Nowak seeks fourth term as Wellesley mayor

Wellesley Township Mayor Joe Nowak has launched his campaign for re-election in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 26. Galen Simmons photo

By Galen Simmons

Wellesley Township Mayor Joe Nowak is seeking a fourth consecutive term as mayor, saying his experience and longstanding relationships with community partners, regional officials and senior levels of government position him well to help the township navigate a number of significant challenges in the years ahead.

Nowak officially launched his re-election campaign ahead of the Oct. 26 municipal election, citing both encouragement from residents and a desire to continue work on several major initiatives already underway.

“There’s been a significant amount of interest in my running,” Nowak said. “I received a lot of encouragement from a number of people. There were people coming forward saying, ‘How can we help? Can we volunteer?’ It was hard to say no.”

Nowak was first elected to township council in 2000 and served six years as a councillor before an unsuccessful mayoral bid. He returned to municipal politics in 2014 when he was elected mayor and has held the position ever since. If re-elected, he would begin his fourth term as mayor.

He said his 18 years of municipal experience, including 12 years as mayor and regional councillor, have taught him the importance of collaboration.

“I’ve learned the value of working with my colleagues on township and regional councils, federal and provincial counterparts, senior staff at all levels and community partners,” Nowak said. “The mayor is a chairperson at council meetings and only has one vote. To move an agenda forward, you need the support of council.”

Among the accomplishments he highlighted were helping establish child-care services in Wellesley, advocating for expanded health-care access through the community health-centre model and securing funding and partnerships for community projects.

Looking ahead, Nowak identified several priorities he believes will shape the township’s future.

They include addressing a shortage of child-care spaces, creating more attainable housing options for young families and seniors, expanding employment lands, maintaining affordability for residents, improving library services, determining the future of the former arena lands and community centre, advocating for additional health-care resources, supporting diversity initiatives and improving transportation options.

Nowak pointed to the township’s recently completed official plan and long-term asset-management plan as key tools for managing growth while maintaining financial stability.

“We’re going to be adding another 1,800 people over the next number of years,” he said. “The official plan identifies where growth can happen and where employment opportunities can happen. It’s about building a complete community.”

He also emphasized the importance of responsible financial planning.

“We have $400 million worth of assets in our township right now, and they have to be managed and kept in a state of good repair,” Nowak said. “We have a plan in place that should mitigate the need for any significant tax increases over the next 10 years.”

Among the projects he hopes to see move forward are a proposed regional transit pilot serving Wellesley Township and preparations for the township’s 175th anniversary celebrations in 2027.

“Growth brings both opportunities and challenges,” Nowak said. “Building on the progress we’ve made, I will continue to work with residents, businesses, community partners and all levels of government to ensure Wellesley Township remains a great place to live, work and thrive.”