One new face at council table in Mapleton

MAPLETON – Candidates gathered with their families at the PMD Arena in Drayton on Monday night, waiting with bated breath for township staff to announce the results of the municipal election. 

About 60 people mingled in the hall while clerk Larry Wheeler assured everything was in order before making the announcement. 

CAO Manny Baron took the stage first and said all candidates should “be very proud of putting [their] names forth.” 

He said there’s a rise in momentum in Mapleton right now, and he looks forward to continuing to work through that momentum with the new council. 

Wheeler said each candidate was professional and friendly – “We can be really proud of ourselves here.”  

Mapleton’s voter turnout was 32.8 per cent, up from 26.3% in 2022 and 30.8% in 2018. 

Mayor

Gregg Davidson (1,301 votes) defeated Amanda Reid (1,026 votes) in the race for mayor.

“It’s not just my victory, it’s the community’s victory,” Davidson told the Advertiser shortly after the results were announced.

It will be Davidson’s third term as mayor. He was acclaimed in the 2022 election.

He said he’s worked with two great councils so far, and the next one is looking great too.  

There’s a lot underway in Mapleton, Davidson noted, and he’s looking forward to continuing that work. 

Reid told the Advertiser that while it's disappointing not to win, she’s proud of her campaign and her work.

“It was a very close race, and it would have been nice to see a lot more people voting, but that’s the way municipal elections seem to go,” she said.   

Reid, who has has served as Mapleton councillor since 2022, said she was initially going to seek re-election until she changed course on Aug. 20 to vie for the mayoral position. 

Moving forward, Reid said she will continue to be involved in the community, as she always has been.

“I wish the new council well, and will see them in 2030,” she said.  

Councillors

Councillor candidates elected include newcomer Doug Duimering (1,498 votes) and incumbents Marlene Ottens (1,390), Michael Martin (1,311) and Lori Woodham (1,049). 

“I really appreciate all the trust [voters] put in me, and I hope I can meet their expectations,” said Duimering.

“I look forward to working with the new council to help make Mapleton a better place to live."

Unsuccessful candidates were Jennifer Goertzen (844), Andy Knetsch (787), Alby Mbanjabahizi (585),  Paul Snider (433) and Robin Larkin (396).