Marie Trainer Haldimand County Death, Former Ontario Mayor Died after September 7 Car Accident
Former Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer has sadly passed away on Thursday 31st October 2024. She died from injuries sustained in an accident on 7th September 2024. She was a prominent figure in Haldimand County politics, began her political career in 1985 when she was first elected as the councillor for the Hagersville Ward in the former Town of Haldimand (Best 2003).
Former Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer has sadly passed away on Thursday 31st October 2024. She died from injuries sustained in an accident on 7th September 2024. She was a prominent figure in Haldimand County politics, began her political career in 1985 when she was first elected as the councillor for the Hagersville Ward in the former Town of Haldimand (Best 2003).
Her early involvement laid the groundwork for a notable political journey, culminating in her election as mayor of Haldimand County. In 1988, Trainer expanded her political influence by becoming a councillor for the short-lived Regional Municipality of Haldimand-Norfolk (Best 2003). This experience not only enhanced her understanding of municipal governance but also solidified her commitment to public service.
In 2003, Trainer made a significant leap in her career by defeating incumbent mayor Lorraine Bergstrand in the Ontario municipal elections. Her victory marked the beginning of a new chapter for Haldimand County, as Trainer focused on local issues and community needs. She quickly became a familiar face in the community, fostering connections with residents and advocating for their concerns.
Trainer’s leadership was reaffirmed in the 2006 municipal elections when she was re-elected as mayor, further cementing her role as a key player in Haldimand County’s political landscape. However, her tenure was not without controversy. She garnered national attention during the Caledonia land dispute, making comments in an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that sparked debate and drew public scrutiny.
After serving as mayor for several years, Trainer faced a challenging election in 2010. On October 25, she was defeated by Ken Hewitt, who garnered 6,984 votes compared to Trainer’s 5,748 and third-place finisher Buck Sloat’s 2,929 in unofficial final results. This election marked the end of her time as mayor but did not diminish her impact on the community.
