(Wingham, North Huron, ON) It was supposed to be just another night of duck-and-cover democracy at North Huron Council — but instead, residents were treated to an impromptu hallway comedy special starring Councillor Anita van Hittersum, abandoned by her own colleagues.
As cameras rolled and questions flew, van Hittersum found herself outside the council chambers door with David Menzies and Buck asking simple, reasonable questions. Not hostile. Not threatening. Just questions. The kind public officials are allegedly paid to answer.
Inside the chambers? Silence.
Locked door.
Council and staff safely huddled together, refusing to let her in.
To be clear: she was not “cornered.” There was a wide-open exit door to her left. No one blocked her path. No one raised a voice. The only thing trapping her was the sudden realization that answering questions might be harder than avoiding them.
The hallway soon erupted in laughter as each non-answer piled on another. At first, Councillor van Hittersum laughed along — unsure why the crowd was laughing. Then it dawned on her: they weren’t laughing with her.
They were laughing at her.
In a moment that will live forever in Wingham folklore, she repeatedly knocked on the council chambers door, hoping one of her male colleagues would “man up” and let her in. Surely someone would open the door. Surely someone would help.
Nope.
Council stayed frozen inside — paralyzed with fear — much like they’ve been when asked to clear obstructed sidewalks forcing children into live traffic. Apparently, opening a door for a colleague is just as terrifying as enforcing bylaws evenly.
After several knocks and zero rescues, van Hittersum finally realized what the rest of the town already knows: council wasn’t coming to save her. They don’t rush to help residents, and they certainly weren’t about to help her.
Defeated, humiliated, and thoroughly unsupported, she eventually gave up waiting — and tried the other door.
The lesson?
When accountability shows up at the door, North Huron Council locks it… even on their own.
📅 Residents are strongly encouraged to attend the next council meeting on February 17.
It’s educational. It’s entertaining. And judging by recent events, it’s the best live comedy Wingham has to offer.
Bring popcorn.
North Huron Council Contact Info:
Paul Heffer
280 Manor Road
(519) 357-3594
[email protected]
Mitch Wright
63 Bristol Terrace
(519) 357-9497
[email protected]
Lonnie Whitfield
94 John St. West
(226) 222-2585
[email protected]
Anita van Hittersum
84012 Hoover Line
(519) 523-4492
[email protected]
Chris Palmer
39331 Belfast Road
(519) 357-3385
[email protected]
Kevin Fascist Falconer
303 King Street
(519) 955-0301
[email protected]
Ric McBurney
202 Thuell St, Blyth
(519) 441-7415
[email protected]