As the dust settles on the 2026 municipal election, many areas in Simcoe County will see new mayors and council members, including Tiny Township, where only one councillor was re-elected. Former councillor Dave Brunelle was elected mayor, defeating incumbent David Evans by more than 1,300 votes. “The number one thing I have been asked is what is my first decision; we got the five of us (councillors) to have to get working together to restore public trust,” said Brunelle. The township saw more than 45 per cent voter turnout in the 2026 election, 13 per cent more than in 2022 when Evans was elected. Karen Zulynik was elected deputy mayor. “This says a lot of voices want to be heard; the community is engaged,” said Zulynik. Over the last municipal term, the township has seen its fair share of controversy, including the build of a new administration centre costing taxpayers more than $55 million. A discussion that Brunelle and Zulynik said was common when door knocking. “I’m not going to sugar-coat it; we’re in a serious financial crunch here,” said Zulynik. “Going forward, we’re going to include the community; we’re going to lay out what the costs are. We’re at about $10 million into it right now.” With Brunelle adding, the township is taking on a substantial debt. “We never had a debt more than $1 million in the Township of Tiny; now we have a tremendous amount of debt,” said Brunelle. “What’s it going to end up being? Not quite sure, but it’ll be; we figured the minimum $28 million cost of building plus interest.” With the new council now having to decide what to do with the building. “We’re going to put the question to the community; we’re going forward as a community,” said Zulynik. “There’s going to be a healing process that has to happen in Township of Tiny over the decision,” said Brunelle. “A lot of people are still very upset about it, and I want to restore peace, order, good governance and fiscal responsibility back in the Township of Tiny. The new council will be sworn in later on this month.
