Ryan Boyko

Ward 5 Councillor • Norfolk County

Give Downtown Simcoe
Back To The People
Who Live Here. Ryan Boyko • October 26, 2026

A storyteller who fought for truth on the world stage is bringing that same fight home: to the alley behind your shop, the empty storefront on your block, and the council table that has been ignoring both.

The Plan

Five priorities worth fighting for.

Simcoe is the heart of Norfolk County. Right now, that heart needs an intervention, and the tools to deliver it already exist. They just need the will of council and the work of county staff.

Reclaim Downtown: Rezone the CBD

Submit a motion to amend the central business district zoning bylaw to prohibit methadone clinics in the CBD. Require them to operate from medical or hospital facilities, protecting the Ontario Human Rights Code by ensuring continued access, not elimination.

The larger goal is a purpose-built addictions resource centre under a single roof: a place that houses the unhoused, feeds those in need, and brings the methadone clinics into a regulated, supervised setting.

Where it lands is open for discussion. One option that simply makes sense is an underused wing of Norfolk General Hospital, four blocks from downtown.

Mental health and addiction are provincial responsibilities, and repurposing hospital space requires provincial approval. That means the County cannot do this alone. It means bringing Norfolk General Hospital, the Province, and the County to the same table to build a real solution.

This is a compassionate, legally defensible, and financially viable plan.

Activate the Facade Repair Fund, Now

Fire-damaged downtown Simcoe building awaiting repair

Norfolk County already has a fund designated for downtown facade repairs. It is being underutilized. Ryan will put forth a motion in council to direct county staff to identify which downtown buildings are in the greatest need, proactively assign those funds, and execute the repairs, one building per year, every year. If bureaucratic red tape keeps landlords from coming to the county for the money, then let's reverse the process. The county goes to the landlords. The mechanism exists. It simply requires the will of council.

Back the People Already Doing the Work

As an active member of Simcoe Strong and the Downtown Simcoe Land Trust, Ryan will continue community-led revitalization efforts, whether inside council or out. From organized cleanups to acquiring and restoring derelict buildings, the people of Simcoe have already started this work. They deserve a voice on council that builds with them, not around them.

Secure Simcoe's Water Supply

Simcoe is one failed well away from a water supply crisis. According to Norfolk County's own consultants, the existing system is expected to reach capacity, and there is no meaningful backup if a major well fails.

The solution already exists. Norfolk County has an approved plan to bring treated Lake Erie water from Nanticoke to Simcoe. The engineering is largely complete. The challenge is political will and securing available provincial and federal funding.

Water infrastructure is the foundation of growth. Without it there can be no new housing, businesses, or long term investment. Ryan will bring the project back before council and aggressively pursue every available funding opportunity until it, or a viable alternative, is built.

Bring Film to Norfolk County

Ryan moved to Norfolk County to help build a film industry here. The pandemic interrupted that work, and it is time to finish it. Toronto is booming, Hamilton is overflowing, and productions are already expanding into Brantford and Cambridge. Norfolk is the next logical step.

We have what they are looking for: historic downtowns, beaches, forests, farmland, and rural roads. One day Norfolk is a Hallmark Christmas movie, the next a period drama or a television series. Film brings high paying jobs, supports local trades, fills restaurants, and shows Norfolk to the world.

Ryan will work to make an official film office for the county, a single point of contact for permits, road closures, and locations, so Norfolk becomes the easiest place in Ontario to make a film. And if we are bringing in an accommodation tax, we should be encouraging hotel development downtown, because crews stay where they work.

Norfolk should not be chasing the film industry. The film industry should be chasing Norfolk. It is time to stop leaving money on the table.

Why It Matters

Simcoe residents told us. We listened.

Alongside fellow Simcoe Strong volunteers, Ryan asked over 200 Norfolk County Fair attendees, at a booth provided by the Chamber of Commerce, one simple question: do you go downtown?

200+ Residents surveyed at the Norfolk County Fair

"No" The answer from nearly every single person

3 Top unprompted reasons: drugs, methadone clinics, garbage

Simcoe Strong volunteers clearing the downtown alley — Simcoe Strong cleanup in the downtown alley, June 21, 2026.

That is not a fringe concern. That is a community telling its council something council has refused to hear. Ryan heard it, and built a platform around fixing it.

The Candidate

From the world stage to your street.

Ryan Boyko is a filmmaker, storyteller, and community builder who has spent his career amplifying unheard voices on the world stage, and is now bringing that same mission home to Simcoe.

His documentary on Canada's first national internment operations was chosen as Canada's official contribution to the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and screened at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. It was #3 at the Canadian box office in November 2017. His commitment to truth and democratic values on Ukraine and Ukrainian-Canadian history earned him a sanction from the Russian Federation, a distinction shared by only three other Canadian actors.

Ryan Boyko at the United Nations, Geneva

"I have spoken at the United Nations. I have been sanctioned by Russia. I have proven that the truth matters and that standing for it has consequences. I am bringing that same commitment to downtown Simcoe and every area in Ward 5. The people of Simcoe deserve a representative who has actually fought for something." Ryan Boyko

A two-season Stratford Festival alumnus and Tyrone Guthrie Award winner, Ryan founded Armistice Films and served as the inaugural chair of Film Norfolk. He has managed downtown Simcoe properties since 2020 and lives in the heart of Ward 5. He is running for councillor for one reason: to give downtown Simcoe back to the people who live here.

