By: Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, KawarthaNOW

The Municipality of Brighton will welcome a new councillor for the community into council chambers on Monday (January 27).

During a special council meeting held on January 24, Brighton council selected Hannah MacAusland to fill the vacant council seat for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term of office.

At 22 years old, MacAusland is the youngest person to serve on Brighton council and the youngest woman serving on a municipal council in Ontario.

Council members shared the news with MacAusland and congratulated her at her workplace in Brighton on Friday afternoon following their decision, Municipality of Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander told kawarthaNOW. 

Earlier that day, council heard presentations from all of the applicants who put their names forward. 

The vacancy was declared during the December 9, 2024 council meeting, following the passing of Councillor Byron Faretis, who was elected to council in 2022. At a Decemeber 24 special council meeting, council reviewed a staff report titled "council vacancy appointment process" and approved the application process to fill the vacant seat.

In accordance with the Municipal Act, council is required to fill the vacancy within 60 days of a vacancy being declared, either through a direct appointment or through a by-election. 

Brighton council — which consists of the mayor, a deputy mayor, and five councillors (when at capacity) — proceeded to fill the office of councillor vacancy through an appointment by a call for applications process.

During the January 24 meeting, council listened to presentations from all of the applicants prior to selecting MacAusland for the role. The public was invited to listen to the applicants' presentations virtually, as the meeting was streamed live on the municipality's YouTube channel.

Along with MacAusland, the other applicants were Steph Hails, Laurie Caouette, Mary McEwan, Jake DeGroot, Hannah MacAusland, Joyce Cassin, Mohamed (Mo) Khan, Laura Knegt, and Doug Leblanc. Three candidates — Drew MacDonald, Christina Bergmann, and Clifford Clark — withdrew from the appointment application process. 

Born and raised in Brighton, MacAusland describes herself as "a young and passionate community member."

"I bring a new friendly face, fresh perspectives and am eager to listen and learn from all residents," MacAusland stated in her candidate biography. "I value the voices of those who have lived in Brighton their entire lives, as well as newcomers choosing to make this community their home

"I appreciate both rural and urban living that Brighton has to offer. Brighton is not just where I live, it's where I see my future. I understand the challenges and opportunities of being a young parent and can identify with the younger demographic in Brighton. I aim to be approachable and a dedicated voice for all in this community."