Salonen seeking re-election in Wilmot

Township of Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen Wilmot.ca photo

By Lee Griffi

“I’m seeking re-election because the work underway in Wilmot needs steady, experienced leadership to carry it forward.”

Those were the first words from current Wilmot Township Mayor Natasha Salonen on why she wants a second term as head of council.

“When I first ran in 2022, I was clear that the community needed change. Over this past term, we’ve done that work, resetting and stabilizing the township in many important ways. Now, the next phase is about follow-through, finishing what we started and making sure Wilmot is prepared for the growth we know is coming in a way that is responsible and sustainable,” she said.

Salonen added she also would like to continue building on the foundation of the township’s financial reset, creating a more stable financial future with greater predictability in township budgets and more manageable tax impacts over time.

“At this moment, Wilmot benefits from experienced, disciplined leadership and that’s what I’m committed to continuing. The biggest issues facing Wilmot are how we manage our finances, growth, infrastructure and long-term sustainability.”

She said growth is coming to the region, but the question is how it will be shaped.

“Our responsibility is to ensure it happens in a way that protects what people value about this community, our character, our quality of life and the things that make Wilmot feel like home. At the same time, we’re dealing with real infrastructure pressures, particularly around water. That’s not just a township issue; it’s a regional one. Part of my role as mayor is making sure Wilmot is effectively represented in those decisions so our community is both protected and treated fairly.”

Salonen said the township continues making thoughtful financial decisions, maintaining infrastructure, delivering reliable services and building greater predictability into taxes over time so residents can plan and feel more secure.

“That work is underway and needs to be carried into the next term. There are also real opportunities ahead for Wilmot, including employment growth and expanded access to services,” she said. “The next term will be critical in ensuring we are an active partner in shaping that growth so it brings long-term prosperity to our community, rather than something that simply happens to us.”

She added affordability for residents will continue to be a cornerstone of council decisions.

“Financial pressures are real, and they must remain at the forefront of every decision we make moving forward.”

When asked why residents should tick the box beside her name on election day on Monday, Oct. 26, Salonen said over the past three-plus years, her focus has been on bringing structure, accountability and long-term thinking to township operations.

“That has included strengthening our financial practices, rebuilding a more stable foundation and improving how decisions are communicated and understood, ensuring they are clearly presented and accessible to residents.”

She added the current term has required navigating several complex and evolving challenges, some of which were not anticipated at the outset.

“My focus throughout has been on addressing those issues thoughtfully and responsibly, while continuing to move the township forward. We’ve also addressed internal challenges that were affecting how effectively the township could deliver for residents, while ensuring Wilmot has a strong and credible voice at the regional table, where many of the decisions shaping our future are made.”

Salonen explained municipal government is complex, and progress doesn’t always happen as quickly as people would like. She said her approach has been to focus on getting things right, so bigger problems aren’t created down the road.

“The next step is stabilizing and building on the changes we’ve made so they are lasting and deliver consistent results for residents. Residents can continue to expect consistency, follow-through and decisions grounded in the long-term interests of the community.”

The incumbent mayor said she understands people can feel frustrated with the pace of change in government.

“The issues of the day like growth, infrastructure, financial sustainability and organizational cultural change are complex and interconnected. They require decisions that are thoughtful and coordinated, not just quick.”

She added the next term will be an important one for Wilmot and will be about building on the progress that has been made and ensuring that work continues with focus and consistency.

“My approach has been to make sure we’re building something that will last, leaving the township in a stronger, more stable position than we found it, and one that best serves our community. That’s what continues to guide my work and what I’ll continue to bring to the role. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, and I would be honoured to continue that work.”