Mayor Ann Lawlor's Second October 2025 Message

HALTON HILLS, ON – I’m excited to share some important updates from our recent Town Council meeting, where we welcomed voices from across the province and reaffirmed our commitment to making Halton Hills a safe, respectful, and thriving community.

Standing Up for Respect in Local Government

At our October meeting, we were honoured to hear from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward of Burlington. The Mayor spoke passionately about a challenge facing local governments; the decline in civic participation and the troubling rise in harassment and abuse toward elected officials. These issues make it harder to work effectively, as well as to recruit and retain dedicated representatives who serve our communities.

Along with Councillors Garneau and Fogal, and school board Trustees Gray and O’Hearn-Czarnota, I’m proud to be part of a group of Halton women elected officials who meet regularly to discuss challenges such as these. Together, we launched the Elect Respect campaign—a pledge to promote civility, accountability, and collaboration in government. This initiative has gained momentum, with leadership from Mayor Meed Ward and even a statement in the House of Commons by Halton MP Karina Gould.

Following Mayor Meed Ward’s inspiring remarks and discussion, our Council unanimously adopted a resolution from Councillors Garneau and Albano to support the Elect Respect campaign and to:

• Treat others with respect in all spaces—public, private, and online;
• Reject and call out harassment, abuse, and personal attacks;
• Focus debate on ideas and policies, not individuals;
• Help build a culture where people of all backgrounds feel safe to run for and hold office;
• Call on authorities to protect elected officials facing abuse or threats;
• Model integrity and respect by holding one another to the highest standards.

I truly hope these efforts will foster safer, more respectful political environments and encourage residents from all backgrounds to participate in our local democracy.

Protecting Our Farmland and Food Security

At the same meeting, we also welcomed Members of Provincial Parliament Michael Schreiner (Guelph) and Bobbi Ann Brady (Haldimand-Norfolk), who presented their Private 

Member’s Bill 21. This bill aims to establish an Ontario farmer-led Foodbelt Protection Plan Advisory Committee, a step that could help preserve farmland and ensure long-term food security for our province.

Councillors Fogal and Brass led a thoughtful discussion, resulting in a resolution to protect Ontario’s future food sovereignty and strengthen our agricultural system. Halton Hills is proud of its strong farming economy, generating $55 million in gross farm receipts each year.

With support from local farmers and residents, Council unanimously backed the intent of Bill 21. We also encouraged the Advisory Committee to ensure that participation by landowners or farmers in any proposed “Foodbelt” or “Food Lot” area remains voluntary, protecting property and financial interests.

Preserving prime agricultural land is vital—not just for farming, but for maintaining the rural character that makes Halton Hills special. As Council reviews applications to change land uses and undertakes our Official Plan Review, I am committed to shaping a future that balances growth with the preservation of our community’s unique identity.

If you’d like to learn more or share your thoughts about the Official Plan Review, please visit LetsTalkHaltonHills.ca.

Finally, while many leaves remain on our beautiful trees, November is around the corner. Hope to see many of you at Remembrance events and then it will be time to welcome the Jolly Elf to our downtown Santa Claus parades!