Joel Loughead

for Deputy Mayor

Joel Loughead standing in the Beaver River in Kimberly, Ontario.

Protect what we have. Build what we need.

Protect what we have. Build what we need.

Joel’s Priorities

As Deputy Mayor, I will:

  • Always champion and prioritize genuinely affordable housing, and support new homes with new parks

  • Ensure development is focused within already built-up areas like downtown Markdale, rather than sprawling onto farmers’ fields

  • Work to keep our small town character while also growing a thriving economy and vibrant community

As Deputy Mayor, I will:

  • Make sure Grey Highlands’ development standards protect our natural environment

  • Work with the community to make Lake Eugenia permanently clean and swimmable

  • Protect the Niagara Escarpment and our sensitive watersheds from inappropriate development

As Deputy Mayor, I will:

  • Look for creative solutions to save taxes – like eliminating the $10 million bridges on Sideroad 7a

  • Always push for policy that puts Grey Highlands in the best financial position – like limiting needless new municipal infrastructure

  • Continue to push for new revenue streams – like hiring our full time grant co-ordinator, which has already saved Grey Highlands hundreds of thousands of dollars

A man fishing in a canoe on a lake surrounded by trees during dusk, smiling and wearing a cap and fleece jacket.

Protect what we have. Build what we need.

Joel Loughead carrying his son on his shoulders in Kimberley, Ontario
Joel Loughead with his family in their family home looking at a map in Grey Highlands
Joel and Frances Loughead on the Metcalfe trails surrounded by fall leaves.

I’ve worked with Joel on a number of issues while he has been a Councillor and have been impressed with his responsiveness, willingness to listen and to take concerns forward to Council. He’s working hard to improve our communities, protect the natural environment and municipal processes. He will do a great job as Deputy Mayor.

Dr. Kate Lazier
ER Physician

I've known Joel personally for several years now, both through his work on municipal council and as a member of my local community. I strongly endorse him as a family-oriented and community-minded voice for Deputy Mayor of Grey Highlands.

Dr. Will Gott
Physician, Grey Highlands

Joel looks to the future and sees something worth fighting for. He listens to others and then acts with integrity and intention. Our council is best with Joel Loughead as Deputy Mayor.

Erica Ferguson MD
Flesherton / Markdale Family Medicine

I strongly support Joel Loughead in his bid for Deputy Mayor of Grey Highlands. During his time on council he has proven himself to be a strong representative, committed to community values, transparency, common sense and true sustainability – both economic and environmental. He has demonstrated a thorough understanding of local issues and great integrity – important skills needed for this new role.

Alex Speigel
OAA

I bought my farm in 1973 and have been a resident in the former Township of Euphrasia, now the Municipality of Grey Highlands ever since. I voted for Joel in 2022 and, without any hesitation whatsoever, I endorse him as our next Deputy Mayor. Joel listens to us. He genuinely believes in local democracy. He respects and understands the concept of community and always keeps the rural nature of our municipality top of mind. This is so important. I will encourage my neighbours and friends to vote for Joel because he will continue to work hard and represent our agricultural concerns while fighting for the preservation of our watersheds, farmland and continuous natural corridors.

Rob Leverty
President of Niagara Escarpment Foundation

Joel is a family and community man who is deeply committed to MGH. Since becoming a Councillor, he has consistently brought a thoughtful, careful, and balanced approach to Council decision-making and financial management. He is someone who genuinely listens to citizens, values their perspectives, and works hard to represent their interests. Now that he has put forward his candidacy for Deputy Mayor, I am confident that we would all be exceptionally well served with him in that role. His integrity, judgment, and commitment make him an outstanding choice.

Paul Woolner
Grey Highlands resident

Joel for Deputy Mayor of Grey Highlands! As councillor he has demonstrated that he can lead with integrity, listen to residents, and is committed to making thoughtful decisions that benefit the community. Joel’s dedication and collaborative approach make him a strong and trusted choice for this role.

Carolyn Gott
Markdale Recreation Committee

It didn't take long for me to see that Joel really cares about the Grey Highlands community, always promoting fair and equal treatment for his constituents. He is an experienced Councillor with a focus on protecting nature, local farming and road safety—extremely important concerns for this municipality. Joel would serve us well as Deputy Mayor and our local representative on Grey County Council.

Ron Barnett
Local volunteer/Community leader
Joel Loughead wearing a light blue blazer standing on one of the rural roads in the Municipality of Grey Highlands

About Joel

  • Elected to Grey Highlands council in 2022

  • Family man - Raising his five year old son in Kimberley with his wife, Frances

  • Volunteers and fundraises with the Kimberley Community Association

  • Chair of the Grey Highlands Community Safety Committee

  • Board of Directors, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority

  • Boards of Directors, Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit

  • Member of Grey Bruce Poverty Taskforce

  • Member of Eugenia District Community Improvement Association

Joel’s Priorities

  • Ensure development is focused to create vibrant downtown areas, rather than expensive urban sprawl that destroys farmland

  • Work to keep our small town character with balanced growth for a thriving local economy

  • Make sure Grey Highlands has excellent development standards that protect our natural environment

  • Protect our sensitive watersheds, wetlands, and forests from inappropriate development

  • Put Grey Highlands in the best financial position by restricting expensive infrastructure and limiting new staff

Get In Touch

One of the things Joel really values is connecting with the community. He will always prioritize communication with the people of Grey Highlands.

If you have questions or concerns, Joel would love to talk with you!
Reach out through the form below, or email him directly: joellougheadgreyhighlands@gmail.com