With the 2026 Municipal Election less than three weeks away, the Brant Beacon reached out to the candidates running for Mayor in the Township of Blandford-Blenheim. Candidates were asked to answer questions regarding relevant election issues, providing residents with valuable insight before heading to the polls on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Clayton Haight
Why did you choose to run for Mayor?
I am running for Mayor because I believe residents deserve a fiscally responsible voice at both the Township and County level. Over the last several years residents have all faced significant increases in their everyday costs, and municipal government needs to do a better job recognizing those pressures when making decisions.
I want the next council to embrace efficiency, accountability, and common-sense solutions to local government. That means taking a serious look at where taxpayer’s money is going, asking whether programs and spending are delivering value, and making sure that every tax dollar is treated like how private citizens run their finances – prudently.
I also believe that local government works best when elected officials are accessible and willing to listen. I want residents to know that they have a Mayor who will hear their concerns, ask difficult questions when necessary and work toward practical solutions.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the municipality?
Rising property taxes are one of the biggest challenges facing residents, and we need greater fiscal restraint, particularly at the County level. Speeding and traffic safety in our towns and hamlets are also concerns that I hear regularly and believe need to be fixed.
If elected, what would your top priorities be and why?
My top priorities would be controlling spending and working toward keeping budget increases as close to zero as possible without sacrificing essential services. I also want to focus on safer roads, responsible infrastructure investment, and greater transparency around how taxpayers’ money is spent. Items such as our bridges and roads need to have a forward-thinking approach and an investment that our community can reap the benefits for in decades to come.
What are some of the issues or concerns that you have heard about from residents?
Door knocking has been my favourite part of this election as hearing direct input from residents gives a clear indication of what needs to be focused on. Property tax increases stand out as the largest concern as affordability has eroded away. Many people in our communities are deciding between whether they can afford to stay in their current housing or if they will have to make a change.
In addition to this, Blandford-Blenheim’s choice to move to a digital format for the election and not ballot box voting has many residents concerned. I want to be clear with this I do not support a digital only process. The old saying goes “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, I believe this strongly applies to election voting.
How would you improve the relationship between your municipal neighbours?
I want Blandford-Blenheim to have strong working relationships with our neighbouring municipalities. By sharing ideas, we can find efficiencies and deliver better value while still protecting the interests of our own residents.
How would you describe yourself to the constituency?
I would describe myself as a commonsense person that provides common sense solutions. You have heard it several times in my answers already but I see myself as a fiscally responsible person that values a dollar and knows how hard it is to earn one. I want people to know that I care about this community deeply and want to be the voice that stands up for the people of Blandford-Blenheim so that it is heard.
Mark Peterson
Why did you choose to run for Mayor?
When I first decided to enter politics, I had one reason: I did not want to be the person who complained; I wanted to be someone who made a difference in my community. As a lifelong resident of Blandford-Blenheim, I am deeply invested in our community and committed to its future. One thing I will never do in this role is promise something that is beyond my control. Every matter that comes before council is decided collectively by its five members, not by any one person. What I can promise is that whenever residents bring me a concern, I will investigate it, ensure it reaches the appropriate staff member, and share the facts as clearly and honestly as I can.That same commitment defines how I serve as Mayor; a 24-hour responsibility. I answer the phone at 4:00 a.m. when a farmer needs help and at 11:00 p.m. when the park lights are left on. I am present, available, and dedicated every day; not only during an election.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the municipality?
My number one concern is the budget. Blandford Blenheim has a population of over 8,000 residents sprawling over a very, very large geographical area. Infrastructure maintenance is costly and accounts for a large portion of the tax burden. Infrastructure cannot be stalled, alike your own home maintenance. I am concerned about spending; however, when roads, bridges, and municipal buildings are not properly maintained, the eventual cost of repairs can be far greater. By identifying and addressing issues proactively, we can protect these essential assets and avoid more costly damage in the future. Moving forward, we will continue striving to maintain stable tax rates without reducing the services residents rely on. A lot of residents do not want to see growth. Meaningful, thoughtful growth is necessary. Without responsible growth, maintaining services with our current population will place increasing pressure on existing taxpayers, but despite this we do continue to have the lowest tax rate among Oxford County’s five rural municipalities. By welcoming more residents in the right places and planning infrastructure alongside that growth, we can share the tax burden more fairly while preserving the rural character and agricultural lands that define Blandford-Blenheim.
If elected, what would your top priorities be and why?
