Re-elected Ward 3 councillor John Peirce focused on responsible growth, affordability and protecting Brant’s character
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
As he prepares to begin his fourth consecutive term on County of Brant council, Ward 3 Coun. John Peirce says his priorities remain firmly rooted in responsible growth, fiscal accountability and ensuring the infrastructure and services residents rely on can keep pace with the county’s expanding population.
Peirce was re-elected in the Oct. 26 municipal election, extending his service as a Paris-area representative through 2030. First elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022, Peirce has served nearly 12 years on council. His latest victory will see him complete 16 years of municipal service by the end of his fourth term.
Reflecting on his most recent term, Peirce said he is proud of the progress council has made while navigating significant growth and change throughout the county.
He pointed to investments in roads, infrastructure, recreation and community services, along with efforts to strengthen the local economy and protect Brant’s rural character.
"Most importantly, I’ve listened to residents, brought their concerns to Council and focused on practical decisions that deliver long-term value for our community."
However, Peirce acknowledged there are areas where council could have performed better, particularly when it comes to communicating with residents, managing finances and planning for growth.
He said earlier public engagement on major decisions, stronger financial discipline and more proactive infrastructure planning are lessons he intends to carry into the next term.
"Good leadership means learning from experience and continually working to deliver better results for residents."
Those lessons will be particularly important as the county continues to experience development pressures.
Peirce identified the challenge of balancing growth with infrastructure capacity and financial sustainability as one of the most significant issues facing the incoming council.
"Brant is growing quickly, and we need to make sure our infrastructure, services, and financial capacity keep pace."
He said council must make strategic investments while protecting taxpayers, attracting commercial development and local employment opportunities, and preserving agricultural lands and natural heritage.
For Peirce, growth should be measured by the benefits it delivers to existing residents rather than simply by the number of new homes or developments.
"My priority is making sure growth improves life for the people who already call Brant home."
His priorities for the next four years include improving roads and transportation networks, expanding recreation and community spaces, supporting local businesses, advocating for healthcare services and maintaining a strong focus on affordability.
Several of those priorities are unfinished business from the previous term, Peirce acknowledged. He wants to see continued improvements to transportation and recreation opportunities, a stronger commercial tax base and infrastructure investments that better align with development.
Protecting farmland and the county’s rural identity will also remain central to his decision-making.
During the election campaign, Peirce said residents repeatedly raised concerns about traffic congestion, road conditions, rising taxes and the cost of living.
While residents recognize that growth is inevitable, he said they want assurances that development will be carefully planned and supported by adequate municipal services.
"The message I heard while knocking on doors was clear. Residents understand Brant is growing, but they want that growth to be responsible, well planned and supported by the infrastructure and services we need."
Peirce believes his experience will be an advantage as council begins its new mandate. Having served through three previous terms, he said he understands municipal processes, the challenges facing the county and how to advance residents’ concerns through council.
He intends to use that familiarity to build on previous accomplishments while addressing areas where improvements are needed.
"I’m entering this term not having to learn the job and ready to get to work from day one, build on our progress and deliver meaningful results for residents"
As he looks ahead to another four years representing Ward 3, Peirce expressed gratitude to the residents who have placed their confidence in him for a fourth time.
"Being re-elected for another term is both an honour and a responsibility that I do not and will not take for granted."
He pledged to remain accessible, listen to constituents and continue questioning decisions with residents and taxpayers in mind.
"It’s a privilege to represent Ward 3, and I’m looking forward to getting back to work and build an even stronger future for the County of Brant."
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