SWOX Councillor Jim Pickard not seeking re-election in October 2026

Jim Pickard. (Contributed Photo)

Debbie Kasman, Tillsonburg Post Correspondent

On the heels of South West Oxford Township (SWOX) Mayor David Mayberry’s recent retirement announcement, Councillor Jim Pickard has confirmed he will not be seeking re-election.

A statement by Mayberry in the February 2026 SWOX Talks newsletter states that several members of council (including the mayor) have indicated they will not be running in the October election.

So far, Councillor Jim Pickard is the only councillor to respond to the Tillsonburg Post’s query to every councillor.

Pickard represents the Sweaburg area (Ward 5), is the chair of the township’s Environment and Energy Innovation Committee, and represents the township on the Rural Economic Development Corporation. A member of the Sweaburg Lions Club, Pickard studied at the University of Guelph and is a retired manager of Farm Credit Canada. A champion of careful budget analysis, Pickard is also well known in his community for being out and stopping to talk to people. First elected in 2011 and acclaimed in 2014, 2018 and 2022, Pickard will be wrapping up 15 years in the role.

Mayberry emphasized that the election is fast approaching and the township needs to proactively consider who in the community may be interested in running for municipal office. He stressed that a deliberate effort is required to ensure good governance.

Pickard also questioned what the 2027 council will look like and stressed the importance of actively encouraging community members to engage in local government, noting that change is inevitable and strong leadership is critical.

The township approved new ward boundaries last July, which will impact the municipal election. These boundaries changes will take effect on the day the new council is organized after voting day on Oct. 26. The changes were made to ensure that each ward has a proportionate number of residents and so that every resident’s vote carries equal weight. Each councillor will represent a reasonably equal number of constituents as well.

Council is holding two candidate information sessions to assist with the 2026 municipal election. These sessions will cover key topics such as eligibility requirements, the nomination process, important dates and deadlines, as well as the roles and responsibilities of elected officials.

These sessions will also provide staff, Mayberry, Pickard, and any other councillors who announce they will not be seeking re-election, with an opportunity to engage with members of the public who are interested in running for office and to offer insight into what is involved with serving as an elected official at the municipal level.

The sessions will be held on Wednesday, March 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Brownsville Fire Station and Monday, March 9 at the Beachville Fire Station. The nomination period opens on May 1 and closes on Aug. 21.