The Independent sent a questionnaire to each candidate for Dawn-Eumphemia Council. Below are the unedited responses from the candidates:

Age: 61 today
Political and Work experience: 
No municipal political experience but I want to start here at home in Dawn-Euphemia. I’m very experience with number crunching and software Engineering tools. I run large projects with several moving parts in my current position. I’m willing to go the “extra mile”.

Why do you want to serve on Dawn-Euphemia council?
I want to give back to the community that brought my family in, 6 years ago.
I want to learn about municipal elections and this community is a great place to getstarted. I wanted to meet people.

What is the most important issue facing the Dawn-Euphemia?
What I see is Growth. This is a challenge as the growth in small towns is difficult without water, sewer and additional taxes. We need to find ways to increase the development in the township as a whole. Creating some job options in our small hamlets that would draw more money and potentially more people. We are close to London, Chatham and Sarnia. 

York1 Environmental is moving forward on its plans for the Dredsen landfill – should it be successful in reopening, upwards of 200 transports per day will be heading to the site, some on Dawn-Euphemia Roads.
Maybe suggest to York1 an opportunity to build a facility in Dawn-Euphemia for any purpose. Give them a reason to stop. Draw a tax from them. Perhaps we need to talk with York1 to determine their needs. Not push them away. At any rate we need to be involved with them.

Should the township be involved in a host agreement with the company to recoup some of the costs associated with road use? 
This might get things started. Suggest we are looking at options for York1 and Dawn-Euphemia. Give them our pitch.

Are there any measures you would like to see in place to protect Dawn-Euphemia residents?
Rumble strips at all major paved road intersections. Several residents (Including myself) would like this cost investigated. 

What infrastructure projects in Dawn-Euphemia need attention?
I would need to ask more questions of our residence to see what the priorities are here in Dawn-Euphemia. With slow growth in mind, we need to do more to promote this growth.

Dawn-Euphemia has very few business which serve residents needs ie, variety stores, gas bars and the like; in your opinion, is there something municipal government should or could do to encourage people to open businesses in the community?
We need to sell ourselves. Whether that is Speeding up the development, providing land or services at a lower cost. We need to be cheaper than the neighbour’s. Then advertise our cost savings over those neighbours.

In 2025, there were five building permits issued for new homes in Dawn-Euphemia – how can the municipal government encourage people to build in the community?
Pickup the speed for services such as permits. Find ways to improve the services for these permits and then advertise the availability. Dawn-Euphemia needs to promote themselves as a township willing to help you grow. Allow for serverances of land to make it easier to build. We need to crunch the numbers and see where we are going (population, land sizes, increase/decrease in taxes etc..). Then discuss next steps with council and the community.

Age: 51
Work experience: I am self-employed. I operate a farm and have owned several small businesses over the years, I have served multiple terms on my local church council. I have also served a term on the Board of Directors for Wallaceburg Christian School.
Political experience: No formal experience. I actively follow politics closely, at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. I’m interested in trying to make change for the better of our people and our country.

Why am I running for council in Dawn Euphemia?
I’m running not so much because things are bad in Dawn Euphemia but I see what is happening around us and I want to protect Dawn Euphemia from the pitfalls and challenges experienced elsewhere. My interest in local politics goes back to 2015, when I advocated against wind turbines in Dawn Euphemia. I helped to garner the support of other local community members and a message was sent to the provincial government that we would not be willing hosts. As a result, to this day, there are no wind turbines located here. Since then, I’ve been following politics on all levels and watching the outcomes which aren’t good. Seeing that has motivated me to take action and get involved.

What is the most important issue facing Dawn Euphemia?
In my opinion, the keys issues are declining population, the retention of youth and rising costs and inflation, which is primarily caused by higher levels of government.

Regarding York1:
When it comes to York1, I would like to pursue recouping some of the costs for the maintenance and upkeep of our roads, due to the increase in traffic and wear and tear from the large trucks heading to the dump in Dresden.

