RE-ELECT
Kevin Ker
Pelham Town Councillor Ward 1
KWKER1@GMAIL.COM
905-933-7119
Advice with Integrity
Experience - Independence - Community Focused
A trusted advisor, respected professional, and dedicated member of the Pelham community.
Pelham First
No to Amalgamation
I will continue to stand up for a strong, independent Town of Pelham and firmly oppose amalgamation. Decisions about Pelham should be made by the people who live here—not by outside governments.
I believe our rural communities, villages, and neighbourhoods must be protected from inappropriate development. Growth should be responsible and focused in the right locations, while addressing stormwater, traffic, public safety, infrastructure, and the long-term costs to taxpayers. More homes do not automatically mean lower taxes.
Pelham remains primarily a residential community, with homeowners funding most Town services. It's also important to remember that only 39.9% of your property tax bill stays with the Town, while 60.1% goes to the Region and School Boards.
As Pelham grows, we must preserve the unique character of Fenwick, North Pelham, and our rural areas while ensuring parks, recreation, and public spaces remain accessible and affordable for residents of all ages.
Most importantly, I believe the best decisions for Pelham are made in Pelham. Council should respect and rely on the knowledge and experience of local residents who understand our land, our history, and our community.
Independence - Local Decision-making - Responsible Growth - Fiscal Responsibility
I am a husband, father, and grandfather with deep roots in Pelham. I was was born and raised in Fenwick, attended its local schools. Upon graduation from E.L. Crossley S.S., I attended the University of Guelph and received my Honours B.Sc. Agr and M.Sc. in Environmental Biology. After completing my education, I returned home to Pelham. I coached, taught and volunteered in the community while embarking on my career and completing my PhD at Brock University.
I presently reside on our family’s century-old property on Maple Street with my wife Jina and our two rescue dogs.
For over 45 years, I have worked with farmers, municipalities, governments, and community organizations to solve agricultural and environmental challenges locally, nationally and internationally. My experience includes serving as a provincial specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, founding my consulting company KCMS – Advice with Integrity, along with teaching and conducting research at Brock University.
My professional experience in planning, agriculture, and rural development — including serving as an expert witness before the Ontario Land Tribunal, Ontario Superior Court, National Energy Board and the Federal Senate — provides Council with practical knowledge that benefits our community.
Who is Kevin Ker
Not a Politician - A Community Representative
I am not a career politician. I do not seek the spotlight or media attention. Instead, I believe the best way to serve our community is through hard work, careful preparation, and thoughtful decision-making. Skills I have built over my lifetime involve taking the technical and making it understandable and practical. Being connected throughout my life to Pelham, I have developed a deep understanding of Ward One, its people, and its history.
That knowledge is valuable at the Council table. I can often provide historical context that helps staff and Council better understand local issues and develop practical, informed solutions. Whether the discussion involves planning, roads, drainage, or other Ward 1 community concerns, understanding the history of an issue often leads to better decisions for our future.
I take my responsibilities seriously. I read the reports, review the background information, ask questions, seek clarification when needed, and base my decisions on facts and sound professional advice. My commitment is to make informed decisions that are in the best interests of all Pelham residents.
I believe effective representation is not about being the loudest voice. It is about being prepared, listening carefully, and earning the trust of residents through knowledge, integrity, and consistent hard work. That is the approach I have taken on Council, and it is the approach I will continue if re-elected.
Experience That Delivers
One of the greatest strengths of our current Council has been the diversity of experience around the table. With backgrounds in farming, education, policing, engineering, finance, emergency services, and agriculture, we have worked together through respectful debate and practical decision-making to serve the residents of Pelham.
While we haven't always agreed on every issue, we have worked together with one goal in mind—doing what's best for the residents of Pelham. Strong representation and leadership comes from listening, respecting different viewpoints, and finding practical solutions.
I also believe that good governance means encouraging the next generation of community leaders. Welcoming new voices and fresh ideas, while benefiting from experienced leadership, helps build a stronger future for our community.
Over the past four years, I have been proud to serve as your Ward 1 Councillor, representing residents on Council, the Agriculture Advisory Committee, the Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. Board of Directors, the PenWest Energy Board of Directors, and the Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport Commission. These roles have given me valuable experience in municipal governance, financial oversight, infrastructure, and regional partnerships.
With your support, I look forward to continuing to be a strong voice for Ward 1 and working to keep Pelham financially responsible, responsive to residents, and a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Delivering Results for Pelham
Results at a Glance
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90% reduction in Town debt since 2018
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$512,000 rebate secured for MCC solar project
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Blue Jays Foundation grant secured for Centennial Park
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10 local veterans recognized in Fenwick through the Branch 613 Veterans Banner Program by 2026
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40 km/h urban speed limits implemented across Pelham
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New Fire Hall and pool restoration underway
Responsible Financial Stewardship
Good government means budgeting and investing wisely. It means accessing grants and rebates to leverage and enhance local budget commitments.
