Past Four Years at the Council Table
When I was elected to Renfrew Town Council in 2022, I entered municipal politics with a simple promise: don't make excuses, find solutions. Be honest and transparent. Always represent the taxpayers of the town.
Four years later, my record is not simply a list of ribbon cuttings or easy political wins. I feel my record includes major projects, difficult financial decisions, some very contentious council debates, uncomfortable questions, and occasions where I stood on the opposite side of a majority vote.
I purposed a motion to investigate the Ma-te-Way project.
Perhaps no issue defined my term of Council more than the Ma-te-Way Activity Centre expansion. I was not a member of the Council that originally awarded the major construction contract in 2021. I like many in the town of Renfrew was confused and upset how it played out, after being elected, I immediately started asking questions as early as December 2022. I was not happy with the answers I was getting from other members around the table or from the town staff on how it all played out.
Finally, after months of frustration, I moved a motion on April 25, 2023, that ultimately launched Council's third-party review of the Ma-te-Way expansion project. The motion passed unanimously. The review eventually examined the project's history, procurement, management, oversight, costs and delays.
The consequences on how it played out were significant. The project, originally awarded at approximately $18 million, became a major financial burden for the Town. The third-party review identified serious problems with project management and oversight. I openly stated the responsibility did not belong to one person. But to many councilmembers and town staff.
The third-party review concluded that previous councils also failed to demand proper written updates from staff. I learnt something very important through this process, and it became very straightforward in my mind moving forward:
I must ask the hard questions before millions of dollars are committed, not after. This experience shaped my approach to municipal finances ever since.
I challenged the 2025 tax increase.
In 2025, Renfrew residents faced a significant municipal tax increase. Councillor John McDonald and I were the lone two councillors who voted against the 2025 operating budget, which included a 10.35% increase in the municipal levy.
My concern was not simply the percentage. It was the long-term financial picture facing the taxpayers. Instead of simply voting against the budget, I brought forward a series of proposals aimed at changing how the budget process worked.
I asked and suggested the following:
- A complete report on the Town's reserve funds and where those reserves were allocated.
- One-on-one discussions between the Mayor, CAO and each councillor about budget priorities.
- A public budget meeting after the draft budget was completed so residents could review the numbers before commenting.
- A hiring freeze, subject to Council approving exceptions based on justification.
My approach was always this:
Before asking taxpayers for more money, understand where every dollar is going. That philosophy has become one of my central themes over the last 4 years. I would also like to note the following on my stance for all my years on council:
2023: In Favor of a 2.5% tax increase
2024: In Favor of an 11.22% tax increase (due to Ma-te-way project)
2025: Against a 10.35% tax increase.
2026: No vote due to “Strong Mayor Budget”
I pushed for better information on roads.
Roads are one of the most common complaints I hear in, day in and day out. Rather than simply saying Renfrew needs better roads, I brought forward a motion asking staff to provide Council with a detailed picture of the Town's road work.
I requested information showing:
- how many kilometres of roads had been paved during the previous five years;
- what roads had been designed in 2024;
- what roads were proposed for design in 2025 for construction in 2026; and
- which roads were scheduled for construction in 2025.
The purpose was to have that information available before budget deliberations.
My thought process was simple: make decisions based on the condition and needs of the
infrastructure, rather than simply reacting to the loudest complaint.
I supported a long-term sidewalk plan.
I supported a motion requiring the Town to assess the condition of sidewalks throughout Renfrew and develop a multi-year action plan. I was proud to 2nd the motion, which was passed by Council in October 2024.
Again, my support on this was to move away from fixing infrastructure only when it becomes a
problem and toward planning for infrastructure replacement over multiple years.
I had strong involvement in economic development.
Economic development became very important to me during my term. In 2025, Council revised the terms of reference for the Economic Development Advisory Committee, and I was as one of the Council representatives. The Town's economic development work includes issues such as community growth and attracting commercial, industrial, hotel and accommodation development.
I have repeatedly spoken publicly about the need for more economic activity in Renfrew, including my interest in attracting a new hotel to the community. For the last 4 years, I have worked hard with my connections and set up meetings regarding attracting a hotel to the area. The meeting’s have been a long process, and we are very close to making this happen, as a team.
My thoughts have always been, Renfrew needs to become a place where people don't simply pass through — it needs to become a destination where people invest, stay, shop and build businesses.
I worked on heritage and Renfrew's history.
I also brought forward a motion asking for a comprehensive review of the relationship between the Town and Heritage Renfrew. The goal was to examine the Town's historical interactions with the organization and identify ways to establish a more formal partnership that could strengthen heritage initiatives and improve communication. This is particularly relevant for myself as I have repeatedly emphasized Renfrew's history and identity.
I have also served as a Town representative with Heritage Renfrew and other community organizations.
I pushed for opportunities to generate revenue from recreation facilities.
In October 2024, I gave notice that I intended to bring forward a proposal to research naming rights for the ball diamonds at Ma-te-Way Park and explore advertising and corporate sponsorship opportunities. Along with many more ideas. I also proposed creating a working group involving Council, Town staff and community partners to examine ways to improve the diamonds. Sadly, this was put to the side, due to many staffing changes. If re-elected, I want to re-visit this idea and work to finding revenue outside taxation.
This example allows for a broader approach to municipal finances:
Don't always start with the question, “How much more should taxpayers pay?” Start with, “Can we find another way to generate revenue?”
