Meet the Candidates
Get to know the candidates in the upcoming
2026 municipal election
This page contains information about candidates running in the municipal election. Each candidate running for the offices of Mayor and Councillor was given the opportunity to provide a photo, contact information, website and/or social media links, and a short platform message. This information is intended to help voters find out more about the 2026 municipal election candidates in Port Hope.
Information on this page was provided directly by candidates and has not been altered or edited by municipal staff. Photos were resized for consistency. For additional information about candidates or to ask a candidate questions, please contact them directly.
Candidates running for Mayor
(Candidates listed in alphabetical order, by last name).

Todd Attridge
Running for Mayor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
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The world is changing by the minute. Costs are rising, businesses are struggling, and reliable information is hard to find. The decisions we make in the next few years will define Port Hope for generations so, we need to get them right by doing what’s best for the people of Port Hope. Decisions on a) the potential for new nuclear in Wesleyville, b) finalizing PHAI, c) where and how to grow our residential, commercial, and industrial lands, and d) how to pay for our aging infrastructure and the escalating costs to run the municipality. I have always and will always be committed to the people of Port Hope because I am in this community and of this community. As your Mayor, we will talk, listen, debate, and make these decisions together because Port Hope is our home and it’s our future. |

Angela Grogan
Running for Mayor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
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I am an Educator, Realtor and Community Builder with goverance boards experience. Rising property taxes, water costs and user fees are putting pressure on residents. I will scrutinize spending, pursue responsible new revenue opportunities and challenge unnecessary cost while protecting the municipal services residents rely on. I will demand accountability as PHAI work continues, including proper restoration of roads, neighbourhood infrastructure and affected properties. I will protect and rebuild our tree canopy and strengthen environmental stewardship so that growth and restoration leave a healthier Port Hope for future generations. I will prioritize reliable water and wastewater infrastructure and ensure Ward 2’s rural roads, drainage, ditches and culverts receive the attention they need. |

Olena Hankivsky
Running for Mayor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
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Over the past 4 years, we have accomplished a great deal, but the work is not finished. I am running for re-election to provide the steady, proven leadership Port Hope needs. My focus: keeping your tax dollars working for you, strengthening our rural and urban communities, and driving local economic growth. I am dedicated to protecting the heritage and character that make Port Hope special. I will continue to turn your concerns into real action and build a community where everyone can see a bright future. I am asking for your vote to deliver on 3 critical priorities: 1. A Port Hope where people can afford to live, work, raise a family, and build a future. 2. A Port Hope 1st approach to all growth and development, including the proposed project at Wesleyville. 3. A better PHAI deal that protects residents, resolves outstanding concerns, and ensures Port Hope is fairly compensated. For more information on my platform, please visit olena4mayor.ca |

David Stambrook
Running for Mayor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
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David Stambrook brings the professional skills and experience needed to guide Port Hope through the complexities of the Wesleyville Project and protect our community’s interests. Fair Taxes: Limit total property tax increases to 10% over four years while protecting essential services. Open Government: Report results publicly and decide openly. Strong Services: Plan for safe water, infrastructure, housing and amenities. A Thriving Port Hope: Grow prosperity while preserving rural and urban heritage |

Ian West
Running for Mayor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
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I am running for Mayor of Port Hope because I believe our community deserves practical, accessible and accountable leadership. |
Candidates running for the Ward 1 Councillor
(Candidates listed in alphabetical order, by last name).

Les Andrews
Running for Ward 1 Councillor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
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Since graduating from Ryerson University I have spent 20 .years in Computer Marketing, 25 Years as a McDonalds Francisee and 14 years on Municipal Council. Personnal wins, this past term include, the openings of the Walk In Clinic and the Canton Daycare. The Community Advisory Committee will now include residents and external resources, as needed. Unfortuneatly, we have failed our Seniors, specifically in Long Term Care, they deserve better than their current facilites. Council itself needs to step up, more time is spent defining decision making criteria than making decisions. Future Council through respect, research and determination can advance our initiatives-success doesn't come gently. |

Amelia Bray
Running for Ward 1 Councillor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
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I believe Port Hope's success depends on protecting what makes our community special while planning responsibly for a thriving future. As a longtime volunteer, with more than 12 years in a leadership role at a successful local business and as a parent raising my family here, I've seen firsthand the opportunities and challenges our community faces. I believe Port Hope can grow intentionally by creating more housing options, supporting a strong local economy, protecting our natural spaces and community character. Council must ensure that major decisions are made with transparency, prioritizing the best interests of our residents. My commitment is simple: listen, collaborate and make responsible decisions that keep Port Hope vibrant and welcoming for generations to come! |

Caleb Carisse
Running for Ward 1 Councillor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
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Caleb Carisse was born and raised in Port Hope and is running for Ward 1 Councillor. He spent 15 years in the private sector at Accenture. He's a Managing Director leading complex programs for Canada's largest public service organizations and financial institutions. Locally, he serves on the board of Green Wood Coalition and is Chair of The Rose Quest. More at calebcarisse.ca |

