If you Pay Taxes or Rent in Owen Sound You Need to See This - Reasons to be Concerned

 

Our Endorsed Candidates

 

Concerned Owen Sound Taxpayers is proud to endorse these candidates who share our commitment to better municipal government. They recognize the need for greater accountability, responsible spending, stronger leadership, and practical solutions to the challenges facing Owen Sound.

How We Selected These Candidates for Endorsement

The COST selection team reviewed the Candidates’ responses to both COST and the Current’s questions, attended the All Candidates Meetings, and reviewed the platforms of the candidates that showed promise. Those candidates were invited for coffee with COST senior executives to discuss their suitability for a COST Endorsement. Not all candidates who were invited chose to attend and not all candidates who attended a coffee meeting received an endorsement.

We believe that the candidates shown below have the ideas, determination, and courage to help put our city on a better path. More importantly these candidates our are best hope for introducing the changes needed to put Owen Sound on the road to prosperity.


If you want our city to grow and become the vibrant and prosperous community that it once
was, these are the candidates that we believe give us the best chance of achieving that goal.


David Adams

ADAMS, David

A Proven Business Leader and Experienced Government Lobbyist

David Adams brings an exceptional depth of leadership, negotiation, and public policy experience to Owen Sound. Having recently retired after 21 years as President and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada, following 18 years with the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, he understands how to work with governments, build consensus, and turn complex challenges into practical solutions. David’s experience and strategic perspective would be invaluable in addressing Owen Sound’s pressing issues, including property taxes, homelessness, economic development, and the need to diversify our local economy. As a COST-endorsed candidate, he offers the seasoned leadership, fresh perspective, and results-oriented approach needed to challenge the status quo and help put Owen Sound on a stronger path to prosperity.

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Thomas Arakal

ARAKAL, Thomas

A Practical Voice for Change with both Management and Union Experience

Thomas Arakal brings hands-on operational management experience, labour leadership, and a strong commitment to representing the interests of ordinary residents. Through his work with Canada Post and his role as Vice-President of his union local, he has developed valuable skills in problem-solving, negotiation, and working through difficult issues. Thomas believes taxpayers deserve careful spending, transparent decision-making, and a stronger voice at City Hall. As a COST-endorsed candidate, he offers a fresh perspective, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and a practical, collaborative approach to making Owen Sound more accountable, affordable, and responsive to its residents.

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Justin Bianco

BIANCO, Justin

A Fresh Perspective Focused on Results

Justin Bianco brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to municipal decision-making and a willingness to challenge established practices when better solutions are available. His responses on taxation reflect a commitment to controlling spending, keeping tax increases at or below inflation wherever reasonably possible, and requiring clear public justification when higher increases are necessary. He also recognizes the need for practical action on homelessness, addiction, and downtown safety. As a COST-endorsed candidate, Justin offers an analytical mindset, a commitment to transparency, and a focus on measurable results that can help move Owen Sound toward a safer, more accountable, and more affordable future.

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Joe Carder

CARDER, Joe

A Community-Focused Voice for Responsible Change

Born and raised in Owen Sound, Joe Carder brings more than 17 years of healthcare experience, a background in transportation management, and over 14 years of involvement in Owen Sound minor sports. As a Georgian College graduate, former Student Body President, and union steward, he has experience listening, advocating, and working through differences. Now retired, Joe has the time and opportunity to give back to the community that has given him so much. Life hasn’t always been easy, and his experiences have helped him appreciate the challenges people face and the difference a supportive community can make.

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Brock Hamley

HAMLEY, Brock

A Proven Leader Who Understands How to Get Things Done in a Municipal Environment

Brock Hamley brings a valuable combination of council experience, senior provincial government leadership, and expertise in economic development and public policy. During his time on Owen Sound City Council  he encouraged his colleagues to support change and was instrumental in resolving the 10th Street bridge restoration. Brock was one of the few members of council who consistently pushed back on budget increases. As a COST-endorsed candidate, he offers the seasoned leadership, financial scrutiny, and practical knowledge needed to help a new council work together, challenge the status quo, and deliver meaningful change for Owen Sound taxpayers.

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Meghan Robertson

ROBERTSON, Meghan

A Small Business Owner with a Fresh Perspective for a Stronger Owen Sound

Meghan Robertson combines more than 20 years of experience operating her own drywall business with over a decade of volunteer service on Owen Sound’s Heritage, Community Services, and Operations committees. As a COST-endorsed candidate, she brings practical problem-solving skills and a commitment to responsible municipal government. Her priorities include addressing homelessness and encampments, controlling property taxes, tackling the roads and infrastructure backlog, and attracting developers to build more affordable housing. She also supports transparent decision-making, public accountability for council votes, and reviewing municipal costs to identify opportunities for greater efficiency without placing additional burdens on taxpayers.

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David Schinbein

SCHINBEIN, David

An Experience Leader with the Ability to Challenge the Status Quo and Turn Ideas into Action

David Schinbein brings a combination of municipal council experience, public service, and community involvement to the challenge of improving Owen Sound. Having served on council in both Esquimalt, British Columbia, and Hanover, Ontario, he offers experience with municipal decision-making and the complexities of local government. His background in public service and volunteer leadership provides a foundation for constructive collaboration, practical problem-solving, and responsible governance. As a COST-endorsed candidate, David has an opportunity to draw on his previous council experience to promote greater accountability, more effective municipal management, and a renewed focus on delivering value for taxpayers. He can help bring a fresh perspective to City Hall and work toward a more affordable, responsive, and prosperous Owen Sound.

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Inform • Question • Improve

Tap or Click Here: to Review the Core Values that all Endorsed Candidates Share