Paris councillors weigh in on growth, budgets and big plans for 2026
Edward Lander
Paris Independent Contributor
What do Paris’ councillors have on the agenda for 2026?
The Paris Independent asked the County of Brant councillors representing Paris’ two wards about their work in 2025 and what’s in store for 2026. Here’s what they had to say.
Councillor Lukas Oakley, Ward 2
In your view, what was council's biggest accomplishment in 2025?
The successful Paris downtown revitalization project! I could not be happier with how it ultimately turned out and I've been going downtown to walk the dogs almost every day since it reopened—just because I love it so much.
What were some of the biggest challenges that council faced in 2025?
Budgets continue to be a challenge as we have more and more responsibilities passed onto us from upper levels of government, and still no new tools to fund those responsibilities beyond the property tax base and grants. Furthermore, the county was given strong mayor powers in 2025, which could have significant long term impacts, but I've overall been very impressed with how both our Mayor and staff have worked to minimize its impact as much as possible.
What project are you looking to see proposed, approved or moved forward in the new year?
I am very much looking forward to moving forward on the main branch library project. The current studies are still with the library board at the moment but I hope we can meaningfully move forward with the project this year.
What are some of the biggest hurdles you see council facing this year?
It’s an election year—and like it or not—that has a real impact on how council operates. A colleague of mine from another municipality referred to it as "silly season," and frankly it's already begun. I just hope it does not result in subpar decision making or manufactured conflict that would divert us from serving the public.
Finally, do you have a favourite event you attended in 2025? Why this event?
I very much enjoyed my visit to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference! It was a great learning experience and as I covered in the article I wrote about it for the Independent last year, there’s lots that can be applied to improve our own community!
Councillor Steve Howes, Ward 2
In your view, what was council's biggest accomplishment in 2025?
There were a lot of challenges this year and I believe one of our biggest accomplishments was in the area of communication—we tried to keep everyone informed of the rapidly changing status of many projects.
What were some of the biggest challenges council faced in 2025?
The Downtown Dig was one of the biggest challenges faced by our community and by our Council in a long time—thanks to a very dedicated and talented group of staff, contractors and partners, we pushed through that project in a timely fashion and tried to support our Downtown businesses. I’m very pleased with the progress of this project, and look forward to seeing the next stage completed soon.
What project are you looking to see proposed, approved or moved forward in the new year?
We still need a new Main Branch Library site and we still need to find a future purpose for the Bawcutt Centre-Old Town Hall—I was disappointed when these two needs could not be resolved in one solution but I look forward to finding new ideas for both in 2026.
What hurdles do you see council facing this year?
For me, managing the pressures for residential growth. People who have lived here for generations and fairly new residents all share a frustration for the continued residential development applications. The County spends a lot of time and money dealing with situations where developers take us to “court” at the Ontario Land Tribunal and there is no “off switch” when it comes to development. We have to do our best to continue to manage the phasing of growth, in parallel with expansion of our infrastructure.
Finally, do you have a favourite event you attended in 2025? Why this event?
Touring the new affordable housing building on Trillium Way. This is a project that we have been endorsing for several years and touring the completed building and seeing the actual spaces where people will live was an absolute joy.
Councillor John Bell, Ward 3
In your view, what was council's biggest accomplishment in 2025?
The development and utilization of a long-term financial plan for the County. It has been some time in the making—staff have worked very hard this last year to bring it to fruition. It provides an essential tool to manage the County’s finances and allows us to make better financial decisions both in the short and longer term.
What were some of the biggest challenges council faced in 2025?
I would single out the challenge of working collaboratively with Brantford’s City Council. The city commissioned a study of the potential benefits of amalgamation of Brantford and the County of Brant. As I expected, it showed disbenefits for city residents and a lack of understanding of how the county functions. I believe there are areas where working collaboratively can benefit both communities without taking unnecessary and harmful steps toward amalgamation.
Paris Downtown Dig. The end product is great—and in 2026 will be even better. I compliment the staff and our contractors for doing a great job—throughout the construction period they did their very best to minimize the impact we all felt.
What project are you looking to see proposed, approved or moved forward in the new year?
A number of projects! Completion of the new 40-bed extension at John Noble Home, approval of a new Central Branch library in Paris, start of work on a new wastewater treatment plant in St George, start of work on a new Fire Station in north Paris, new rental apartments in south Paris and start of work on four new roundabouts and road improvements on Grand River Street North.
What hurdles do you see council facing this year?
Having sufficient financial capacity without putting undue pressures on our taxpayers. There’s a continuing download of financial responsibilities from the province to municipalities that cannot continue without impact to our property taxpayers or a reduction of services delivered by the municipality. Apart from that, there will be some further traffic disruption as we move on to the next phase of Grand River Street North road improvements. 2026 is a municipal election year, so it will inevitably cause some stresses and potential delays in decision making.
Finally, do you have a favourite event you attended in 2025? Why this event?
The opening and closing ceremonies for the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Summer Games. It involved more than 1,000 competitors and helpers, one of whom was my great-nephew, Spencer. It was a great event overall but the opening and closing ceremonies really showed the enjoyment and dedication of the competitors and supporters.
Councillor John Peirce, Ward 3
Councillor Peirce’s responses were not provided by our deadline.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity
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