Mayor and Council
More in this Section...
Woolwich Township Council includes a Mayor and five Councillors who are are elected to serve a four-year term in a municipal election. For historical information contact the Corporate Services Department. The next local election is scheduled in October 2026.
The Mayor is elected at large across the Township and the ward Councillors are elected within their wards. To see the wards, download a printable ward map or view our interactive GIS mapping page. Find Council contact and background information below, or for more information see:
- The Council Calendar, which shows Council meeting dates, agendas and minutes.
- Council's Code of Conduct.
- Boards and Committees of the Township.
- Information about Council meetings, including how to speak before Council.
- Council Expenses, in support of Council's commitment to openness and transparency.
Mayor Sandy Shantz |
Sandy Shantz Sandy Shantz is serving her third term as Mayor of the Township of Woolwich. Previously she held elected positions as Councillor for Ward 1 Elmira and the Waterloo Region District School Board where she also served as Chair. As Mayor, Sandy is also Regional Councillor for the Township where she serves on many committees and boards including: Waterloo Region Police Services Board, Regional Library Board, Kiwanis Transit Board, Grand River Conservation Authority Board and the Airport Master Plan Committee. After growing up in Kitchener, Sandy and her husband Brian have lived in Elmira for almost 40 years and raised their three boys here. Besides travelling and ballroom dancing, Sandy now enjoys time with her five (soon to be six) grandchildren. The strength of the Township is its people, and Sandy understands the value of volunteers. She has actively volunteered at the local, area and national level of her church, and has held many volunteer leadership positions in education, child care, minor hockey and St. Mary's hospital governance committee. She also served as chair of the Woolwich Community Services capital fundraising campaign. As Mayor, Sandy wants to provide opportunities to tap into the talent of our local citizens, encourage service to residents and continue to develop a reputation for Woolwich as a healthy community. We are at a cross road as the Township continues to grow. Maintaining the strengths of our rural roots while moving into the future is important to Sandy, and in this term of Council, she hopes to position the Township to deal with those challenges. |
Councillor Evan Burgess (Ward 1) |
Councillor, Ward 1 |
Councillor Nathan Cadeau (Ward 1) |
Councillor, Ward 1 Nathan Cadeau is a respected expert in Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy with extensive academic and professional experience. He obtained his Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy from the University of Guelph and his Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Administration and Social Policy from Nipissing University. With a professional certification as a Certified Associate in Project Management from the Project Management Institute, Nathan has demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of effective planning and execution. Nathan has gained valuable experience in his various roles within the field of Corrections, including working as a Strategic Advisor to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Regional Incident Manager, Program Advisor, Information Analyst, Policy Advisor, Senior Statistics and Evaluation Officer, and Business Analyst with the at the Ministry of the Solicitor General in North Bay. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Nathan has been sharing his knowledge and expertise by teaching as a Professor for the Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice program at Conestoga College since August 2019, and as an Adjunct Instructor for the Social Welfare and Social Development Program at Nipissing University since September 2014. Nathan's unique combination of academic excellence and professional experience has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective leader in the political arena. He is committed to promoting evidence-based policies and practices that improve the safety and well-being of our communities. |
Councillor Eric Schwindt (Ward 2) |
Councillor, Ward 2 |
Councillor Bonnie Bryant (Ward 3) |
Councillor, Ward 3 Bonnie Bryant was previously elected to Council for the term of 2010 – 2014. She spent her working career in sales and marketing, and was also a small business owner. Bonnie volunteered for over ten years with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She served two years on the Provincial Board of Directors for the OSPCA. She has been Chair of the Woolwich Heritage Committee for the past 8 years. Bonnie has lived in Maryhill for over 20 years. She spends her spare time with friends and family, and enjoys gardening and other activities. Working together, we can make Woolwich the best place to work, live, and play. |
Councillor Kayla Grant (Ward 3) |
Councillor, Ward 3 |
Mayor's State of the Township Address
Mayor Sandy Shantz delivers her State of the Township address every year on behalf of Council. It is a time to discuss Woolwich's opportunities and challenges in the coming year.
2023 State of the Township Address |
Thank you for joining Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz's 2023 State of the Township Address. Mayor Shantz presented the address live from Lion's Hall in Elmira. Watch the address: |
* Council is continually advocating through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Association of Municipalities Ontario. Additionally, Council advocates to both the federal and provincial levels of government on behalf of organizations and groups, please contact Council if you have items that you wish Council to advocate for on your behalf.