A Confident Change for Grey Highlands Council
Hi, my name is Blake Martin and Grey Highlands is the only home I've ever known. I've lived here since I was two years old, went to Beavercrest and GHSS, and just recently returned home after finishing my Bachelor's Degree in Canadian History and Political Science.
I have always loved learning about political institutions like Parliament, how they came about, the people behind them, how their decisions reverberate into our communities, and how citizens can hold their representatives accountable. But my decision to run for council came from conversations much closer to home.
After coming back to my home in Markdale and catching-up with family, old friends, and members of our community, I kept hearing the same concern: “I’m worried about the cost of living. Something needs to change.”
I share that concern. Rather than simply accepting that things have to stay the same, I decided to step forward and help bring about the change our community is asking for.
Who Am I?
Community based representation focused on the real needs of Grey Highlands residents.
Affordability
Sustainability
Democracy
The cost of living is affecting families, seniors, young people, and businesses across our community. Affordability must be treated as a local priority, with decisions measured against their real impact on household budgets.
Right now, less than two-thirds of what you pay in property taxes goes directly towards funding our communities here in Grey Highlands. If we are going to sustain, let alone grow our communities we need new and better revenue generation tools.
Protecting our farmland and natural surroundings is not separate from building a strong local economy - it is an essential component. We need to grow thoughtfully and make responsible decisions about land use.
I support building tall, not wide, where appropriate, and reinvesting in existing, underutilized, infrastructure rather than fresh builds so we can accommodate responsible growth while keeping our farmland pristine.
Local government works best when residents have a meaningful voice - not only at election time, but throughout a council’s term. I believe Grey Highlands needs stronger tools for public participation, transparency, and accountability.
That includes bringing more direct democracy to Grey Highlands through public referendums, expanding access to elections, and regular meetings with our residents. Council should always remain answerable to the people they serve.
Current Dates:
All Candidate Meetings
Monday, September 21st: All Candidates Meeting at the Flesherton Kinplex. Starts at 6:00PM.
Thursday, October 1st: All Candidates Meeting at the Annesley United Church in Markdale. Starts at 7:00PM.
Monday, October 5th: All Candidates Meeting at the Kimberly Hall. Starts at 6:00PM.
Tuesday, October 6th: All Candidates Meeting at the Highland United Church in Eugenia. Starts at 7:00PM.
Thursday, October 8th: All Candidates Meeting at the Osprey Community Centre. Starts at 6:30PM.
Saturday Socials
September 5th: Come support a local business and discuss local issues at the Tim Hortons in Markdale from 10:00AM to 12:00PM.
September 12th: Come support a local business and discuss local issues at Kim's Place in Flesherton from 10:00AM to 12:00PM.
September 19th: Come support a local business and discuss local issues at the Kimberly Cafe and Social House from 10:00AM to 12:00PM.
September 26th: Come support a local business and discuss local issues at Top O' the Rock in Eugenia from 10:00AM to 12:00PM.
Your involvement helps build a community-first council. Request a lawn sign or volunteer today to make a difference in Grey Highlands.
Blake Martin for Grey Highlands Council
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Feel free to contact me anytime at:
bbarwick269@gmail.com
519-270-1262
Markdale, Ontario, PO.537