What infrastructure projects in Dawn Euphemia need your attention?
The big projects are always roads and culverts because we’re highly agricultural. We have approximately 40 km of paved roads and 400 km of gravel roads and they require ongoing maintenance. Drainage is the other big area of focus as culverts and ditch crossings on agricultural land constantly need upkeep.

How to encourage small businesses:
The main issues facing small business are input costs. Many of these costs are rising due to inflation, gas prices, carbon tax, and other costs resulting from the policies of the provincial and federal governments. Every item that we purchase is taxed. Everything we buy is delivered by gasoline and diesel. These issues and costs are out of our control. Dawn Euphemia council needs to help businesses be successful and thrive, within the scope of the things that council has control over. I would like to see council advocate at the provincial and federal level to tackle the issues stemming from those level of governments that are impacting our local economy and driving up costs. I would also like to encourage residents to vote appropriately in the next federal and provincial elections, as it has a direct impact on your local municipal council.

How to encourage people to build in the community:
People need a reason to move here. If we can help to encourage local businesses to be successful, it will directly impact people’s interest in living in our community, which will motivate people to purchase or build homes within Dawn Euphemia.

Age: 59
Work Experience: I was manager of the Wyoming Hydro Commission for 9 years. I also drove School bus at Dawn Euphemia for 19 years, and cleaned at the school for 10 Years. I was Senior tax preparer for H&R Block for 12 years and now own my own income tax business.
Political Experience: I have been on Dawn Euphemia council for 3 terms. I have learned a lot but there is still lots to learn.

Why do you want to serve on Dawn-Euphemia council?
I want to give back to the community that brought my family in, 6 years ago.
I want to learn about municipal elections and this community is a great place to getstarted. I wanted to meet people.

What is the most important issue facing the Dawn-Euphemia? I want to serve on Dawn Euphemia council because community matters. I have raised my
family here and now my grandchildren. Council has to work together to continue moving
forward.

What is the most important issue facing the Dawn-Euphemia? The most important issue facing Dawn Euphemia is the decline in population and the decrease in government funding which increases taxes.

What infrastructure projects in Dawn-Euphemia need attention? Our main infrastructure projects in the township are drains and culverts.

Dawn-Euphemia has very few business which serve residents needs ie, variety stores, gas bars and the like; in your opinion, is there something municipal government should or could do to encourage people to open businesses in the community? I think we could work with Sarnia Lambton Economic partnership to attract new businesses and residents. SLEP is an organization that is funded by the county and their main focus is to promote areas in Lambton County to companies and residents.

Why do you want to serve on Dawn-Euphemia council?
This is where you can do the most good for your community, where decision-making is local. I want to contribute to good decisions that will benefit taxpayers and the community. I have lived in Dawn-Euphemia for over 20 years and have been a volunteer with community organizations as well. I have received a lot of community support and encouragement to continue to represent Dawn-Euphemia residents on township council.

What is the most important issue facing the Dawn-Euphemia?
We need to find opportunities to increase the tax base while making decisions that balance the interests of residents, agriculture, and other local businesses. Related to this, I’ve been active on council working to ensure that the township is making fiscally responsible decisions in our short and long-term planning.

York1 Environmental is moving forward on its plans for the Dredsen landfill – should it be successful in reopening, upwards of 200 transports per day will be heading to the site, some on Dawn-Euphemia Roads .
Should the township be involved in a host agreement with the company to recoup some of the costs associated with road use?
Are there any measures you would like to see in place to protect Dawn-Euphemia residents?
Individually, as a small municipality, the reality is that we do not have a direct voice on decision-making for this landfill. However, by working together with Lambton County and the other affected municipalities, we have more impact and are working to determine the best options. As part of Lambton County’s collective efforts, we will continue to make clear our opposition to this landfill.

What infrastructure projects in Dawn-Euphemia need attention?
The township of Dawn-Euphemia has an infrastructure plan that outlines schedules for bridge and culvert maintenance and replacement. By budgeting for this and following the plan, we try to eliminate the need for emergency repairs and budget surprises. Similarly, we have always maintained our roads to a high standard and are committed to keeping this standard in the future. With the pending provincial changes to Conservation Authorities, we are watching closely to ensure the township does not lose our popular Shetland Conservation Area.

