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
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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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I am running for Mayor because I believe Port Hope can do better, and I want to help. It’s your town. You deserve an honest and open Mayor with the skills to do the job. I bring 40+ years of public and private sector experience in finance, infrastructure, strategic investment and major projects. I have held senior positions with Transport Canada, Indigenous Services Canada and the Centre of Excellence for Strategic Investment, to name a few. As an economist and consultant, I analyze costs, build forecasts and develop workable plans. I have been hired repeatedly because I deliver good work. Port Hope needs to control spending while putting a much stronger focus on growing our commercial and industrial tax base. Wesleyville and the PHAI also require careful financial, economic and environmental analysis. Analyzing costs, examining facts and building workable plans is a science. I know it well. If I accept a job, I do the job properly. Period. Port Hope. Let’s build it together. |

Ian West
Running for Mayor
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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
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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
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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, a businesswoman at the head of 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 diverse 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. I’m running because I want to bring a practical, collaborative voice to Council, one that listens carefully, asks tough questions and focuses on turning good ideas into results for 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
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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
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Platform message |
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I have spent my first term on Port Hope's Municipal Council doing what I believe local government is for: showing up for people, asking hard questions, and working across boundaries to build a community that is resilient, fair, and ready for the future. My approach is collaborative and community-centred, rooted in the conviction that good decisions come from genuine engagement, honest accounting, and a willingness to think long-term even when it is not easy. After more than 20 years in community development in Canada and abroad, including as an Executive Director and running my own practice, I bring a commitment to asset-based approaches, collaborative governance, and the belief that the best outcomes happen when communities lead alongside elected officials. Democratic accountability and genuine community voice are not just values I hold; they are the foundation of how I approach this role. My husband and I are raising our three children here, and that makes every decision personal. |

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 must 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 the character and culture of Port Hope, (2) building a fairer tax base through commercial and light industrial infill, (3) good government and improved customer service, (4) prioritizing heritage, tourism and other local businesses, and (5) meaningful leadership regarding PHAI. Other priorities include addressing traffic, transportation and community safety through a working group with public participation and input, as well as housing initiatives, accessibility and inclusion, and environmental stewardship. We must be thoughtful about growth, guided by clear principles that support sound decision-making, strengthen our economy, protect our heritage and natural landscapes, and support both urban and rural neighbourhoods. |

Norm Orviss
Running for Ward 1 Councillor
| Contact, website and/or Social Media |
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| Platform Message |
| With more than 30 years of corporate and operational management experience, I am ready to bring practical leadership, sound judgment, and a taxpayer-focused voice to Town Council. Our community is facing decisions that will shape Port Hope for decades and residents of Ward 1 and Ward 2 deserve a Councillor who will ask tough questions, offer transparency, and protect the public interest. That means reducing costly consultant dependence, scrutinizing discretionary spending, and moving key priorities forward: including stronger cell service, keeping the Archives in Port Hope, rural high-speed internet, housing initiatives, and improving neighbourhood parks. More Long-Term Care capacity and a Senior Healthcare Strategy must also be part of the plan. Together, we can grow our tax base responsibly, not your tax bill by supporting small business growth, new manufacturing, managed growth, tourism, filming opportunities in Ward 2, and new Agri-Tourism for our community. |

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
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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.