Building & Development
Review how ACW approaches building and development, with public safety first and greater attention to cost, timing, long-term community benefit, and transparent discussion of who bears development-related costs.
Ben Van Egmond • Candidate for Mayor
A practical approach to ACW Township.
Information about my background, professional experience, priorities, and positions on issues affecting Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Township.
If You Change Nothing, Nothing Changes.
About Ben
More than 20 years of experience in transportation, infrastructure, technical analysis, contract administration, and public-sector asset management.
I am running for Mayor of ACW Township to bring my experience, practical approach, and commitment to public service to our community.
Throughout my career, I have worked on evaluating roads, planning infrastructure improvements, administering contracts, inspecting construction projects, and developing practical solutions to complex challenges. That work has given me firsthand insight into long-term planning, responsible investment, and maintaining the public infrastructure communities depend on every day.
I grew up on a rural Ontario farm and have worked with municipal, provincial, state, and First Nations communities across North America. I purchased property in ACW Township in 2017 and have come to appreciate the area’s rural character, coastline, communities, and local traditions.
I have not previously held elected municipal office. My approach to leadership is to listen, ask questions, understand the facts, rely on appropriate expertise, and make decisions with the whole community in mind.
“Government at every level works for the people, not the other way around.”
Priorities
These priorities reflect the areas I believe deserve careful attention from the next Council. They are goals rather than unconditional promises; major decisions should follow a review of the Township’s financial position, commitments, infrastructure needs, and legal responsibilities.
Reliable Core Services
Focus on dependable delivery of municipal services, including roads, winter maintenance, waste collection, bridges, culverts, and the equipment and resources needed by staff and contractors.
By-law Review
Review controversial by-laws carefully, consider unintended consequences, improve clarity where needed, and ensure residents have meaningful opportunities to be heard before major rules are adopted.
Positions on Local Issues
A summary of my approach to questions that have been raised during the campaign. These can be expanded as additional written responses are published.
Aggregate extraction and rural protection
ACW should support responsible economic activity while protecting residents, groundwater, farmland, roads, natural heritage, and neighbouring properties. I support a stronger municipal voice in provincial aggregate policy and a review of whether current processes adequately consider cumulative impacts.
I would be cautious about committing to a blanket moratorium without understanding its scope, duration, and consequences. I would support ACW formally communicating concerns to the Province, helping residents navigate enforcement processes, maintaining organized records of concerns, and using appropriate technical, planning, environmental, and legal expertise when significant issues arise.
Infrastructure and asset management
Roads, bridges, culverts, drainage systems, vehicles, and other municipal assets need to be managed as long-term systems. I believe Council should understand asset condition, lifecycle costs, future needs, available funding, and the consequences of deferring work before making major spending decisions.
Leadership and public communication
I believe elected officials should be approachable and prepared to listen before problems escalate. Formal Council processes remain essential, but early communication can help residents, staff, and Council better understand issues and identify practical solutions.
Fiscal responsibility
I am hesitant to make financial promises before reviewing the Township’s actual position. If elected, I would want Council to understand existing commitments, infrastructure needs, contracts, reserves, and long-term obligations before establishing new spending priorities.
2026 Municipal Election
ACW Township has announced internet and telephone voting. Voting opens October 13, 2026, and Voting Day is Monday, October 26, 2026.
Contact
Residents are welcome to reach out with questions, concerns, or topics they believe candidates should be discussing during the 2026 municipal election.