An example is the solar panels being installed at the Meridian Community Centre through a project supported by a $512,000 rebate. The installation is expected to pay for itself in approximately seven years while significantly reducing electricity costs for decades afterward, helping protect all Pelham taxpayers from rising energy prices to operate the MCC.
The current Council, by continuing the previous Councils work, has reduced Pelham's debt by almost 90% since 2018 .
Investing in Our Parks and Recreation in Ward 1
Our parks and recreation facilities are important gathering places for families and community organizations.
Recent investments include:
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Support for Pelham Minor Baseball in securing a Blue Jays Foundation grant.
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Expansion of the Fenwick Lions Club Food Booth and new washroom facilities at Centennial Park.
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Additional municipal funding for North Pelham Park and Centennial Park improvements. At Centennial Park this includes new LED field lighting, new benches, and field enhancements that will benefit players and spectators for years to come.
Honouring Those Who Served
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As an Associate member of Branch 613 (Fonthill) Royal Canadian Legion for 48 years, one project that has been especially meaningful to me was working with Branch 613 to bring the Veterans Banner Program to Fenwick.
In Fenwick four local veterans were honoured in 2025, with six additional veterans to be recognized in 2026.
Council also installed two "Lest We Forget" commemorative crosswalks at the Meridian Community Centre and in front of the Fonthill Library, providing lasting reminders of the sacrifices made by our veterans.
Dr. E.L. Crossley and F/O E.A. Ker ,DFC at 1942 Fenwick Citizens Parade. Personal photo.
Improving Road and Pedestrian Safety
Keeping residents safe remains a priority.
Continuing the advocacy of the late Councillor Marianne Stewart, pedestrian crossing lights were installed on Canboro Road at both Wellington Heights Public School and St. Ann Catholic Elementary School in 2025. By choosing solar-powered technology, we were able to install two pedestrian crossings for less than the original budget for a single conventional installation.
Council has also:
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Reduced urban speed limits throughout Pelham to 40 km/h.
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Implemented additional traffic-calming measures, including speed humps and enhanced pedestrian crossings.
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Continued investing in safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and families.
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Utilized GPS tracking technologies on equipment for winter snow removal to optimize road clearing and response times.
Photo taken in Nova Scotia. Personal archives.
Planning for the Future
Council continues to make investments that will serve our growing community for many years.
Grant funding was secured for the reconstruction of the swimming pool and surrounding improvements at Marlene Stewart Streit Park, with construction beginning in 2026.
Construction is also underway on the new Station One Fire Hall in Fonthill, providing modern emergency services to meet the needs of our growing community, with completion expected in early 2027.
Building a Stronger Pelham
These accomplishments represent more than completed projects—they demonstrate a commitment to responsible financial management, community partnerships, public safety, recreation, and preserving what makes Pelham a great place to live.
There is still more work to do, and I remain committed to listening to residents, making thoughtful decisions, and ensuring every tax dollar is invested wisely for the benefit of our community.
The Work Ahead
Pelham has made tremendous progress, but important work remains.
Keeping Taxes Affordable
Fiscal responsibility must continue to guide every decision. We need to keep taxes affordable by balancing community priorities with responsible budgeting and continuing to reduce debt. Since 2018, Town debt has been reduced by nearly 90%—an achievement we should be proud of and continue to reduce. Recognizing this, we must carefully manage long-term financial commitments, including the Meridian Community Centre financing that extends to 2047, and plan for future required capital expenditures by contributing to capital reserves.
Planning Responsible Growth
Growth is coming, and it must be planned wisely. As the Province encourages new housing, Council must ensure development is sustainable and supported by the infrastructure for our community needs.
Every proposal should be evaluated for its impact on stormwater management, the environment, roads, municipal services, and neighbourhood character. This will be especially important as the East Fenwick Secondary Plan moves forward.
As your Ward 1 representative, I will continue to advocate for our rural communities and villages while supporting growth that is financially responsible and respects Pelham's unique character.
Protecting Rural Infrastructure
Well-maintained municipal drains and ditches are essential to protecting homes, farmland, roads, and the environment. Regular inspections, preventative maintenance, and timely improvements help reduce flooding risks and avoid costly emergency repairs.
Investing in Essential Services
Pelham's Public Works Department maintains more than 572 kilometres of roads, bridges, parks, municipal facilities, snow removal, and other critical services. As our community grows, we must invest in modernizing and expanding the Public Works Yard to ensure staff have the equipment and facilities needed to serve residents efficiently.
I also support the renovation and expansion of the Fonthill Library and the Town's commitment to its capital campaign. This investment will strengthen educational opportunities, cultural programs, and community services for residents of all ages.
Looking Ahead
By keeping taxes affordable, planning growth responsibly, protecting our rural infrastructure, and investing wisely in essential services, we can ensure Pelham remains financially strong, well-managed, and an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family.
