Warden and Deputy Warden

Hilda MacDonald got involved in local politics when she opened her kitchen shop in uptown Leamington.

She became active in the Business Improvement Association, serving as chair for several years. She also sat on the Leamington Chamber of Commerce Board and the Economic Development committee. 

After the sale of her business, she ran for councillor in 2006 and again in 2008. She led the polls in both elections.

During her time as a councillor, Hilda remained actively involved in the community, serving as a council representative on the BIA and taking an active role with local Migrant Worker programs. 

In 2014, she was acclaimed as Deputy Mayor. 

In 2018, Hilda became the second female mayor in the history of Leamington, 61 years after the election of the first woman mayor, Grace McFarland. 

In her first mayoral term, she was appointed to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the board of the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities, which she chaired. She served for six years on both boards. 

After she was re-elected mayor in 2022, she ran for the position of Warden of the County of Essex and won to become first female warden in the history of the county. 

Hilda is honoured and proud to serve her community and the region, working to contribute positively to the quality of life for the residents who live here.