Candidate Q&A Smith Ward: Brian Henry
Discover Lakefield has invited each candidate running in the 2026 municipal election in Selwyn Township to participate in a written Q&A. The candidate Q&As will be published from October 5-8, 2026, with candidates in each ward answering five questions.
The first in the series is Brian Henry, who is running for re-election as Smith Ward Councillor.
Responses are published as submitted, with only minor edits for spelling or grammar if necessary.
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to run for Selwyn Township Council.
As a husband, father and business owner who values family, community and the rural way of life we enjoy in Selwyn. The outdoors has always been an important part of life, and I appreciate the lakes, rural landscapes and strong communities that make this a special place to call home. Professionally, I work in emergency management and humanitarian operations, supporting communities through challenging circumstances. I first ran for Council because I believe in civic duty and giving back. After serving my first term, that commitment has only grown, and I want to continue the work and keep moving Selwyn forward.
What do you see as the biggest issue or priority facing Selwyn Township over the next four years, and how would you approach it?
Selwyn’s biggest challenge will be managing significant change while protecting the quality-of-life residents value. Major infrastructure projects, including the Ward Street reconstruction in Bridgenorth and rehabilitation of Lakefield’s two bridges, will disrupt our primary commercial areas and require careful coordination and support for local businesses. At the same time, the Township must bring its zoning into conformity with the new Official Plan within three years, affecting how our community grows and develops. My approach would emphasize planning, clear communication, meaningful public consultation and ensuring residents and businesses have a voice as we navigate these changes together.
Brian Henry is running for re-election as Smith Ward Councillor in Selwyn Township. (Photo submitted by Brian Henry)
Selwyn Township is expected to experience considerable growth over the coming years. How should the Township prepare for and manage this growth while maintaining the community’s character and quality of life?
Growth should contribute to Selwyn rather than simply happen to it. How we manage it determines whether Selwyn remains the community we value today. Balanced, deliberate planning that considers housing and economic opportunities alongside infrastructure capacity, agriculture, and natural environment, that respects the character of our rural communities while supporting our infrastructure roads, water and wastewater systems, emergency services and community facilities that can meet increased demand. Council must also listen carefully to residents as our planning policies evolve. Good planning requires welcoming appropriate growth while protecting what makes Selwyn unique and ensuring growth contributes to our long-term quality of life.
Smith Ward encompasses a number of rural areas and communities, each with its own needs and priorities. What do you see as the most important priorities for Smith Ward over the next four years?
Smith Ward’s priorities must reflect both our growing communities and rural areas. Safe, reliable roads and infrastructure remain fundamental, along with responsible planning that accommodates growth without losing the rural character residents value. We need to support Bridgenorth businesses through upcoming infrastructure work, protect agricultural lands and our natural environment, and ensure recreation, emergency services and municipal operations keep pace with community needs. As demands increase, Council must remain disciplined about spending and respect taxpayers’ ability to pay. My priority is practical, balanced decision-making that listens to residents, supports our municipal staff and invests responsibly in the long-term needs of Smith Ward.
How can Selwyn Township support local businesses, agriculture, and economic development while maintaining the rural character of Smith Ward?
Economic development and protecting Smith Ward’s rural character should work together, not compete. We can support local businesses by creating a predictable planning environment, investing responsibly in infrastructure and encouraging residents to shop locally. Agriculture must remain an important part of our economy, while allowing farmers opportunities to diversify and strengthen their operations. We should welcome appropriate businesses and investment that complement our communities, create local employment and broaden our tax base without compromising agricultural lands or the environment. Success means building a strong local economy while preserving the rural landscapes, working farms and community identity that make Smith Ward worth investing in.
Selwyn Township will offer internet and telephone voting for the 2026 municipal Election. Voting in Selwyn Township opens on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00 a.m. and runs until Monday, October 26 at 8:00 p.m. Prior to the election, eligible electors will receive a personalized Voter Information Letter (VIL), which will include the website address and toll-free phone number for voting, a unique personal identification number (PIN), and instructions for casting a ballot.
For more information on voting in the Selwyn Township municipal election, visit www.selwyntownship.ca/2026election.
Editorial Note: This article is published by Discover Lakefield to inform the community about the 2026 Selwyn Township municipal election. Discover Lakefield does not endorse or oppose any candidate. Election coverage is intended to be factual, impartial, and in the public interest.