Meet your Stisted, Stephenson and Port Sydney Ward candidates running for Huntsville council on October 24

There are three candidates running for the Stisted, Stephenson and Port Sydney Ward, also known as Wards 3, 4, and 5. Two of the candidates — Jason FitzGerald and Dione Schumacher — are incumbents, while Tyler Ellis is new on the scene.

Two out of the three candidates running for this ward will be elected. If you’re a little confused about Huntsville’s various wards, you’re not the only one. Please find a map at the bottom.

Huntsville Doppler reached out to the candidates and asked them who they are and what they bring to the table. You can read their responses below.

Tyler Ellis

My name is Tyler Ellis and I am a proud Huntsville resident who wants to leave a legacy of good in this area.  I am a dad of three, a farmer, an advocate for the marginalized, and an involved community member looking to be a voice on council for my neighbours. Every voice has value and is important to listen to the various needs. I will work to make sure our community is heard.

Affordable housing: I am interested in innovative models of sustainable housing for Muskoka residents in a time of increasing inflation and costs. I put my thoughts into action as I have begun to build affordable housing in my neighborhood.

Strengthening Community and resources for people of all abilities:  Whether you are born with a disability or develop one with age, increasing the accessibility of community resources develops stronger communities by including all people. With an increase in the full-time population as well as the aging people of our area we are seeing challenges in accessing services and supports.

To work with our under-utilized agricultural assets to bring more sustainable, collaborative, and cooperative efforts to have local and healthy produce available at reasonable prices: With increasing food costs I am wanting to help our community by resourcing our farmers to bring more food to our residents. 

Manage the growth of population in the Huntsville area while preserving the uniqueness and strength of our communities: We are unique and community driven. With the increase of population from retirees to young people looking to grow their families I am wanting to create opportunities for welcoming and including newcomers to our community. When people are involved, they feel a sense of pride and protection in the community. 

It is for these reasons that I decided to run as a councillor.

Jason FitzGerald

I am thankful I had the opportunity to serve as your councillor for the past eight years.

We have worked hard to create a cohesive and respectful council.

Council has also worked effectively to reduce debt and save for our future needs.

My greatest pleasure, is helping people in my community with everyday issues they encounter.

Looking forward to another term on council, I would like to continue with our increased capital spending on roads. We have a long way to go on our roads and it is the most frequent issue constituents contact me to discuss. I would like to push for a further increase in this area.

There has been a considerable amount of growth in the Municipality. Council as a whole has supported growth in a responsible manner. Moving forward we need consider a number of factors and ensure we preserve our bountiful natural environment and protect our lakes and rivers.

The need for more affordable housing has been at the forefront of council discussions. Great strides have been made in an effort to improve the availability of all types of housing for our family, friends and neighbours. Expect more land grants and funding to further complement the need for housing.

In closing I would like to thank everyone for supporting my efforts on council to make Huntsville a better place for us all.

If you feel I have represented you well, please vote for me in an effort to continue my work with council. If you would like to discuss anything with me, please email me at [email protected]. Or, give me a call at 705-706-1540.

Jason FitzGerald Is Vice Chair of the Huntsville Planning Committee, Vice Chair of the Committee of Adjustment and has been a member on Affordable Housing Working Groups as well as other committees and working groups as required to complete many special projects.

Jason lives in Port Sydney with his wife and daughter. He is the owner of Broadleaf Construction and has 40-plus years experience in construction supervision and project management.
Jason is also former President / Vice President of the Stephenson District Lions Club, Vice President of the Huntsville Old Timers Hockey Club, a member of the Port Sydney Parks and Recreation, and chair of the Wally Keith Walton memorial golf tournament, he also works with many local organisations with multiple fundraising projects.

Dione Schumacher

For those that may not know me I am Dione Schumacher and I am seeking re-election as the Ward Councillor for Stisted, Stephenson, and Port Sydney. Thank you to the Huntsville Doppler for giving the candidates running in the 2022 Municipal Election the opportunity to introduce themselves. I was born and raised here in beautiful Huntsville, Ontario. I am a V.K. Greer and Huntsville High School Alumni. 

I have worked for close to thirty years in progressive roles in the Social Services/ Developmental Sector and Customer Service throughout Muskoka. I know what it is like to have an hour commute or to work from home. I am passionate about advocating for and working with people and helping them get support within this great community of Huntsville, that I am proud to call my community! That is what motivates me. I have enjoyed and valued the past four years on council. 

What do I bring to the table? With my job I have committee experience at Local, District and Provincial levels. Working with various levels and ministries to accomplish a goal, create change and work on policy, procedures and guidelines. I am the type to look at all sides, and listen to make an informed decision. I am solution focused. I am a strong promoter and believer in my community and I am very proud of my work as Vice Chair of Accessibility and Community Services, to showcase Huntsville as an inclusive community where diversity is valued!! Being a first term councillor though, I still feel I have much to learn. I am excited and proud to be running again for the position of Ward Councillor for Stisted, Stephenson and Port Sydney and would be honoured and humbled with your support and your vote on October 17^th through to October 24^th. 

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