In the clubhouse at the Kirrie Glen golf course in Bracebridge, a small but boisterous crowd cheered on the newest Member of Provincial Parliament for the Parry Sound-Muskoka riding as he arrived shortly after he was declared victorious by several news outlets just before 10 p.m.
Smith, accompanied by his wife Melissa, addressed a crowd of roughly 30 people. That included local supporters and politicians such as Muskoka Lakes Mayor Phil Harding and former MP Tony Clement.
“People have decided they want me to represent them and that’s an incredibly humbling thing for me,” said Smith. “Tomorrow the work begins. You want a government that will put money back in your pockets, you want a government that will deliver two hospitals right here.”
Smith congratulated his fellow candidates, calling Matt Richter a “great guy”, after his speech.
Smith said he will strive to be “an MPP for everyone”, regardless of their political stripes.
He also offered his thanks to the citizens of Bracebridge, who have kept him in office for 16 years—first as a District councillor and then as mayor.
“I hope I served you well but I’m really excited to serve the whole riding well,” he said.
He also spoke about the “incredible legacy” of Norm Miller, who spent the past 21 years representing the riding as MPP before deciding to step down prior to this election.
Smith thanked Premier Doug Ford for his support, and afterwards Smith explained that support applies both to his time as mayor of Bracebridge and as a provincial candidate.
“The people of Ontario are excited to see him as their premier…and I’m glad that we have a great relationship,” said Smith.
The final, unofficial results for Parry Sound-Muskoka are:
- Graydon Smith, PC Party: 20,216 (45.41 per cent)
- Matt Richter, Green Party: 18,102 (40.66 per cent)
- Erin Horvath, NDP: 3,391 (7.62 per cent)
- Andrew John Cocks, Ontario Party: 1,649 (3.70 per cent)
- Doug Maynard, New Blue Party: 883 (1.98 per cent)
- Daniel Predie Jr, independent: 155 (0.35 per cent)
- Brad Waddell, Populist Party: 126 (0.28 per cent)
Of 76,319 registered voters in the riding, 44,522 cast ballots tonight, a turnout of 58.34 per cent.
See more election night coverage here.
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