Russell McTear
Candidate for Ward 7 – North Caledonia
I’m Russell McTear, and I’m running for Ward 7 Councillor in the 2026 Haldimand County municipal election.
I’m a local businessman, farmer and community supporter who has spent years involved in Caledonia and the surrounding community. I care about where this community is headed, how decisions at Haldimand County affect the people who live and work here, and whether we’re getting the kind of local government we expect.
This website is a place to learn more about me, why I decided to run, the issues I’m paying attention to in Ward 7 and how you can get in touch with me during the campaign.
Russell McTear
Candidate for Ward 7 – North Caledonia
I’m Russell McTear, and I’m running for Ward 7 Councillor in the 2026 Haldimand County municipal election.
I’m a local businessman, farmer and community supporter who has spent years involved in Caledonia and the surrounding community. I care about where this community is headed, how decisions at Haldimand County affect the people who live and work here, and whether we’re getting the kind of local government we expect.
This website is a place to learn more about me, why I decided to run, the issues I’m paying attention to in Ward 7 and how you can get in touch with me during the campaign.
Who Is Russell McTear?
I’ve spent much of my life around business, farming and the people who make this community what it is.
Running a business teaches you pretty quickly that decisions have consequences. You have to work within a budget, solve problems as they come up and take responsibility for the choices you make. Farming brings its own perspective. You learn to plan ahead, adapt when circumstances change and understand just how important land, infrastructure and good long-term decisions are to a community.
I’ve also taken an active interest in municipal matters over the years. Residents deserve to understand what is happening at the County, have opportunities to speak up and know where their councillor stands.
I’m not currently a member of Haldimand County Council. I’m putting my name forward because I want to take my experience in business, farming and community involvement and bring that perspective to the council table.
Why I’m Running
North Caledonia is changing quickly, and I have serious concerns about the amount of development being proposed before the infrastructure is there to support it.
I am opposed to the MZO, and I am not in favour of continuing to approve major development while roads, water and wastewater capacity, traffic management and other essential infrastructure are already under pressure. Development shouldn’t come first with a plan to figure out the infrastructure later.
I decided to run because I want to be directly involved in those decisions. I want to ask questions at the council table, look at the practical impact of what is being proposed and speak up when I don’t think a decision is right for North Caledonia.
There will not always be an easy answer, and people will not always agree. Municipal government works best when decisions can stand up to scrutiny, residents know what is happening and their councillor isn’t afraid to say where they stand.
If you’re happy with every decision being made about the direction Caledonia is taking, we may see things differently. If you’re questioning where we’re headed and think we need to get some things right before we keep pushing ahead, we should talk.
My Background
Business
I know what it means to operate a business, make decisions, manage expenses and deal with problems in the real world. That experience has shaped the way I look at spending, planning and accountability.
Farming
Agriculture is an important part of North Caledonia and Haldimand County as a whole. My farming experience has given me a direct connection to the land and to many of the issues that affect rural property owners and agricultural businesses.
Community
Community involvement, to me, means showing up when people need help. Over the years, I’ve hosted multiple fundraisers to support people in our community, along with supporting and participating in local events and activities.
That involvement didn’t start because I decided to run for council. Supporting people in my community is something I’ve done year-round for years, and it’s something I’ll continue doing regardless of an election.
Municipal Involvement
I’ve followed municipal issues and spoken up about matters affecting the community. Running for Ward 7 is the next step in that involvement and gives residents an opportunity to learn where I stand and talk to me directly about what they want from their next councillor.
Get Involved
Want a lawn sign, interested in volunteering or looking to support the campaign?
Visit the Get Involved page to find out how.
Contact Russ:
