Town of Hanover · 2026
Selwyn J. HicksCandidate for Deputy Mayor
I have lived in Hanover for more than 20 years. My wife, Barbara, and I raised our four children in this community, and we have recently welcomed our grandson to our town.
20+years living in Hanover
16years in municipal politics
2terms as Deputy Mayor
3terms as Grey County Warden
About Me
My connection to Hanover
My wife and I practise law together at Hicks & Hicks Professional Corporation. In addition to being a lawyer, I have a Master of Business Administration (MBA). I have a long history of being active in the community through a number of volunteer organizations.
20+years living in Hanover
MBAMaster of Business Administration
LawHicks & Hicks Professional Corporation
My Experience
Municipal & Community Involvement
Here is a summary of my municipal service, community involvement and volunteer work.
My Accomplishments and Community Involvement
- I have 16 years of experience in municipal politics.
- I helped to establish a dedicated fund for affordable housing in Grey County.
- I helped to establish a task force to address the specific future needs of Hanover and Owen Sound.
- I have been a coach for minor soccer and gymnastics.
- I have served as a member of numerous boards, committees and community organizations, including the Hanover Police Service Board, Hanover Eyes & Ears Trail Committee, Bruce Grey Child and Family Services (Children's Aid), Community Foundation Grey Bruce, Victims Services Bruce Grey, GREYT Non-Profit Homes, Public Health Board, Saugeen Municipal Airport, Chamber of Commerce, Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee, Disability Transportation Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way and Poverty Task Force, among others.
- I have received numerous volunteer awards, including the Law Society’s award for longstanding commitment to public and community service (2023), the Gardiner Award, the Lincoln Alexander Award of Distinction and others.
My Municipal Service
I served as your Deputy Mayor for two terms. Before that, I served as a Councillor for two terms.
I also served three terms as Grey County Warden in 2019, 2021 and 2022, gaining experience leading through a global crisis.
I have also been active in our community through volunteer organizations and local boards and committees.
My Priorities
I will advocate for
These are the six areas I have identified as priorities for Hanover.
Community health, wellness and safety
Fiscal responsibility
Sustainable development
Quality parks, trails and recreation programs
Business retention and expansion
Election Issues
My Positions & Candidate Questions
Candidate Q&A
2026 Hanover Candidate Q&A
Bayshore Broadcasting asked each candidate a series of questions ahead of the 2026 municipal election. Read the candidate questions and answers in the original article.
Read the Q&AProperty Taxes & Assessment
Clearing Up Misconceptions About MPAC Assessments
Let me clear up a misconception about my position on MPAC assessments.
I’ve heard the criticism that updating property assessments would automatically mean higher property taxes. That is simply not how municipal taxation works.
An MPAC assessment determines the relative assessed value of your property. It does not determine how much money the municipality decides to collect.
If Ontario updated its assessments, property values would be reassessed. Some properties could increase in assessed value, some could decrease, and some could change very little. The municipal tax rate would then be adjusted based on the total assessment base.
So an updated assessment does not automatically mean the municipality collects more money or that every homeowner pays more tax.
What concerns me is that we are still relying on assessments based on 2016 property values. We have had years of significant changes in property values, yet our assessment system has not kept pace.
I believe taxpayers deserve a modern, transparent and fair assessment system.
And let me be clear: I am not advocating for an MPAC update as a backdoor way to raise taxes. I am advocating for an accurate assessment system, while continuing to hold Council accountable for controlling the amount of money it actually raises.
We should be debating how much government should cost—not avoiding an accurate assessment system because we are afraid of the conversation.
Why I’m Running
Continuing My Service to Hanover
I believe I am the right person for this moment. Hanover has tremendous opportunities for growth, and I want to help manage that growth while protecting the values that make our community special.
We still want a small-town feel, a strong sense of community and belonging, and a place where people pitch in and look out for one another. I want Hanover to maintain its small-town charm while offering the amenities people value, while also balancing the cost of those services.
My experience in municipal government, along with my career and community life in Hanover, has prepared me to help guide that growth and continue serving our community.
Family & Community
My Family and My Community
Hanover has been home to me and my family for many years, and being part of this community has always meant more to me than simply living here. I have made a point of getting involved, volunteering, coaching, and supporting organizations that make a difference to people across our community.
Community Involvement
Over the years, I have been involved with a wide range of local organizations and community initiatives, including:
- Airport Commission
- Chamber of Commerce
- Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee
- Disability Transportation Board
- Public Health Board
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Community Foundation Grey Bruce
- United Way
- Poverty Task Force
- Bruce Grey Child and Family Services (Children's Aid)
I have also been a coach for minor soccer and gymnastics. These experiences have given me the opportunity to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, listen to different perspectives, and understand the importance of people coming together to support one another.
My family, my work, my volunteer service, and my years in municipal government have all given me a strong connection to Hanover and the people who call it home.
2026 Election
Make Your Voting Plan
The Town of Hanover’s 2026 municipal election voting period runs from Friday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m. to Monday, October 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Save the voting period to your calendar so you don’t forget.
Oct. 16–262026 voting period
Vote online or by telephone
Hanover is using internet and telephone voting only. No paper ballots will be used for this election.
Need Help Voting? Visit a Voter Help Center.
Hanover Municipal Office
341 10th Street, 2nd Floor
Oct. 16–26 during regular office hours:
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Oct. 20: 4:30–8:00 p.m.
Oct. 24: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Oct. 26: 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Oct. 16–26 during regular office hours:
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Oct. 20: 4:30–8:00 p.m.
Oct. 24: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Oct. 26: 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Hanover Public Library
451 10th Avenue, Lower Level
Oct. 16–26 during regular library hours.
Oct. 16–26 during regular library hours.
You will receive a Voter Information Letter in October with the instructions and PIN you need to vote. If you do not receive one, the Town advises you to contact or visit the Town office to confirm your registration.
Check your voter registrationContact Me
Get in Touch
Selwyn J. Hicks
Candidate for Deputy Mayor · Town of Hanover
519-364-4720
shicks@hickslaw.ca