Looking to the future of Blandford-Blenheim, I see continued collaboration with our service groups to improve parks and green spaces. I will advocate for meaningful, thoughtful growth within our established village boundaries. Some properties zoned for residential use within those boundaries have been planted in cash crops for many years, but the village boundaries—mapped as early as 1860—identify where future growth can be accommodated. I support growth that is carefully planned and matched by the roads, water, wastewater, drainage, and other infrastructure needed to serve it.. By welcoming more residents in the right places and planning infrastructure alongside that growth, we can share the tax burden more fairly while preserving the rural character and agricultural lands that define Blandford-Blenheim. Moving forward, we will continue striving to maintain stable tax rates without reducing the services residents rely on.
During my first week as Mayor, I met with our CAO and county planning staff to pursue industrial growth at Exit 250 in Drumbo. I believed then, as I do today, that thoughtful growth can strengthen our township and create opportunities for generations to come. After several years of work, Oxford County Council has approved a one-million-square-foot industrial facility. I continue to work to move the project forward, although poor market conditions have slowed its progress. If this area continues to expand, it will create jobs and a lasting financial legacy for our township.
What are some of the issues or concerns that you have heard about from residents?
Speeding and road safety have become the leading concerns for many residents. Blandford-Blenheim Township and Oxford County have introduced traffic-calming measures throughout the township. Some have worked better than others, but the goal has always been the same: to slow traffic and make our roads safer. During my term, we have implemented speed-feedback signs in most villages, traffic islands, delineators, new three- and four-way stops, push-button crosswalks, and reduced speed limits. My position on the OPP board also helps me stay closely connected to the concerns of Blandford-Blenheim residents. I will continue to be a strong and vocal advocate with the OPP for an active police presence, ongoing monitoring of our current traffic-calming strategies, and proactive measures to improve road safety across the township.
Taxes are among the hardest costs to control because expenses continue to rise while provincial bodies, reduce, delay, or withhold funding for services and programs. When that support does not keep pace with actual costs, municipalities are left to absorb the shortfall within their own budgets, placing added pressure on local taxpayers. In addition, the price of diesel has nearly doubled in the past year. This increase affects every road-maintenance vehicle in our fleet and adds further pressure to the municipal budget, while policing costs increased by 11 per cent this year alone and could result in a 1.41% tax icrease.
How would you improve the relationship between your municipal neighbours?
When I was first elected as mayor I attended neighbouring council meetings of North Dumphries and the City of Woodstock, and sought out meetings with the mayor of Wilmont, to establish a relationship. A lot of our roads, bridges and round-abouts actually are supported by more than one municipality, and some even different counties. This means collaboration between townships is imperative. Without that relationship, barriers are created in the devolpment and construction of infrastructure plans. The mayor of Brant and I acutual attended a fundraising event to support a Blandford- Blenheim resident that has been affected by Lyme Disease. The two municipalities had a very exciting hockey game, that ended up with both mayors wearing the oppositions’ jersey. You see making good relations with neighbouring municipalities is necessary and piviotal in forward progress. The rural Oxford mayors are well integrated at the county level, with common goals. Having 8 years in the mayor postion has improved those relationships immensely, with trust and collaboration occuring regularily.
How would you describe yourself to the constituency?
Residents deserve accurate, honest information—not only during an election campaign, but throughout the entire term. Mistruths and false promises made during a campaign can leave residents feeling confused and betrayed, and they undermine trust in local government. One thing I will never do is promise something that is beyond my control. Every matter that comes before council is decided collectively by its five members, not by any one person. What I can promise is that whenever residents bring me a concern, I will investigate it, ensure it reaches the appropriate staff member, and share the facts as clearly and honestly as I can. Residents appreciate my availablity. I am often tagged on social media and I render a response as soon as I am aware of the concern or comment. Beyond elected office, giving back to this community has always been deeply personal to me. I attend every function I can across the township, donate whenever I become aware of a need, and volunteer wherever an extra hand is needed. One of the contributions closest to my heart is co-founding the Helping Hands Blandford-Blenheim Food Bank. I never imagined it would receive such tremendous support from across our township, and that support is a true testament to the generosity of our residents. Over the last few years, I have also sponsored free family skating on New Year’s Eve. My service has also included being a Lions Club member and I was a volunteer firefighter for 117 years. I am not involved in municipal politics simply to show up at election time. I have always been part of this township, and I will continue to stand beside its residents, support its organizations, and lend a hand wherever I can.