Dawn-Euphemia has very few business which serve residents needs ie, variety stores, gas bars and the like; in your opinion, is there something municipal government should or could do to encourage people to open businesses in the community? As a rural community, we have seen that it is difficult for businesses like restaurants and variety stores to succeed, distant from larger population centres. However, there are opportunities for businesses that serve local needs and with recent expansion of fibre internet in our township, we have increased potential to attract businesses who can also take advantage of our lower fees and tax rates. Businesses looking at expanding to our township also appreciate the township’s responsiveness on permit applications.

In 2025, there were five building permits issued for new homes in Dawn-Euphemia – how can the municipal government encourage people to build in the community?
As a strong agricultural community, our township must plan for residential growth that will not increase conflicts between normal farming practices and non-farm neighbours. We can definitely increase our promotion of the township as a beautiful rural setting and we have the advantage of relatively low building fees and property taxes compared to many other areas.

Age: 45
Work Experience: Currently Owner/Operator for AM Hauling, I have also volunteered with the Dawn Euphemia Fire Department and also worked with the Municipal Roads Department.
Political experience: I currently have no experience, but a strong willingness to listen, learn and serve our community. I believe that my experience in business, agriculture and municipal services gives me strong perspective that I can bring to council.

Why do you want to serve on Dawn-Euphemia council?
I’m running for council because I care about our community and its future. I want to listen to the residents, ask questions and help the right make decisions for Dawn-Euphemia to grow, live and to raise our families.

What is the most important issue facing the Dawn-Euphemia?
Keeping the taxes under control, while still maintaining roads, infrastructure and drainage. We need responsible planning today while planning for the future.

York1 Environmental is moving forward on its plans for the Dresden landfill – should it be successful in reopening, upwards of 200 transports per day will be heading to the site, some on Dawn-Euphemia Roads.

As of right all maps that have been released to public show that the proposed current route North from the dump will not be using any roads associated with Dawn-Euphemia as it is following County Road 21. That being said there would have to be an emergency detour route put in place. I believe our municipality needs to have a voice in those decisions

Should the township be involved in a host agreement with the company to recoup some of the costs associated with road use?
Yes, if there is change to the current route where Dawn-Euphemia roads would be used. I believe the municipality should pursue an agreement to ensure that tax payers are not burdened with additional road maintenance costs from increased heavy truck traffic.

Are there any measures you would like to see in place to protect Dawn-Euphemia residents
Yes, if the trucks do travel through the municipality, council should have a seat at the planning table. To make sure that the concerns of the residences about road safety, traffic, infrastructure and impact on living are heard.

What infrastructure projects in Dawn-Euphemia need attention?
Infrastructure, drainage and roads need continued attention. In a rural community these are basic services that residents, farmers and businesses depend on. We need to maintain the basics to help us grow in the future.

Dawn-Euphemia has very few business which serve residents needs ie, variety stores, gas bars and the like; in your opinion, is there something municipal government should or could do to encourage people to open businesses in the community?
As a business owner I serve the community on a daily basis, I believe council should work with current and starting businesses to make it easier to run and operate a business in the municipality. Dawn-Euphemia is a welcoming community to invest and do business in.

In 2025, there were five building permits issued for new homes in Dawn-Euphemia – how can the municipal government encourage people to build in the community?
I think this is important issue for the future of Dawn-Euphemia. Council should look at the tools available to encourage responsible residential growth while still protecting our agriculture land and rural setting. We also need to look at what barriers there are that are holding back residential development.

Age: 51
Work Experience 33 years in construction, self proprietor of Meyer Brothers Construction for 16 years
Political experience: served on Dawn Euphemia council for 16 years

Why do you want to serve on Dawn-Euphemia council?
The township is at a crucial point in its history, fiscal sustainability is going to be huge hurdle for the next 3 terms of council. I would like to be a voice for growth

What is the most important issue facing the Dawn-Euphemia? I believe our biggest challenge is building up the community lost over 40 years, we need to push hard for residential development to build a tax base to sustain current levels of services. Its urgent we try to offset the loss of provincial funding and to accept the fact that funding will not be returning and its time to tackle the challenge or to continue to raise taxes with reduced service.