Claire Holloway Wadhwani
Running for Ward 1 Councillor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
Platform message |
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I spent my first term showing up for people, asking hard questions, and championing sustainability, housing, and residents' right to a genuine voice in decisions that affect them. Drawing on 20 years in community development, including as an Executive Director and running my own practice, my approach is collaborative, community-centred, and grounded in honest long-term thinking. I believe Port Hope's future doesn't depend on external players or distant decisions. We have the talent, the drive, and the community spirit to invest in ourselves and build the future we want. My husband and I are raising our three kids here, and that makes every decision personal. I look forward to continuing this work together for a Port Hope that takes care of its people and is ready for the future. |

Miranda Lukaniuk
Running for Ward 1 Councillor
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Platform message |
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Miranda Lukaniuk |

Vicki Mink
Running for Ward 1 Councillor
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Platform message |
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I believe Port Hope can prepare for the future while protecting what makes it special. What I bring is experience, a steady approach, and a commitment to working with others to move our community forward. My priorities for this term include (1) managing change while protecting Port Hope, (2) build a fairer tax base, (3) good government & customer response, (4) prioritize heritage, tourism & local business, (5) meaningful leadership regarding PHAI. Other priorities include housing, accessibility & inclusion and environmental stewardship. We can welcome thoughtful growth, while we strengthen our economy, protect our heritage and natural landscapes, improve accessibility, and support both urban and rural neighbourhoods as places where people want to live, work, visit, and build their future. |

Norm Orviss
Running for Ward 1 Councillor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
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I believe taxpayers deserve responsible spending, accountability and transparency. I will reduce reliance on costly consultants, scrutinize discretionary spending and keep Council focused on priorities. I will advocate for crosswalks, stronger cell service, keeping the Archives in Port Hope, moving budgeted projects forward, and investing in neighbourhood parks. I will push for more long-term care capacity and a Senior Healthcare Strategy. I will work to grow our tax base, not your tax bill, by supporting small businesses, manufacturing, smart growth and long-term infrastructure planning. I will champion tourism through weekend programming, filming opportunities in Ward 2 and an Agri-Tourism strategy that benefits our rural community and local businesses. A Port Hope that works for you. |

Adam Pearson
Running for Ward 1 Councillor
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Platform message |
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A Stronger Port Hope: The High Five |
Candidates running for the Ward 2 Councillor
(Candidates listed in alphabetical order, by last name).

Glenn Deeth
Running for Ward 2 Councillor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
Platform message |
| My background: • Extensive Municipal knowledge • 35 years experience in Engineering at the City of Oshawa • Experience in project management, construction inspection & administration and design of municipal infrastructure projects • Management, supervisory & leadership experience • Experience working with all departments across the City I believe Council should provide: • Open communication • Responsible use of in-camera meetings • Clear roles and accountability • Strong policies and consistent application • Researched, fact-based decision making • Responsible budgets Priorities for Ward 2: • Infrastructure renewal and replacement • Responsible and sustainable development • Wesleyville nuclear plant – negotiate best outcome for Port Hope |

Jamie Ferguson
Running for Ward 2 Councillor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
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A Focus on ‘Back to Basics’: Economic Sustainability and Growth: Empowering local economic opportunities while respecting agricultural lands and natural areas with a consistent, evidence informed and policy guided approach. Fiscal Accountability and Respecting the Ratepayer: Prioritizing reducing financial burden on local taxpayers by ensuring that there is clear communication, process and oversight. Integrity and Transparency: Ensuring that I am available to meet and speak with my fellow community members and advocate on your behalf about your concerns. |

Darrell Toms
Running for Ward 2 Councillor
Contact, website, and/or social media |
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Platform message |
| I'm stepping up once again to represent Ward 2 with energy, experience, and action. My priorities are: 1. Ensure rural perspectives, farms, and local businesses get equal weight and strong representation at the council table. 2. Brings active experience as Ward 2 Councillor, serving on Protective Services and Property Standards Appeal Committe. 3. Cut back on excessive external consulting, ensuring taxpayer dollars stay local while reserving third-party advice strictly for legally required or highly specialized cases. 4. Ensure strict oversight to protect our groundwater, rivers, and agricultural water supplies for future generations. 5. Build on my track record of regular town halls by continuing to keep local government accessible, transparent, and driven by resident feedback. |
Candidates running within the School Board Election
There are four divisions of the school board election:
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English Language School Trustee (2 positions)
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English Language Seperate School Trustee (1 position)
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French Language Public School Trustee Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (1 position)
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French Language Separate School Board Trustee Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir (1 position)
English Public School Trustee |
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English Separate School Trustee - ACCLAIMED |
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French Public School Board Trustee Conseil Scolaire Viamonde - ACCLAIMED |
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French Separate School Trustee - Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir -ACCLAIMED |
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Now that you know your candidates, vote!
Vote online or by phone from 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16 until 8:00 p.m. on October 26, 2026.