(Wingham, North Huron) — A media firestorm is brewing as North Huron faces mounting pressure to abandon its illegal virtual council meetings and return to in-person governance, as directed by the Ontario Ombudsman.
Cameras are coming. Questions are coming. Accountability is coming.
And council knows it.
In a stunning reversal, North Huron has already backed down on one front—agreeing to stop the arrest and intimidation of citizens and journalists in the public gallery who were peacefully exercising their constitutional rights. Let that sink in: a municipality had to be pushed into simply following the law.
That alone tells you how far things have gone.
But the bigger question remains: what are they still hiding?
On February 17, 2026, Deputy Reeve Kevin Falconer was asked a simple, lawful question: “Now that the recording ban is gone, will public questions return?”
Instead of answering, Falconer allegedly responded with vulgar comments and aggressive conduct—an incident witnessed and documented. To date, the OPP have failed to lay charges or even take formal statements, raising serious concerns about accountability and selective enforcement.
This isn’t just about bad behavior—it’s about power.
Critics say North Huron council has silenced the public while driving taxes to the highest levels in Ontario. The cost? More than $1,500 per household, every year, with large portions reportedly tied up in wages and salaries for what residents describe as bloated and unproductive bureaucracy.
You pay more—while getting shut out.
That’s the trade-off.
Now residents are being urged to act. Contact council. Demand answers. Demand open, in-person meetings. Demand your right to speak, record, and hold elected officials accountable.
Because democracy doesn’t happen behind a screen.
And it doesn’t survive without pressure.
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]