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Ward 6 candidate Shira Harrison McIntyre warns of costs tied to expansion

October 15, 2026   ·   0 Comments

With the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 26, we invited each councillor candidate to respond to the same three questions about their reason for running, priorities and vision for the municipality, and qualifications. 

Their responses are published below as submitted, subject 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. 

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

The most pressing concern will be the new budget for 2027. Balancing the operational needs of the municipality with the requests for expansion of services will fall to the next council to decide. 

Many residents already feel stretched to the limit with increased household expenses. It is the job of council to take a hard look at the budget, projected growth and the timing of town projects and coordinate projects to coincide with growth. 

We need to ensure the cost of the proposed housing expansion is not carried by current residents.

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

When the current mayor used strong mayor powers to push through OPA 5, he determined that the growth would occur in Tottenham, Beeton, Alliston and the rural area. 

The growth spread throughout the town will destroy the rural and agricultural lands as well as the small-town character of Tottenham and Beeton. 

One planned urban centre would have meant density, transit and avoiding the triplication of services. This flawed plan ends up costing us more and ruining the character of the town. 

I hope that the next council will be able to modify the plan so we aren’t left with a sprawling suburb with no transit options and high taxes because of the increased need for more services in all three centres.

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

I am an experienced multi-term councillor who can use my knowledge of the community to hit the ground running come Nov. 16.

I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in and feel confident that I am representing the residents for the betterment of the community. 

I take the time to research difficult decisions, arrive at council open to discussion, and make my decisions based on facts, not feelings.

I have never taken funds from developers for my campaign and remain unaffiliated with any political party. 

Council is also about negotiation, and I have developed the skill of working with other members of council to move issues forward.

I care about the residents and the future of the community and work hard to keep New Tecumseth a safe and enjoyable place to live.

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