Municipal Election 2026: Who’s Running in the Town of Orangeville

Here are the candidates running for mayor, deputy mayor, councillor and school board trustee in Orangeville.

August 1, 2026 | | News Desk

Post updated on September 8, 2026.

Mayor 

Sandy Brown

Email: [email protected]

What experience or background do you bring to the table?
As mayor during the 2018-2022 term, I led the review of policing services, which resulted in the adoption of the OPP costing proposal, and I led the council that negotiated the sale of the Orangeville Brampton Railway. For the past 34 years, I have been a community advocate, sitting on boards including the Orangeville Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, Dufferin Board of Trade, Orangeville Minor Hockey Association, Friends of Island Lake, CNIB Lake Joseph Centre, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation – Orangeville Chapter. I have over 40 years of business experience, including management, sales, marketing, real estate, planning and development.

What is an important issue affecting your community, and where do you stand on it?
Affordability is the most important issue – from high grocery costs to accommodation costs to municipal services. The town can help residents with food costs by improving urban gardening opportunities, providing education on healthy, cost-saving meal planning, and highlighting savings opportunities with local retailers. Incentivizing the creation of additional residential units – more inventory means more competition and stable or lower rents. We need to control municipal costs by reviewing all cost centers. There is waste in all levels of government. We need to minimize that waste in Orangeville.

Why should voters elect you?
As Orangeville’s first “full-time” mayor, I took the job seriously. As a result, taxpayers benefited from the OPP transition, the railway sale, and ultra-high-speed, future-proof, fibre-optic internet service. We need to reallocate municipal resources to control spending. We need creative, out-of-the-box thinking to save money without sacrificing service levels. Orangeville has fallen behind in recreational opportunities; we need to focus on improving the quality of life for all residents. I have the vision, track record and plan to make Orangeville better. I will donate the 35% increase in the mayor’s salary voted on by the current council to local charities.


Christopher DeCastro

Email: [email protected]

What experience or background do you bring to the table?
I am a long-term resident of Orangeville. For the past 25 years, I have worked as a civil and building designer on Orangeville and area projects, including the reconstruction of the town hall building. I served on the Orangeville sustainability committee, started the community garden and helped create town bylaws for a number of local issues. I was also a member of the Affordable Housing Task Force. Through these and other initiatives, I have demonstrated my commitment to understanding Orangeville’s needs. 

What is an important issue affecting your community, and where do you stand on it?
I feel there is a lack of oversight regarding municipal spending. Council has become out of touch with local needs as evidenced by continually raising taxes without providing additional benefits to residents or local businesses. My professional experience has required an understanding and respect for controlling costs and spending wisely. My cost conscious project management will assist in reigning in municipal spending. Orangeville is a great place to raise a family. And it is our responsibility to ensure it remains that way.

Why should voters elect you?

As a long-standing member of the Orangeville community, I feel I would be a strong, reasonable voice for positive changes for all. I will be a strong advocate for tax reform, community safety and security, cost-of-living controls, and sustainable recreation opportunities for the people of Orangeville. 


Nick Garisto

Email: [email protected]

What experience or background do you bring to the table? 
I bring a strong background in municipal leadership, community advocacy and business experience. Serving for 10 years as a councillor and three years as deputy mayor has given me firsthand knowledge of local government, decision-making, budgeting, public consultation and the importance of accountable leadership. Years of experience as a business owner has strengthened my understanding of financial responsibility and the challenges faced by local businesses. I have also served on various committees within the town, contributing to discussions, planning, and decisions affecting the community. At council meetings I regularly voice concerns and stay engaged with issues that matter to residents. 

What is an important issue affecting your community, and where do you stand on it?
An important issue affecting our community is municipal taxation and affordability. Over the last four years, Orangeville taxes have increased by 15%, while county taxes have increased by 16.8%. Orangeville residents pay half of the county levy. Tax increases place real pressure on families, seniors and local businesses, especially at a time when the cost of living continues to rise. Council must carefully review spending priorities, look for efficiencies, and ensure that every tax dollar is being used wisely. I support maintaining essential services and investing in the community, but those decisions must be balanced with affordability for taxpayers. 

Why should voters elect you?
I bring the experience, commitment and practical understanding needed to represent the community effectively. Through my service on various town committees and my attendance at council meetings, I have stayed actively involved in the issues that matter to residents. I believe voters deserve someone who listens, understands local concerns, and is willing to speak up on their behalf. My focus is on responsible spending, keeping taxes affordable, protecting essential services and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in important decisions that affect the future of our community.


