Wellesley resident Chris Martin announces mayoral campaign

Chris Martin has announced his campaign for mayor of Wellesley Township in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 26. Contributed photo

By Amanda Nelson

Community member Chris Martin has announced his campaign for mayor of Wellesley Township in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 26.

Martin brings a strong mix of business experience, community involvement and volunteer leadership to the campaign.

“Good leadership starts with listening,” said Martin. “I believe the best decisions come from working together, finding common ground while keeping the community’s best interests at heart.”

Martin has lived in Wellesley for nearly 30 years and says his campaign is focused on “new leadership and a fresh look” while protecting the strong community values that make Wellesley special.

“I think our township is ready for new leadership and a fresh look, and I think I can offer that,” he said.

Over the years, Martin has been active in many local organizations, including serving as president of the Twin Centre Hurricanes, as a hockey referee, with Big Brothers and as chair of the Something 4 Everyone capital campaign, which raised $4.3 million for the Wellesley Township Recreation Centre.

“I strongly believe in community service,” he said. “My parents were very involved in their community, so I believe that’s where I got that from. I grew up in Elmira and I always believe it’s important to do your part to make where you live a better place.”

He has also served as a board member with the Woolwich and Wellesley Community Health Centre, chaired the Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario and currently sits on the Wellesley Township Fall Fair Board, Waterloo Region Library committee and Kiwanis Transit board.

Martin says building and running a successful business has taught him the importance of responsible spending, long-term planning and making thoughtful decisions – all qualities he believes are essential in leading a growing township.

“I think the skillset I’ve acquired as an entrepreneur and business owner is invaluable with regards to being a mayor,” he said. “Strategic planning and thinking about fiscal responsibilities is important. I also believe that consensus is important. So that means reaching out to others, having discussions, listening well and putting in the hard work.”

Martin and his wife, Michelle, moved to Wellesley in 1997 and raised two daughters and a son, all now in their 20s and pursuing their own education and careers.

“This township has been an amazing place to raise our family,” said Martin. “I care deeply about our community and want to help make sure today’s families and future generations continue to have the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed.”

Throughout the campaign, Martin says he looks forward to connecting with residents and hearing their ideas and concerns about the future of Wellesley Township.

Martin also served as a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve as a naval warfare officer. In 2002, he started Ready Pine, located in Waterloo, which manufactures interior wall and ceiling décor sold throughout Canada and the U.S. Martin was awarded Wellesley Township Citizen of the Year in 2022.

To learn more, visit www.chris4mayor.ca.