CENTRE WELLINGTON 2026 ELECTIONS – Last but not least to be featured on the Grand @ 101’s mayoral candidate features is Stephen Kitras.
Kitras previously served as Centre Wellington’s Ward 5 councillor and this term he’s thrown his name into the mayoral race after expanding on some ideas stemming from a taxpayers association.
Some of the key pillars of Kitras’ campaign are based on accountability, fiscal reform, economic development and reevaluating the Township’s relationship with the County.
Growth
Kitras said he recognizes the community’s frustration with the Township’s growth target, which is projected to house a population of just under 60,000 by the year 2051.
However, he also said growth can bring benefits and thinks Centre Wellington is a catalyst for economic development.
He said exploring alternate waste management methods is important in preserving farmland.
Ultimately Kitras thinks the growth of Centre Wellington is inevitable and so the Township needs to be prepared to handle that growth for future success.
In regards to new residential development, he said there should be a greater focus on rental units, rather than constructing purely affordable housing for ownership.
Another positive of promoting affordable rentals is making Centre Wellington more accessible for the youth, who Kitras said is an important piece of community culture.
Economic Development
Kitras believes a strong economic plan should be a top priority for Centre Wellington; he wants to see the business park filled and more opportunities for agriculture.
He wants to protect farmland as much as possible and wants to explore other agricultural money-makers such as greenhouses or agritourism to keep the land as an agriculture property.
As for tourism overall he said it provides a notable financial benefit for local business owners, but the Township should be exploring other revenue sources that don’t require as much financial input.
Transit
As the Township grows its connection to surrounding communities becomes more apparent and as thousands of residents travel each day to nearby cities Kitras said a public transit system would be effective here.
However, he also said at this time a transit network is simply too great of a cost for the Township to take on at this time, and any cost relating to a transit system must be split at least 50-50 with the County.
In regards to local road networks he said future developments need to be carefully planned to consider transport traffic.
Wellington County
One of Kitras’ main objectives is seeking reform with the County and is prepared for some “difficult conversations.”
For example, he wants to see the County adopt a regional model.
According to the Township 56.6 per cent of Centre Wellington’s taxes are sent to the County of Wellington; Kitras said there are some visible County benefits, but a public ledger should be available for the sake of transparency and accountability.
Kitras also wants more local representatives to attend County meetings and said the current number of local representatives isn’t enough.
Strong Mayor Powers
Kitras said he does not like to micro-manage, but would use strong mayor powers on a couple occasions.
First, he would work with the Chief Administrative Officer and work out a way to prevent taxes from increasing.
He would also use strong mayor powers to ensure some form of finance committee would take shape, and wants their report to be released in May, ahead of big summer and fall projects.
Transparency and Accountability
Kitras said modern politics has missed the mark in regards to public involvement and would like to see a publicly elected deputy mayor which he said would help more residents get experience in local government.
He said he holds a high regard for public feedback and supports the formation of committees with local residents.
If elected, Kitras wants the council votes to be recorded and archived so that information is easily accessible for residents.
Overall, Kitras said the next four years are critical for the Township as Centre Wellington needs to prepare for its growth and needs to be ready for “a lot of battles” at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
But in the process he wants Centre Wellington to preserve what makes it such a great place to live.
The Grand @ 101’s mayoral candidate series has now concluded. Thank you to the candidates for your participation and thank you to our readers and listeners for supporting local radio.
Stay tuned for our continued coverage of the election right until polls close on Oct. 26.
