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Re-elect Stewart Cressman
A proven leader.
Locally. Provincially. Nationally.
Ward 1 Wilmot Council. Stewart is the councillor we need for a stable, progressive Wilmot. He listens to Wilmot residents. He represents your concerns.
Smart Growth: Stewart's Record on Council
Stronger finances. Stewart inherited a township with the lowest capital reserves per capita in Ontario. He made strengthening its financial position a priority through the budget approval process, putting Wilmot on a stable footing.
Fixing what we own. Roads, aging sewers, bridges and culverts all needed investment this term. Camera inspection now finds where extra water leaks into township sewers; Wilmot pays the Region about $1 million a year to treat that water. Finding the leaks cuts the bill and shows which sewers to fix first.
A fairer tax base. Residential property carries 83% of Wilmot's tax base. Stewart champions local light industrial and commercial growth in the Township to bring that to 73% to 75%, in line with other rural townships in the Region. At an equal assessed value, industrial and commercial properties pay double the taxes.
Build up, not out. As the only farmer on council, Stewart reminds council to build up rather than out. He supported densification in new subdivisions to reduce sprawl and save farmland.
Protecting rural wells. Stewart supported the Region of Waterloo's private well interference policy update with motions at Wilmot Council, and delegated at Regional Council.
Planning ahead. Council passed an official plan that looks forward to 2050 and acquired land for a future fire station and works yard. It also put experienced, respected staff in place to guide the township.
Collaboration and scrutiny. Stewart values a collaborative approach between council and staff to maximize outcomes. He is usually the first to ask questions at the council table; good decisions need good information.
Experienced leader in local, provincial and national organizations
Respected for his wisdom, strategic thinking, prudent financial management, collaborative approach, and innovative ability to determine priority needs, Stewart has honed his leadership and communication skills through decades of advocacy and involvement in agricultural organizations
Stewart's leadership experience
Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO)
ARIO consists of appointed representatives of the agri-food community – farmers, researchers, rural and agri-business partners.
They advise the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on the strategic use of science and innovation to enhance the sustainability and profitability of Ontario's agri-food industry.
ARIO oversees a $10 million annual operating budget and an additional $10 million to support research infrastructure including 14 research stations, 3 agricultural colleges, a recently completed $24 million dairy research facility and $10 million greenhouse, and the design of a new turfgrass institute.
Swine Innovation Porc (SIP)
SIP is a not-for-profit organization representing the Canadian Pork Council and eight provincial pork producer organizations.
They coordinate research, development and knowledge transfer for the Canadian swine industry, including three multi-million dollar research programs with close to 200 researchers at 30 universities and research centres across Canada developing a sustainable national production model.
Canadian Swine Health Board
A novel $42 million initiative tasked with the development of a national biosecurity standard, swine health research, and long-term disease risk management.
Waterloo Region Cattlemen's Association
Waterloo Pork Producers Association
Boards & Committees
Advisory Board of Livestock Gentec
$56 million project funding in past 8 years for Applied Livestock Genomics Projects.
Board Member, BIO
Board Member, Ontario Pork
Council Member, The College of Veterinarians of Ontario, Public Interest Representative
Founding Committee Member of Rural Water Quality Program
A collaborative effort between Region of Waterloo, Grand River Conservation Authority and Regional Livestock Commodity Associations.
Received Conservation Citation (1999) from Grand River Conservation Authority
Co-Chair & Intervenor
Co-Chaired Presentations to Ontario Energy Board as an intervenor on behalf of 35 landowners opposing the Kitchener West Union Gas pipeline.
Co-Chaired mitigation practices regarding installation and compensation as well.
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