Voters in rural Ontario township to elect new mayor Sept. 8

Brock Township residents will go to the polls to elect a new mayor September 8 after the surprise resignation of Mayor Walter Schummer in late May for undisclosed personal reasons.

The position was declared vacant June 9 after Schummer announced his decision with a written letter to the clerk and through his social media channels on May 26.

“For the last number of years, I have been dealing with escalating personal matters,” he said in a video, calling the decision “the most difficult decision of my life.”

“I do so with the best interest of the municipality and my health in mind,” Schummer said. The issues in my life have been ongoing for some time and it is taking a toll on me which has caused me to not be the kind of mayor the residents of the township expect and deserve.”

Schummer, a former Ward 3 councillor who was elected mayor in 2022, did not elaborate on the reasons he chose to step down, effective immediately.

Former Brock Mayor Walter Schummer

Recent changes to the Municipal Act as part of Strong Mayor powers require the municipality to hold a by-election to choose its next mayor.

Nominations for the post opened July 7 and will close Friday July 25 at 2 p.m.

Advanced Voting will take place September 3-8 with the election happening September 8. In order to vote in the upcoming by-election, you must be on the Municipal Voters’ list.

Mike Jubb, who was named acting mayor, said he was “shocked” at his colleague’s abrupt decision and wished Schummer and his family the best during these “difficult times.”

“I want to personally thank Walter for being a good mayor and for serving Brock for many years.”

Brock CAO Michelle Willson also praised Schummer for his service and for his support over the years.

“I want to thank Mayor Schummer for his years of dedication to council, staff, and the residents of Brock. On a more personal note, I want to thank him for his support and guidance over the past eighteen months. His kindness, patience, and advice have meant a lot to me during my transition into the CAO role.”

Willson said the work of the municipality “continues uninterrupted during this transitional period.”