Town of Bracebridge endorses new Elect Respect initiative

Councilors, particularly female report facing increased harassment

Bracebridge General Committee endorsed a new Elect Respect initiative, in the February 3, 2026, meeting.

Deputy Mayor, Brenda Rhodes, presented the campaign which is aimed at promoting civility, safety, and respect in municipal politics.

She said that communities are experiencing challenges in this area when the focus should be on “respect instead.”

According to the agenda, the campaign was originally developed by H.E.R. (Halton Elected Representatives), a group of female elected officials formed in 2024 in response to increasing harassment, threats, and toxic behaviour faced by municipal politicians.

The initiative encourages respectful political dialogue and seeks to create safer, more inclusive environments for those serving in public office or considering a run for Council.

Staff outlined growing concerns across Ontario about the erosion of respectful democratic discourse, both in Council chambers and online.

Social media, in particular, was cited as amplifying personal attacks and harassment, which can discourage participation in local government—especially among women and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has also identified declining voter turnout and fewer candidates running for municipal office as troubling trends.

Councillor, Tatiana Sutherland, expressed excitement about the initiative and concern about how people conduct themselves, and “how women are targeted online and come to the table with extra burden.”

She shared a recent personal experience on social media where she said she was “attacked” for inquiring about lack of colour choices at clothing stores. She said her husband hasn’t been “attacked.”

She added, “People feel comfortable attacking mothers and women… There’s this extra layer of entitlement that sometimes people feel toward mothers and women.”

“The report is important for our existence in the broader community,” said Sutherland.

By supporting Elect Respect, Bracebridge Committee commits to a series of principles, including treating others with respect in public, private, and online spaces; rejecting harassment, abuse, and personal attacks; and focusing debate on ideas and policies rather than individuals.

Committee also pledged to model integrity by holding one another to high standards of conduct and to call on relevant authorities to protect elected officials who face threats or abuse.

As part of the resolution, Committee is encouraging elected officials, organizations, and community members to support the Elect Respect campaign and sign the online pledge at electrespect.ca.

Copies of the resolution will also be shared with several organizations, including the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and provincial and federal representatives.

Staff reported that fostering respectful and constructive political environments leads to better decision-making and stronger representation around municipal tables, helping ensure local democracy remains healthy, accessible, and safe for everyone.

Councillor, Andrew Struthers, suggested, “As communities grow respect can change.”  He added that it’s a “top down” system where “people look at leaders first…hopefully community follows.”

He added, “Hopefully more of community leadership clubs follow with it and it starts a movement.”

Mayor, Rick Maloney, said the initiative fits with the ideas of the Town’s Code of Conduct “and with the type of community we want to have.” He added, “All of these pieces work in synergy with that ultimate goal.”