The Creemore Echo invited candidates running for council in Clearview Township to answer the following three questions in 100 words or less. Here are their answers (in alphabetical order):

Deputy mayor candidates:

1. The duties of deputy mayor are not outlined in the Municipal Act. How would you define the role?

2. What can be done to safeguard the economic prosperity of our downtowns? 

3. Local farmland is facing a number of threats, what steps would you take to protect it?

Marty Beelen

1. In addition to councillor duties, the deputy mayor needs to be prepared to act as head of council in the event the mayor is sick, absent or unable to perform their duties. This would include presiding over council and committee meetings and representing the township at public functions. The deputy mayor would have to keep abreast of issues at county council, working closely with ward councillors to bring any ward issues that may pertain to the county to the mayor, and be able to sit on county committees if the 16 mayors cannot effectively sit on them all. 

2. I think we need to support our economic development initiatives and BIA initiatives like the streetscapes in Creemore. I believe we need to make downtown areas more walkable and accessible while allowing appropriate parking. I believe we need to address the public washroom issues and I will be presenting several options from bringing in porta-potties, and building permanent washrooms, to looking at self cleaning washrooms (may be too expensive or not work well in our climate), and to even charging a user fee similar to what they do in Europe, which seems to help reduce vandalism. 

3. I believe we not only have to protect our farmlands but also our natural resources including wetlands, escarpments and forests. We need to support the new agriculture committee that will be formed and act on their recommendations. We also need to support initiatives like the Friends of the Mad River to protect our precious natural resources. We need to limit urban sprawl with appropriate denser housing that allows snow removal, parking and garbage collection. I think we need to limit land severances and keep farms viable for today’s larger farm equipment.  

Justin McGillvray

1. The deputy mayor represents every resident across Clearview Township, bringing a township-wide perspective to the council table. To me, the role means being ready to step in when the mayor is unavailable, while working closely with the mayor and every councillor. Good municipal leadership isn’t about one person — it’s about listening to different perspectives, finding common ground, and working together to make responsible decisions for Clearview. It also means being visible and accessible throughout our communities, listening to residents and ensuring their concerns are brought to the council table.

2. We need to give people a reason to “linger longer” rather than just pass through. That means making our downtowns safe and welcoming while protecting the historic character that makes our communities unique. We must also support existing businesses and create a healthy environment for new ones. This requires real collaboration between the township, business owners, community groups, and residents. By listening to the people who live and work here and encouraging responsible growth that fits our communities, we can keep our downtowns vibrant and economically strong for the long term.

3. Agriculture is the backbone of Clearview Township, and protecting productive farmland must remain a priority. Growth is necessary, but it must be carefully managed so we do not compromise existing farm operations. I will support clear land-use policies that limit incompatible development and direct growth to the right urban areas. We must work collaboratively with local farmers, agricultural organizations, and groups like the Ontario Farmland Trust. By utilizing effective planning tools, we can successfully protect Clearview’s agricultural heritage and secure this vital farmland for future generations.

Lisa Rolfe

1. The deputy mayor plays an important role in providing leadership and continuity for Clearview Township. When the mayor is unavailable, the deputy mayor acts in their place and presides over council meetings. As a member of council, the deputy mayor also has a vote and can bring forward ideas and motions that support the well-being of the entire township. I see the role as a second chair, working collaboratively with the mayor and council while providing an additional voice focused on accountability, transparency and integrity. While councillors bring  perspectives from their individual wards, every member of council has a responsibility to consider the interests and well being of Clearview as a whole. 

2. With Clearview's new Economic Development Strategic Plan (2026-2031), council has an opportunity to move forward efficiently and reduce unnecessary red tape. I would support having economic development and planning staff work together from the earliest stages to help fast track businesses and investors interested in our downtown cores. I would also launch a Business Insights Tour to hear directly from local businesses about opportunities and challenges. Finally, maintaining downtown roads and infrastructure must remain a priority, using preventive maintenance to minimize disruptive closures that can negatively impact local businesses. Strong downtowns require supporting the businesses that make our communities thrive. 

3. I believe protecting Clearview's farmland requires building on the steps council has already taken with a proactive, long-term approach. I would make fully composing and activating the Agricultural Advisory Committee a priority, ensuring it considers not only federal projects such as the DND radar, but also residential growth and planning decisions, including the Stayner Settlement Area Boundary Expansion. 

I would build on support from neighbouring municipalities and the County of Simcoe by advocating for a multi-municipal agricultural protection protocol, potentially including county representation on Clearview's committee. I would also support a municipal right to farm policy that strengthens support for farmers facing development pressure.