Candidate Name: Justin Perks
Position Sought: Mayor
Email: perksofmeaford@gmail.com
Phone: 519-538-0555
Bio:
Meaford has always been home to me. I’m the fourth generation of my family to call this municipality home, and I’m proud to raise my own family here.
For 15 years, I owned and operated a roofing business in Meaford. Running a local business taught me to work hard, listen, take responsibility, and stand behind my decisions. Your word matters, and you answer for your work.
I’ve since sold the business and am ready for a new challenge.
I’m a husband and father. Outside work, you’ll find me fishing, out on Georgian Bay or spending time with my family.
Explain your primary reasons for your decision to seek election to Meaford council:
I decided to run for Mayor because I believe Meaford needs a clear vision.
I couldn’t see a clear vision in the other candidates’ platforms, so I wanted to provide a choice for the people of Meaford.
My vision is simple: keep Meaford safe, clean and financially responsible, protect our community’s character and support local businesses.
Across Ontario, small communities are facing growing challenges, including homelessness, public drug use, affordability pressures, economic uncertainty, and rapid social and political change. I believe Meaford needs to be very clear about what kind of community we want to remain.
The decisions we make over the next four years will shape Meaford for decades. I’m running to put clear priorities on the table and work to deliver them.
In your view, what should be the top priorities for the council that is elected on October 26?
When candidates talk about roads, infrastructure and economic development, my question is simple: What is the vision? What can we do today, and what are we working to achieve over the next four years?
Those issues matter, but residents deserve more than a list of topics. They deserve a clear direction, practical priorities and an understanding of what Council will work to accomplish.
That starts with practical action. I will work with Council and staff to review our bylaws, identify where changes are needed, and push for consistent enforcement to keep our streets, parks and public spaces safe, clean and well maintained.
I will demand transparency about where our tax dollars are going. We should examine spending, look for efficiencies and explain our priorities clearly before asking residents to pay more.
Economic development needs to mean more than talking about attracting businesses. We need to support the businesses already here and make Meaford a place where people feel confident building, renovating and investing.
If builders and contractors are asking which side of the road a property is on, declining work, or charging more because they expect difficulties with Meaford’s municipal processes, that is something Council needs to address by making building and planning clearer, more consistent and more predictable, without lowering standards or environmental protections.
Over the next four years, I will work toward a clear, costed plan for our roads, arena, parks and other municipal facilities, with priorities, timelines and public updates so residents can follow our progress.
Most importantly, protecting our land, waterfront and rural character must be part of every decision, not an afterthought. Planning for our future should respect what makes Meaford home.
I will work with Council, staff and residents across the entire municipality to turn these priorities into action. Whether you live downtown, on a farm or in one of our rural communities, your concerns deserve attention.
Explain the role of Mayor as you understand it:
I believe the Mayor’s role is to provide strong, steady leadership and help Council work together for the good of the entire municipality.
A Mayor needs to listen to residents, understand their concerns and make sure those concerns are brought to the Council table. At the same time, decisions need to be based on facts, available resources and what is best for Meaford as a whole.
The Mayor also needs to work well with Council and municipal staff. Everyone brings different knowledge and experience to the table, and I believe good leadership means being willing to listen, ask questions and work together to find solutions.
The Mayor should also keep Council focused on its priorities, including responsible spending, infrastructure, growth and the services residents depend on.
I believe the Mayor needs to be approachable, accountable and consistent. You won’t always be able to make everyone happy, but residents should know that they have been heard and that decisions are being made with the best interests of the entire municipality in mind.
