun Gies (274).
Ward 4: Steven Martin (1,490) and Scott Dunstall (1,282), elected ahead of Krista Straus (1,248), Jeff Bell (1,115) and Sam Hiemstra (1,013).
Voter turnout was 43.73 per cent, with 7,993 ballots cast among 18,279 eligible electors.
Wilkinson said he looks forward to working with the incoming council, which includes both returning and newly elected members.
“I'm incredibly grateful to the people of Wilmot for putting their trust in me,” he said. “It's an honour and I'm really excited and ready to get to work on their behalf.”
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