Sue Morton of the County of Brant Chamber of Commerce bid farewell to councillors during the County of Brant Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
County of Brant Council officially finished its term with a final regular meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
With the 2026 municipal election just a few days away, Sue Morton, Executive Director for the County of Brant Chamber of Commerce spoke as a delegation, taking the opportunity to bid farewell to Mayor David Bailey and Councillors Brian Coleman, David Miller and Lukas Oakley, who all chose not to seek re-election.
Morton first spoke to Councillor Brian Coleman, who was first elected as one of the two Ward 5 councillors in 2003.
“Twenty-three years is a long time to serve your constituents. I think the fact that you’ve been around that long speaks well of the work you’ve done,” she said. “So congratulations, you survived. I haven’t had the opportunity to work with you directly, but I understand you’ve been a longtime member and chair of the Public Works Committee, and also a long-term GRCA board member. I grew up on the Grand River, so I’m well aware of the important work the GRCA does to protect our watersheds, so thank you for being part of that. Thank you for being part of that and thank you for your dedication to the County and your constituents. I wish you well.”
Morton then addressed Councillor David Miller.
“David, it’s been a real pleasure getting to know you and working with you on the Brant Connects Committee. I saw firsthand your dedication, working with people when everybody called you to say they didn’t have high speed internet; you’d look out for them and help through that process,” she said. “Sixteen years on Council is a long time to serve constituents, you’ve done it well, and I know how much you care about this County. Congratulations to you, and I hope our paths cross again. I do want to say congrats on taking over the separate school board trustee role. I think that speaks well of you and your abilities, and I’m sure that you’ll do an excellent job at that too.”
Up next was Councillor Lukas Oakley, who is about to finish up his first term of Council.
“Lucas was our Council liaison on the Chamber board for 2024 and 2025, and we so enjoyed having you there. We appreciated the insight, your viewpoints and your excellent sense of humour, which serves you well,” said Morton. “I know your time here hasn’t been as long, but I think that you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished as well. You’ve made a difference, and I thank you for stepping up and proving that the youth can be engaged in politics. We need them, so it’s important more of you get involved. Your kindness and compassion for vulnerable people really shines through, please don’t ever lose those traits. I hope whatever you do next, you love it and give it your all. I know you will.”
Last but not least, Morton said her goodbye to Mayor David Bailey, who was first elected to the role in 2018.
“Mayor David Bailey, we’ve known each other far too long. I think it was kismet that a couple of Glen Morris kids got to work together in service of this County. I know how much you love and care about this County, and I commend you for steering this ship through some pretty choppy waters over the past eight years,” said Morton. “There’s been a lot of chaos, and I think that this Council has done a great job in getting through all of that, so congratulations to you for that. I’ve enjoyed our conversations immensely. My board and I appreciate very much all the support that you’ve given us. So thank you. You’ve served this County well, and you should be very proud of your many accomplishments.”
Afterwards, Miller thanked Morton for her kind words.
“It was a classic thing to do, what she just did,” he said.
Before ending the meeting, Bailey took a moment to say a few words to Council and staff.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the staff for supporting me and the Council. Some of the people that were here at the beginning aren’t here, but they were very helpful, and even as the transition of staff happened, everyone was quite capable, and I felt very supported as the Mayor. I think the Council in general feels very supported by staff, and we appreciate everything you do and everything you’ve done,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed all eight years of being in the Mayor’s chair. …Thank you to all the councillors. You all do your job very well. It’s a wonderful Council and I’m going to miss it. We’ve done wonderful work in the last eight years. …I know the campaign is getting a little gnarly and rowdy right now, but the County of Brant is not broken. It’s very successful, very sought after and because we did a good job. We built things and did things, and said the things that needed to be said. So I’m very proud of you all.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
