Craig Nixon knows he has a tough task ahead of him.
After becoming Barrie's Ward 2 councillor in Monday's municipal election, he believes he's ready to do the work that needs to be put in.
Nixon took 1,418 votes in last night’s win, defeating five other people in the race to represent the ward, which includes Barrie's downtown.
Nixon told BarrieToday this morning that he was breathing a little better after the results came in around 9:30 p.m., as he watched from home.
“It was nice to exhale, that's for sure. We thought it would be close and it was,” Nixon said. “It's been a long journey since the end of May, and it's nice to see this part finally concluded.”
Shanicka Edwards came a close second with 1,044 of the votes, while Greg Peach (607), Tracy Strohm (502), Bob Ossowski (184) and Tif Arshi (70) rounded out the group.
Nixon tipped his hat to the 26-year-old Edwards, who is the founder of Shak’s World Community Centre on Maple Avenue.
“She is obviously very well known, very passionate and very caring. I haven’t had a chance to speak with her yet, but hope to today,” he said. “I’d like to hear more about her ideas, because they can certainly be incorporated into the overall picture.”
The first-time councillor says he plans on taking things slow and learning on the job when he takes his seat on Nov. 16 for the inaugural city council meeting of the 2022-26 term.
Nixon says he has a plan in Ward 2.
“No doubt, this is a very important ward, one with all the issues of other wards, but also one with issues not affecting the rest of the city,” he said. “I plan on meeting the staff at city hall and getting to know them.
"I also want to learn from councillors who are returning. It will also be great to talk with new councillors and the new mayor," Nixon added. "I feel I have a great council heading into the next four years and I am excited about it.”
Nixon replaces Keenan Aylwin as Ward 2 councillor. Aylwin chose not to run for a second term.
