
Meet Sam
Rooted in Community
Sam Hiemstra has lived and worked in New Hamburg his whole life. Beginning his work career in high school, you may recognize Sam from working behind the counter at Tim Hortons, Riverside Lanes, or Cloverleaf Farms. While not always easy, he balanced the demands of education while maintaining a strong work ethic. Sam graduated Valedictorian of his class in 2017 from Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute, and attended Queen’s University for Sociology and Political Science.
Returning from University, Sam choose to come back to the community that shaped him. He has made meaningful connections with folks while working at New Hamburg Lanes, New Hamburg On Par Golf, and The Old Country Restaurant. After recently transition to work at Walnut Hill Farms in Gads Hill, he is looking to continue serving his community as a Councilor for Ward 4 in Wilmot Township.
Local Priorities
Sam understands that not everyone is going to agree on what is best for the township, which proves more than anything that an effective municipal government is our best solution to solving ongoing issues. People may not know exactly what they want changed, or even what problems may be effecting them directly. Sam believes it is the job of local councilors to read between the lines, and help translate the needs of their community into concrete action on council. Being a councilor means not only making decisions but being able to educate others on how they got to that conclusion.
Practical Leadership
Sam has experience working on and leading teams from his time at University. Honing his debate skills on the Model United Nations Team, volunteering at the Sexual Health Resource Centre, and serving as Queen’s University Rector has shaped Sam into a well-rounded leader ready to stand up for citizens and the concerns important to them. Leadership is defined by your drive to make positive change and knowing when and how to show up. More so than his victories, Sam believes the mistakes and challenges he has faced are what has shaped him into the person he is today.
Priorities
Focused on What Matters
Empathetic Local Government
Clear communication, accessible leadership, and decisions that reflect community input.
Educated Decision Making
Ensuring decisions are rooted in facts and supports Wilmot’s vision of growth supporting equitable access to the essentials of daily life.
Community Engagement
More opportunities for residents to learn how municipal governance works and share their priorities.
Join the Campaign
Asking for help is never easy. Sam needs your help to build momentum in Ward 4 by volunteering, donating, and sharing his vision for Wilmot with family and friends. No amount of help is insignificant on small campaigns like this. Thank you so much!

