Steffen Walma
Area of residence in Tiny Township:
Steffen Walma confirms his intent to run for municipal office in Tiny Township in 2026 for the position of Councillor
Short Bio:
Steffen first joined municipal politics in 2014 as Deputy Mayor of the Township of Tiny, a stone’s throw from where he grew up in Penetanguishene. Through that role, he served on County of Simcoe Council from 2014 to 2022. Acclaimed as Deputy Mayor for a second term in 2018, Steffen progressed into leadership positions on County Council, including Chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and Simcoe County Housing Corporation Board.
In 2022, Steffen was elected Councillor for the Township of Tiny, continuing his service for a third consecutive term. Now completing 12 years on Council, Steffen brings extensive municipal experience and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Tiny.
His municipal experience is complemented by previous service as a Ranger in the Canadian Armed Forces (3CRPG) and a background in health promotion. Steffen is currently a full-time professional firefighter and continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter with the Township of Tiny. His broad public, military and private-sector experience, combined with his connection to the community, drives his solutions-based approach to policy and politics.
As a consensus builder, Steffen is an innovative, outside-the-box thinker who is knowledgeable and passionate about municipal issues. From affordable housing and transportation to health, infrastructure and environmental protection, he understands the complex demands facing residents, businesses and all levels of government.
Steffen has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to environmental protection, including serving as Chair of the Severn Sound Environmental Association. He understands the importance of investing in community assets that support recreation, culture and community building, and has taken on challenges including broadband access, job creation, land-use planning and responsible infrastructure investment.
As a municipal leader, Steffen has helped direct and oversee significant operating and capital budgets while balancing long-term investment with affordability for taxpayers. His approachable and transparent style has fostered strong partnerships with residents, community organizations, municipal staff and politicians at all levels of government.
Steffen holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University, a Master’s Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University, and a Negotiation Mastery Certificate through Harvard Business School Online.
After 12 years of municipal service, Steffen is seeking the community’s support for a fourth term on Tiny Township Council. He remains committed to protecting what makes Tiny special while preparing for the future — a place to live, a place to work and a place to play.
Most importantly, Tiny is home. It is where Steffen and his wife Morgan (still not telling) are raising their children, Ronan (10) and Isla (8), and where he hopes they will one day choose to raise families of their own.
KEY PLATFORM PRIORITIES (in no particular order)
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
For over a decade I've been a huge advocate for housing; as Chair of Simcoe County Housing Corporation I added over 2,900 affordable housing units across the County. Increasing affordable housing through collaborative efforts with the County of Simcoe and local not-for-profits such as Habitat for Humanity remains a top priority.
SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS
Continue advocacy for local farmers through a decreased farmland tax ratio, municipal joint commodity purchasing programs, and support for increased agri-tourism. Creation of a local agricultural advisory committee will aid in targeting Tiny centric solutions.
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Continue investment in life-safety and rescue equipment, firefighter recruitment and retention supports, an expanded snow fencing program, and increased public access to AEDs through the Province’s Public Access Defibrillator Program. Additional advocacy to the county for upstaffing paramedics in Tiny during the night will also decrease response times.
INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE
Execute our new Asset Management Plan (aka invest in our roads/ bridges), build reserves, and explore recreational facility investments, including a covered track/sport courts, covering the Wyevale rink and adding roll-up doors to Lafontaine rink.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP & CLIMATE RESILIENCY
Invest in our natural heritage to protect what we have for future generations, while implementing practical green policies such as fleet electrification and prioritizing “softscaping” wherever possible. Through SSEA, advocate to the province for inland lake health initiatives and expand the septic re-inspection program to neighbouring communities that contribute to unnecessary nutrient loading of our tributary streams and Georgian Bay.
BEACH ACCESS & RECREATIONAL SPACES
Improve beach access and invest in recreational spaces, prioritizing strategic investments that enhance public access, strengthen our communities, support local businesses and encourage economic development. One of the first steps is protecting the Goessman lots and rezoning them into open space parkland. Expanding the size and scope of assets like TTCC to facilitate indoor sports or repurposing the old administration center as a recreation hub are potential future opportunities.
SENIORS PROGRAMMING & YOUTH INITIATIVES
Partner with local senior clubs and youth groups to bring new programming to the Community Hub at our new Administrative Centre. Create an inclusive, shared space for recreation, learning, mentorship and social connection.
Get in touch with Steffen directly:
Email: steffen.t.walma@gmail.com
Upcoming