York1 Environmental is moving forward on its plans for the Dredsen landfill – should it be successful in reopening, upwards of 200 transports per day will be heading to the site, some on Dawn-Euphemia Roads .
Should the township be involved in a host agreement with the company to recoup some of the costs associated with road use? York 1 hasn’t shown a interest in opening dialog with any neighboring municipalities and seem empowered not to with the flex of the Ford governments build ontario bill 5, I believe our only avenue is to seek solidarity at the county level with all municipalities and open discussions with the new soon to be ck council or mechanisms to limit the york 1 truck traffic through lambton.

Are there any measures you would like to see in place to protect Dawn-Euphemia residents?
Unfortunately the proposed landfill will have a huge negative impact on the residents of township especially on the truck corridor or residents in close proximity to Kent line. Ultimately id like to see the project canceled but if not I’d like to see chatham kent and the provincial government step up and create a all season corridor mto rated road to access the landfill through ck from a ck 401 off ramp.

What infrastructure projects in Dawn-Euphemia need attention?
We have a long list of road structures in need of attention and Ultimately replacement which is why im pushing for a increase in development in all areas, residential, commercial and industrial. We need the flexibility for growth and leadership willing to fight for it. Our roads are some of the finest in ontario however we cannot continue that standard of service with a shrinking tax base. Our water infrastructure is also aging, we need that growth to remain sustainable.

Dawn-Euphemia has very few business which serve residents needs ie, variety stores, gas bars and the like; in your opinion, is there something municipal government should or could do to encourage people to open businesses in the community?
We first need the people to make the commercial aspect viable. Our biggest challenge is finding available land for residential and commercial development. If the properties are available and affordable the development will happen.

In 2025, there were five building permits issued for new homes in Dawn-Euphemia – how can the municipal government encourage people to build in the community?
We need to keep the cost of permits and bureaucracy to a minimum but most importantly have the available land. A good example is what Watford Warwick accomplished, over 30 years that township was stagnant but they were able to grow in all sectors with affordable lots which led to growth in the commercial sector as well.

Why do you want to serve on Dawn-Euphemia council?
Since the last election life has changed for our family. Our retirement plans for Petrolia have been reevaluated. With that being said our home for the last 21 years here in Dawn Euphemia will be where I choose to support my community.

What is the most important issue facing the Dawn-Euphemia?
The York1 plans have certainly been part of many discussions and will be for months to come.

York1 Environmental is moving forward on its plans for the Dredsen landfill – should it be successful in reopening, upwards of 200 transports per day will be heading to the site, some on Dawn-Euphemia Roads .
Should the township be involved in a host agreement with the company to recoup some of the costs associated with road use?
Are there any measures you would like to see in place to protect Dawn-Euphemia residents?
I think the Mayor and council will always look for ways to protect Dawn-Euphemia . Cost factors should be always considered when looking at maintenance vs planning.

What infrastructure projects in Dawn-Euphemia need attention?
If I’m in the position after the election . A review of all would be a reasonable expectation.

Dawn-Euphemia has very few business which serve residents needs ie, variety stores, gas bars and the like; in your opinion, is there something municipal government should or could do to encourage people to open businesses in the community?
Currently Dawn Euphemia does not have these services, however we have had all at one time or another. COVID, like in many areas, small businesses were affected, and unfortunately closed shortly after. Funding, support and education for small businesses and employees should always be available to help offset new and existing opportunities for startup.

In 2025, there were five building permits issued for new homes in Dawn-Euphemia – how can the municipal government encourage people to build in the community?
The lack of issued permits has not only affected Dawn Euphemia. Many municipalities reported similar numbers. Several factors will always play a role job opportunity, education and cost of living.