I questioned municipal procurement
In early 2025, I was very vocal on how the Town's IT maintenance and support contract came to the table.
After a public delegation raised concerns about the procurement process, scoring and services associated with the contract, I brought forward a motion for Council to have the opportunity to ask questions and examine the process.
I also brought forward a proposal to retender the IT services contract, although that motion was subsequently withdrawn by me, due to the fact it could have been a legal issue to the taxpayer. I should note that the significance is not necessarily whether every proposal passed. It is that I
am willing to ask questions about how municipal contracts were awarded and whether Council had enough information to be comfortable with the process and passing of these contracts.
I have always advocated for more accountability around Town spending.
My record shows a recurring theme: “information before decisions.”
Whether it was reserves, hiring, roads, procurement, infrastructure or major projects, I repeatedly asked staff to provide additional information before Council committed itself. In June 2025, for example, I brought forward directions involving BIA attraction signs, a water-bill reimbursement request and concerns about a Haig Street property, asking staff to investigate and report back.
That is not always the most glamorous part of being a councillor. But it is a large part of the job.
I have always fought for better public involvement in government.
I have repeatedly argued that residents should have more opportunity to see information before decisions are made.
My 2025 budget motion is perhaps the clearest example. I wanted the public meeting to occur after the draft budget was completed so residents could examine the proposed numbers, complete the survey and then participate in the discussion. This motion passed.
For me, transparency is not simply publishing a meeting agenda. It means giving residents enough information and enough time to understand what Council is proposing.
My four years on council were not without controversy.
Being transparent also means acknowledging the other side. My four years on Council have not been controversy-free. I was the subject of Integrity Commissioner complaints relating to my conduct as a councillor. I gave comments in an open meeting relating to the renovation of the Town Hall regarding the purchase of furnishing. The furnishing bid was awarded to a company owned by a sitting council member at that time. I felt the optics of this, during a very difficult time financially to the town was not the best optics for the Town, Council considered the Integrity Commissioner's recommendations. Council ultimately voted not to accept the recommendations for action against me.
The 2nd Integrity Commissioner report was brought against me regarding a Facebook post, Council listened to the report and ultimately voted in favor of it and handing me a 7-day loss of pay. I have no issues with either decision, because, in my heart I was standing up for the taxpayers,
so they could hear the truth.
I have also had disagreements with fellow councillors, particularly during the difficult period surrounding the Ma-te-Way controversy. Those disagreements became public. I will always stand by that disagreements is part of democracy and that councillors should be able to
challenge decisions without making those disagreements personal.
This is an important part of my record — because transparency means acknowledging the difficult moments along with the successes.
I promise to be accessible, open, and engaged.
Throughout my term on Council, I have been the ONLY sitting councillor who has remained consistently active on social media through my Councillor Andrew Dick Facebook Page. I made this choice for a simple reason: I believe you deserve to hear from the people you
elected. (not just at election time)
For the last few years, I have used social media to provide Council updates, explain decisions, answer questions and share information about what is happening in our community. Along with many personal adventures and personal information so you can get to know me on a personal
level. I haven't always had every answer, but I have always tried my best to find one or point residents in the right direction.
Being accessible hasn't always been easy for me. Putting myself out on social media publicly means opening yourself up to criticism, personal attacks and, at times, some nasty comments.
I've certainly taken my share.
But I kept showing up.
I didn't disappear when the questions got difficult. I didn't stop communicating because someone disagreed with me. And I didn't believe that being elected meant residents should only hear from me at election time.
You elected me to represent you — and that means being available, being accountable and keeping you informed. Social media isn't perfect, and neither am I. But throughout my term, I have done my best to give Renfrew residents a direct line to one of their elected representatives.
If I am fortunate enough to earn your trust for another four years, that won't change. I'll keep showing up. I'll keep answering questions. I'll keep providing updates. And I'll continue to be open and honest with you — even when it's not the easy thing to do.
So, what is my four-year record?
I do not claim that I accomplished everything himself. I am one vote on a seven-member Council, and municipal government is built on collective decisions. But the public record does show several things I can be proud of.
- Moved the motion that launched the third-party review of the Ma-te-Way project.
- Voted against the 2025 budget and its 10.35% municipal levy increase.
- Brought forward a motion to abolish the taxi by-law.
- Pushed for greater transparency around reserves and the budget process.
- Called for information on roads and long-term infrastructure planning.
- Supported a multi-year sidewalk assessment and action plan.
- Sought greater scrutiny of municipal procurement.
- Pushed for stronger relationships with Heritage Renfrew.
- Served on the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
- Looked for opportunities to generate revenue through sponsorship and naming rights.
- Supported community-driven cultural and heritage initiatives.
Some of the most contentious issues facing Renfrew, I was willing to stand on the minority side of a vote.
I feel this is my own accurate way to describe myself in my first 4 years. Not four years of agreeing. Not four years of getting every decision I wanted. And certainly not four years without controversy.
Instead, four years I showed up, asking questions, challenging spending, supporting the community, taking difficult positions and learning from what went wrong.
As Renfrew heads into the 2026 municipal election, I am asking you for another four years.
My thoughts are straightforward:
- Judge me by the record.
- Judge me by the questions I asked.
- Judge me by the votes I took.
- Judge me by the things I challenged.
- Judge me on how I represented you.
And ultimately, judge me by whether you believe I have been an independent, open and honest voice for the people of Renfrew.
Thank you
Andrew Dick
**All information I have wrote has been verified through the town agendas and minutes (escribe)**