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Walter Benotto retires after 27 years in Shelburne politics

October 8, 2026   ·   0 Comments

Written By JOSHUA DRAKES

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

After 27 years of serving the Town of Shelburne in municipal politics, Coun. Walter Benotto is retiring from public office, bringing an end to one of the longest periods of continuous municipal service in the community.

Benotto was recognized during the final council meeting of the current term with the Province of Ontario’s Long Service Award, presented to elected officials who have completed a minimum of 25 years of continuous service.

He was also presented with a Community Certificate of Recognition from the Town of Shelburne marking his 27 years of dedicated service.

Mayor Wade Mills noted that Benotto’s 27 years in municipal office represented countless council meetings, difficult decisions, conversations with residents and hours spent working on behalf of Shelburne.

“Twenty-seven years is a pretty remarkable achievement and commitment because behind that number are countless meetings, difficult decisions, conversations with residents, and hours spent working on behalf of Shelburne,” Mills said.

“Walter’s contribution extends well beyond just what went on behind us here at the council table. Over the years, he served on I think almost every single board and committee that the town is associated with, and that breadth of involvement reflects both his willingness to take on responsibility and his deep interest in the many different parts of community life.”

His service also spanned a period of significant growth and change for the community, with Benotto bringing years of institutional knowledge and historical perspective to the council table.

The town’s certificate recognized his professionalism, integrity and dedication, noting that his contributions helped shape Shelburne’s development, strengthen the community and improve the quality of life for residents.

“Walter, you’ve helped guide Shelburne through tremendous change, and your service is now part of this town’s story and history,” Mills said. “And you can take real pride in the contribution you’ve made. These awards are a meaningful expression of appreciation, but the simplest words are perhaps the most important, Walter, and that is thank you on behalf of the community.”

“Thank you, thank you for your commitment, for the time you’ve given, and for accepting the responsibility of serving your neighbours for so many years,” he added.

During the presentation, Benotto reflected on his time in municipal government and expressed his appreciation for the council members and town staff he had worked alongside over the years. He credited the staff and colleagues he served with as an important part of his ability to remain involved in municipal politics for so long.

“A lot of municipalities have not been as fortunate as Shelburne in having such good councils,” Benotto said. “But it’s not only good councils. Staff has been tremendous over 27 years. I’ve never served with any staff as good, in all honesty. Ask for something, you got it. Information, you got it. And to the people of the town, they’ve always been there to serve them. So, in all honesty, I couldn’t have done it for 27 years without the ability of the people that’s in this room and the people that I’ve served with in the past, both staff and both council members.”

Benotto said he had enjoyed his nearly three decades of service and particularly appreciated his most recent four years on council.

“It’s been fantastic,” he said. “27 years, I’ve enjoyed it all.”

“Thank you very much, everyone. I really, really appreciate being with you, especially the last four years. They’ve been great. I wish you all success in the future,” Benotto added.

He also offered encouragement to those who will take on municipal office in the next term, noting that it can take time for new councillors to become familiar with the responsibilities and processes of local government.

“Staff, I know you’ll be there to continue to help those that are elected, and especially the new ones that are coming on board,” Benotto said. “It’s a bit of a hard road for them to learn. It took me quite a few years at the beginning to understand what council was about and how to do things in council. So staff — be there for them and support them, and I know you will. You’ve done it for us.”

With Benotto’s retirement, Shelburne will lose a councillor whose municipal career has stretched across more than a quarter-century.

His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the town’s political history, while the experience and institutional knowledge he accumulated over 27 years will remain part of the community’s municipal record.

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