Tecumseh resident wins Ward 4 council seat

Cheryl Hardcastle has been elected to the Tecumseh council for Ward 4.

The former federal member of parliament and former deputy mayor defeated incumbent Brian Houston in the municipal vote. Hardcastle received 781 votes while Houston garnered 638, a margin of 143 votes. This result sends a former provincial and federal politician back to the local table after her time in Ottawa and as a deputy mayor.

Hardcastle stated that she ran because she wanted to apply her previous experience to local issues. She described her motivation as a desire to focus on her neighborhood and town after retiring from federal politics. She noted that she has worked at every level of government and understands how to collaborate without assuming she knows best.

She cited specific policy areas where she expects the council to act. These include addressing traffic concerns driven by population growth and improving communication channels with residents. Hardcastle specifically mentioned that she wants to revisit the removal of advisory committees. She proposed bringing back committees to provide feedback on local assets such as heritage, arts, culture, and parks.

The election saw a turnout of 47.4 percent across the town. Hardcastle said she is eager to build relationships with current council members and county officials. She noted that she has worked with several individuals who are now mayors or deputy mayors in other municipalities.