Lisa Post (incumbent)

Email: [email protected]
Website: lisapost.ca

What experience or background do you bring to the table?
I’ve had the privilege of serving Orangeville as mayor since 2022, following four years as a councillor. I also currently serve as warden of Dufferin County. These roles have given me experience in many areas including municipal finance, infrastructure, housing, policing, health and human services and advocacy with other levels of government. I hold a Bachelor of Community Development and a Certificate in Municipal Law and Governance, and I teach part-time in Georgian College’s Social Service Worker program. Most importantly, I bring eight years of experience listening to residents, working collaboratively, asking tough questions and turning community priorities into action.

What is an important issue affecting your community, and where do you stand on it?
Affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing Orangeville, and municipal government has an important role to play. We need to balance what residents can afford with the reality that our growing community requires significant investment in water, wastewater, roads, fire protection and other essential infrastructure. My approach has been to plan responsibly, protect core services and make strategic investments without creating programs we cannot sustain. We’ve delivered three consecutive balanced budgets while reducing town debt and moving major infrastructure projects forward. Going forward, I will continue pushing for responsible growth that helps pay for growth while protecting existing taxpayers.

Why should voters elect you?
Four years ago, I asked residents to trust me to lead with affordability, accountability, community and collaboration at the centre of every decision. Since then, we’ve made real progress: major infrastructure projects are underway, we’ve invested in parks, trails and recreation, strengthened our financial position and advocated fiercely for Orangeville with other levels of government. There is still more work to do. I know the files, I understand the challenges ahead, and I have the experience and relationships to keep moving Orangeville forward. I’m asking voters for the opportunity to build on that progress with steady, accessible and accountable leadership.


Jeremy Williams

Email: [email protected]

What experience or background do you bring to the table? 
Orangeville is home to three generations of my family. My four children grew up here. I served four years as councillor, then four years as mayor and county councillor. I run a property management company. When I was mayor, I kept the police budget flat for four years without cutting services. Proof it can be done.

What is an important issue affecting your community, and where do you stand on it?
Taxes are my number one priority. Residents have had enough taxes. Costs keep rising and I don’t want my kids to inherit an Orangeville they can’t afford to live in. Another challenge is our growing homeless population. We have all seen it. Our town is beginning to feel less safe. Encampments have grown, and with them petty crime. Ignoring this helps no one, including those forced to live outside. Remove the camps. Get people the treatment and housing they need.

Why should voters elect you? 
The number one issue in this town is the high level of taxation. I have proven my ability to control budgets responsibly. I am asking you to elect me. We need to reset the direction our town is going in. I will focus on budget control and making our streets safe again. We have a lot of work to do. Let’s get started.

Deputy Mayor

Sheila K Hall

Email: [email protected]


Todd Taylor (incumbent)

Email: [email protected]
Website: facebook.com/toddtaylorforcouncillor

What experience or background do you bring to the table?
I have always believed in giving back to the community and will continue to do so long after my time on council ends. My involvement includes the Orangeville Optimist Club, Mono Nordic Ski Club, Theatre Orangeville, Library Board, Police Services Board, and many other local initiatives. My business career has provided valuable skills in budgeting, strategic planning, relationship-building, and problem-solving that have served Orangeville well. I am most proud of my work with residents, approaching issues with honesty, preparation and follow-through. My experience, community involvement, fiscal responsibility, responsiveness and commitment to local issues make me well-suited to serve as deputy mayor.

What is an important issue facing your community and where do you stand on it?
These are my priorities for Orangeville. Financial responsibility: Reduce pressure on residential taxpayers by pursuing alternative revenue sources, including land leases, senior government grants and fair cost-sharing agreements with surrounding municipalities. Managing growth: Support responsible development that benefits Orangeville long-term, while ensuring infrastructure and municipal projects are planned, built and delivered effectively. Safe communities: Advocate for strong enforcement of bylaws and public safety measures, addressing concerns such as speeding, noise, parking, crime and neighbourhood safety. Mental health and homelessness: Continue building on successful local programs and partnerships to ensure Orangeville remains proactive, compassionate and effective in supporting vulnerable residents.

Why should voters elect you?
I first ran for council because I wanted to see meaningful progress on issues affecting my community and felt I could make a positive contribution. I developed a deep appreciation for Orangeville and the people who make it such a great place to live. I believe strong communities require thoughtful leadership, responsible stewardship of public resources and a clear vision for the future. I enjoy solving problems, building consensus and thinking strategically about long-term opportunities. For me, public service is not about politics. It is about helping families, businesses, and community organizations thrive while making a meaningful contribution to Orangeville.

Councillor (5 positions)

School Board Trustee – English Public (Upper Grand District School Board)

  • Shelley Bergant (acclaimed)

School Board Trustee – English Separate (Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board)

  • Paula Dametto-Giovannozzi – (acclaimed)

School Board Trustee – French Public (Conseil Scolaire Viamonde)

School Board Trustee – French Separate (Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir)

  • Genevieve Grenier (acclaimed)

More information: Town of Orangeville election site

Register to vote: registertovoteon.ca

About the Author

More by Barbara Fletcher

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