Mason Ainsworth made history in 2014 when he became the youngest person ever elected as a city councillor in Orillia’s history.
His youthfulness has not stopped him from actively participating. Ainsworth has, since Day 1, pushed his colleagues to be transparent, railed against meeting behind closed doors and has been a familiar face at community events and happenings of all shapes and sizes.
“It’s not like I sat there quietly,” said the Ward 3 councillor who was a vocal opponent of the proposed sale of the Orillia Power Distribution Corporation to Hydro One. “I have actively engaged in discussion, I’ve spoken with the media and being the youngest elected city councillor ever in Orillia, I’ve been able to bring a lot of new perspectives to the table and look at things a little differently.”
And while there are many accomplishments to trumpet, Ainsworth said he prefers to focus on the process and approach.
“I am very proud of the fact that I’ve stayed true to what I originally ran on which was to be approachable, accountable and hard-working,” said the Lakehead University student who will conclude his academic degree in April.
Ainsworth, 26, said those values drive him whether he’s addressing relatively minor issues such as potholes or neighbourhood concerns or major issues such as one near and dear to him: Orillia Transit.
“Our transit system was in really desperate need of repair,” said Ainsworth, who believes large strides have been made in the past four years, including adding a new route, buying new buses, expanding hours and improving customer service.
He also pointed to “big improvements to infrastructure in west Orillia.” He credits those changes to paving the way for Costco and other enterprises.
“Without those investments, those businesses wouldn’t be there,” said Ainsworth. “There are new improvements happening on Highway 12 making it safer and more efficient and we are expanding West Ridge Boulevard to five lanes, making if safer.”
Ainsworth, who recently became engaged and plans to get married in October of 2019, said being on council is a big job.
“To me, this is a full-time job,” he says, noting he works 60-80 hours a week. “We don’t have office hours – it’s 365 days a year. To me, it’s very important to get out there, meet people, do the research that’s necessary behind the scenes, make time to talk to staff … it’s a big commitment.”
While knocking on doors and attending community events, one message has resounded about the next term of council, says Ainsworth.
“I have met with thousands of people and the common element is people want us to look after the basics,” said Ainsworth. “People are not too happy with these big, extravagant projects and some say it’s wasting taxpayer dollars. They want the simple things looked after. They want roads maintained better, snow removal at bus stops, lines on roads, snow removal … that’s what people are saying.”
He said constituents should determine council’s agenda. “We should be representing people not our personal interests.” He also wants to see fewer closed-door meetings.
Ainsworth, who has big political ambitions, admits he considered running for mayor this time around. Ultimately, he decided it “was just not the right time.”
He said ageism is a reality – including “around the council table. A lot of people can look past age and judge on character not on the number. So, for me, it’s important to get re-elected and then we’ll see what the future holds.”
Ainsworth, who is one of five candidates running for the two council seats in Ward 3, encourages people to call him (705-826-4967) or email him ([email protected]) with questions, concerns or ideas.
Editor's Note: All candidates in Orillia's municipal election will be profiled in the days ahead. They will be published daily, by ward, in alphabetical order; the mayoralty candidates will also be profiled.
