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.

September 1, 2026 | Barbara Fletcher | News Desk

Mayor

Sandy Brown

Christopher DeCastro

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.