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Deputy mayor candidate Steven Dollmaier discusses growth, infrastructure and finances

October 2, 2026   ·   0 Comments

With the upcoming municipal election on October 26, we invited each candidate to respond to the same four questions about
their reason for running, priorities and vision for the municipality, qualifications, and contact information. Their responses are published
below as submitted, subject only to length and standard copy editing for style, grammar and clarity.

Candidates were asked to keep their responses focused on their own qualifications, priorities and vision for the municipality.

What are the largest issues facing the Town of New Tecumseth?

I believe the most pressing concern facing the new council will be managing growth responsibly while ensuring our infrastructure, services and finances can keep pace.

New Tecumseth is growing, and we need to recognize that growth brings opportunities, but it also puts pressure on roads, traffic, water and wastewater systems, recreation facilities, parks, emergency services and municipal budgets. The town’s own planning recognizes the need to coordinate growth with the infrastructure required to support it.

I don’t believe the answer is simply to say yes or no to development. The responsibility of council is to make sure growth happens in the right places, at the right pace, and with the infrastructure and services needed to support it.

We also need to protect taxpayers. Development should contribute fairly to the infrastructure it requires, while council carefully considers the long-term operating and maintenance costs that new infrastructure creates. The town’s capital program already relies on a combination of taxes, development charges, reserves, grants and borrowing, which makes disciplined financial planning essential.

As deputy mayor, I would bring a practical, infrastructure-focused approach to these decisions. My priority would be to plan ahead rather than react after problems occur, while protecting the character and quality of life that make Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham great places to live.

Growth is coming. The question is whether we manage it strategically — or allow it to manage us.

With development being mandated by the province and causing concern among residents, how should council approach development and growth?

I recognize that New Tecumseth is facing significant growth pressures, and that much of the growth being planned is driven by provincial requirements. However, I also understand why residents are concerned.

Growth has a direct impact on traffic, roads, water and wastewater capacity, schools, recreation, parks, emergency services, the environment, and ultimately the property taxes residents pay.

I believe council’s responsibility is to manage growth — not simply react to it.

We need to ensure development proceeds in a coordinated and responsible manner, with the necessary infrastructure and services planned alongside new communities. Council should be asking tough questions about timing, capacity, costs, traffic impacts, environmental impacts, and who ultimately pays for the infrastructure required to support growth.

We also need to protect the character and quality of life of Alliston, Beeton, Tottenham and our surrounding rural communities while recognizing that New Tecumseth will continue to grow. I use sound planning, data, asset management, and financial analysis to make informed decisions. Where the Province sets requirements, Council should advocate strongly for the resources and infrastructure our growing community needs.

Growth is inevitable; unmanaged growth is not. We need to make sure New Tecumseth grows responsibly, sustainably and in a way that benefits both current residents and future generations.

What experience and leadership qualities do you have that make you the right choice for residents’ votes?

I’m running for deputy mayor because I believe New Tecumseth needs practical, experienced leadership that understands today’s challenges and the planning required for tomorrow.

I bring more than a decade of municipal experience, with hands-on knowledge in infrastructure, roads and transportation, public works, recreation, arenas, parks, fleet management, budgeting, environmental initiatives, and the services residents rely on every day.

I’ve been directly involved in infrastructure planning, capital projects, asset management, operating and capital budgets, and environmental initiatives. That experience has taught me that good municipal leadership is about looking beyond today’s decisions and understanding their long-term impact.

We need to manage growth responsibly, plan for future infrastructure and services, and ensure taxpayers receive the best possible value for their money.

As deputy mayor, I would bring a practical, informed, and collaborative approach to council. I will listen to residents, ask the difficult questions, consider the facts, and remain focused on what is best for our entire community.

I’m asking for your vote because I’m ready to bring my municipal experience, practical leadership, and commitment to New Tecumseth to council — and help build a stronger, sustainable and financially responsible community for everyone.

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