Bluewater - 2026 municipal candidate questions and responses

We emailed every candidate in Huron County running in the upcoming municipal election (including those who were acclaimed).

We asked four questions.

Everyone was given the same timeframe to respond.

1. If elected, will you support your municipality declaring June to be Pride Month, in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and the work of inclusion in our communities?

Candidate’s name	Role	Yes	No	Unclear	Did not answer
Tyler Hessel	Mayor				X
Paul Klopp	Mayor	X
Bill Whetstone*	Deputy Mayor				X
E.J. Bauer	Councillor - Bayfield ward	X
Michael DeCorte	Councillor - Bayfield ward				X
Megan Goss	Councillor - Hay East ward	X
Joey Groot	Councillor - Hay East ward				X
Brian Heagle	Councillor - Hay West ward	X
Joan Bradley	Councillor - Hensall ward	X
Scott Harris	Councillor - Hensall ward				X
David Armstrong	Councillor - Stanley East ward				X
Peter Walden	Councillor - Stanley East ward		X
Brian Kellow	Councillor - Stanley West ward				X
Greg Lamport	Councillor - Stanley West ward				X
Jason Becker	Councillor - Zurich ward				X
Winona Sangster	Councillor - Zurich ward	X

2. If elected, will you support your municipality flying the Pride Flag during the month of June, showing tangible support for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents?

Candidate’s name	Role	Yes	No	Unclear	Did not answer
Tyler Hessel	Mayor				X
Paul Klopp	Mayor	X
Bill Whetstone*	Deputy Mayor				X
E.J. Bauer	Councillor - Bayfield ward			X
Michael DeCorte	Councillor - Bayfield ward				X
Megan Goss	Councillor - Hay East ward	X
Joey Groot	Councillor - Hay East ward				X
Brian Heagle	Councillor - Hay West ward	X
Joan Bradley	Councillor - Hensall ward		X
Scott Harris	Councillor - Hensall ward				X
David Armstrong	Councillor - Stanley East ward				X
Peter Walden	Councillor - Stanley East ward		X
Brian Kellow	Councillor - Stanley West ward				X
Greg Lamport	Councillor - Stanley West ward				X
Jason Becker	Councillor - Zurich ward				X
Winona Sangster	Councillor - Zurich ward			X

3. Would you attend Huron County Pride events, including its Pride Week, year-round programming, and support its decal program and other educational events?

Candidate’s name	Role	Yes	No	Unclear	Did not answer
Tyler Hessel	Mayor				X
Paul Klopp	Mayor	X
Bill Whetstone*	Deputy Mayor				X
E.J. Bauer	Councillor - Bayfield ward	X
Michael DeCorte	Councillor - Bayfield ward				X
Megan Goss	Councillor - Hay East ward	X
Joey Groot	Councillor - Hay East ward				X
Brian Heagle	Councillor - Hay West ward	X
Joan Bradley	Councillor - Hensall ward	X
Scott Harris	Councillor - Hensall ward				X
David Armstrong	Councillor - Stanley East ward				X
Peter Walden	Councillor - Stanley East ward		X
Brian Kellow	Councillor - Stanley West ward				X
Greg Lamport	Councillor - Stanley West ward				X
Jason Becker	Councillor - Zurich ward				X
Winona Sangster	Councillor - Zurich ward	X

4. What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

PAUL KLOPP, Mayor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

"When I was an MPP in the NDP government, I worked to pass legislation that gave real protection to all people who were oppressed.  I see how important it is to stand up for the decency that everyone deserves.  It has continued to be my responsibility to defend the principles of equity in our communities.  Whether or not I am elected, maintaining human rights is non-negotiable for me."

E.J. BAUER - Councillor - Bayfield ward candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

"My responsibility as an elected official is to represent all residents fairly and respectfully.

"That means listening, treating people with dignity, standing against discrimination, and making sure that municipal decisions and public spaces are welcoming and accessible to everyone.

"I don’t believe an elected official needs to have all the answers. I do believe they have a responsibility to listen, ask questions, understand the issues and ensure that every resident knows their voice matters.

"For me, public service is about respect, inclusion, transparency and treating people the way we would want to be treated ourselves.

"Thank you for the work Huron County Pride does in our communities."

MEGAN GOSS - Councillor - Hay East ward candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"If elected, I feel it would be my responsibility to promote/advocate at council for equitable access to municipal services for all residents with additional focus on residents that may face systemic barriers such as the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I would like to see a memorandum of understanding in place between the municipality and organizations such as Huron County Pride to support this initiative."

BRIAN HEAGLE - Councillor - Hay West ward (acclaimed)

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"I have always believed that awareness animates. As a Councillor, I will need to know about ongoing issues, information and opportunities regarding 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies, especially in Bluewater and across Huron County (as an acclaimed candidate, I initiated that action item when I sat down for an open dialogue this month with Huron County Pride's Board Chair). That continuing education will help inform my decision-making about municipal matters involving diversity and inclusion. Those fundamental factors for the well-being of a community extend to many groups and individuals and despite progress being made, it is evident that hate, discrimination and stigma persist in today's world.

"Overcoming a divisive culture requires vigilance. As the saying goes, long term change takes a long time. It also requires intentional, thoughtful, and compassionate action. As a municipal leader, I will promote and strive to cultivate a more welcoming, respectful Bluewater for everyone."

JOAN BRADLEY, Councillor - Hensall ward candidate 

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"I support 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and their inclusion in the community.  As a potential elected official it would be my responsibility to protect the rights of all citizens as per the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I do not support any hatred towards any persons regardless of  who they love or choose to live their lives.  

"The flag policy has been a highly divisive issue in some Ontario communities that has resulted in property damage. A council’s job is to mitigate risk and protect municipal assets. A flag policy needs to be equitable and inclusive to all groups and that may not be sustainable.  

"I appreciate and respect the work that Huron County Pride continues to do to provide support and education to Huron County."  

PETER WALDEN, Councillor - Stanley East ward candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"I support respect for all citizens regardless of their gender or sexual preferences.

"I definitely do not support jamming any pride, or any religious, or any other special group’s priorities onto the public.

"This has been publicly discussed at Bluewater council meetings and voted and decided."

WINONA SANGSTER, Councillor - Zurich ward candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"My responsibility is to everyone. To make sure they feel heard, that our community is welcoming and that we remember to be kind. We never know what someone has or is going through, so I always lead with empathy and a listening ear. We are all here together, taking small steps toward the bigger changes."