At A Glance

Founder, Armistice Films Inc.
Inaugural Chair, Film Norfolk
VP and Co-Founder, Internment Museum of Canada
Stratford Festival company member, Tyrone Guthrie Award winner
Spoke at the United Nations in Geneva
One of four Canadian actors sanctioned by Russia
Host, "In Their Words with Ryan Boyko" (premiering Oct. 2026)
BA Drama and English, University of Saskatchewan, 2004
Downtown Simcoe property manager since 2020
Member, Simcoe Strong and the Downtown Simcoe Land Trust

A Career Built On Story

Work that reached the world.

Before running for council, Ryan spent two decades telling Canadian stories at the highest level of the industry, in front of the camera, behind it, and on stages from Stratford to Geneva.

Ryan Boyko presenting at the Oakville Film Festival 2026 — On stage at the Oakville Film Festival, June 2026.

That Never Happened

Director and producer of the documentary on Canada's first national internment operations. Screened theatrically across Canada and was #3 at the Canadian box office in November 2017. Now streaming on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Tubi, and screened multiple times at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights with Ryan as guest speaker.

Watch the film

Tubi Prime Video Apple TV Google Play

The Camps

Watch The Camps on YouTube

Creator of the web series viewed in 174 countries and taught in Canadian high schools and universities. Ryan helped get the series into the national high school curriculum and has guest lectured at the University of Saskatchewan, Simon Fraser University, the University of the Fraser Valley, Humber College, Confederation College, and many high schools.

In Canada's Museums

The Camps featured at the Canadian Museum of History

See the Lost Liberties exhibit

Ryan's work has been featured in the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Canadian War Museum, and the Saskatchewan Railway Museum, where his WWI artifacts and digital work have anchored permanent and travelling exhibits on Canadian internment.

On Stage and Screen

Ryan Boyko on IMDb

Two seasons as a company member at the Stratford Festival of Canada, where he won the Tyrone Guthrie Award. Television credits include Law & Order, Flashpoint, The Listener, See, Slasher, and Outlaw Bikers. Member of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), the Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA), and the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA).

Has worked with and alongside

Christopher Plummer Colm Feore Kim Coates Jason Momoa Slash of Guns N' Roses

Kim Coates was the mentor who guided Ryan to Stratford, long before his Sons of Anarchy fame. Colm Feore mentored Ryan during his seasons at the Festival and has been in touch about this campaign.

National Media Coverage

Ryan's documentary "That Never Happened" earned coverage on national television and in major newspapers across Canada.

Additional coverage included the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, Canadian Geographic, Winnipeg Free Press, Ottawa Citizen, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Regina Leader-Post, Edmonton Journal, Calgary Herald, and over 50 other regional and national outlets across Canada.

Endorsements

People who know what real impact looks like.

Ryan Boyko with the Honourable Jason Kenney

Watch the endorsement

"Ryan's documentary was the most significant thing to happen to the recovery of the memory of internment."

The Honourable Jason Kenney

"The real measure of a life well lived is not how much you can accumulate but how much you can contribute to the betterment of others."
Ryan Boyko

Take Action

This only works if you're part of it.

Ryan has been in the alleys, pulling weeds and hauling away garbage alongside neighbours and volunteers, doing the work instead of waiting for someone else to do it.

Now it's time to bring that same work ethic to the council table.

Volunteer

Door-knock, distribute lawn signs, or help on election day.

Donate

Every dollar goes directly toward reaching Ward 5 voters before October 26.

Contribute

Talk To Ryan

Questions, concerns, or just want to share what you'd like to see downtown?

Email Ryan

Voter Information

Norfolk County 2026 election: your questions answered.

Key dates, voting locations, and what this race is about. For official details, visit norfolkcounty.ca/vote.

Who is running for Ward 5 Councillor in Norfolk County?

Ryan Boyko is a candidate for Ward 5 Councillor in the 2026 Norfolk County municipal election. Ward 5 covers the Simcoe area and elects two councillors to Norfolk County Council. The 2026 race drew a crowded field of Ward 5 candidates, with nominations closing August 21, 2026.

When is the Norfolk County municipal election in 2026?

Voting Day is Monday, October 26, 2026, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Online voting for Norfolk County runs from Friday, October 9 through Friday, October 23, 2026. In-person advance voting is also available at locations across Norfolk County in October.

How do I vote in the Norfolk County election?

Norfolk County offers three ways to vote: online from anywhere using the PIN in your Voter Information Letter, in person during advance voting, or in person on Election Day at your ward's voting location. Confirm you are on the Voters' List at vreg.registertovote.ca. Bring identification showing your name and address when voting in person.

Where do I vote in Ward 5 on Election Day?

On Monday, October 26, 2026, Ward 5 voters in Simcoe can vote from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jr. Farmers Building at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds, or at Emmanuel Bible Church. Advance voting dates in Norfolk County include October 13 in Port Dover, October 15 in Langton, October 20 in Delhi, and October 22 in Waterford.

What area does Ward 5 cover in Norfolk County?

Ward 5 covers the Town of Simcoe, including downtown Simcoe, and is the most populous ward in Norfolk County. Ward 5 elects two of the councillors who sit on Norfolk County Council alongside the Mayor.

Who is Ryan Boyko?

Ryan Boyko is an actor, filmmaker, property manager, and community builder who has lived in Simcoe since 2020. He directed the documentary That Never Happened, which screened at the United Nations in Geneva, is Vice President of the Internment Museum of Canada, the inaugural chair of Film Norfolk, and an active member of Simcoe Strong and the Downtown Simcoe Land Trust.

What is Ryan Boyko's platform for downtown Simcoe?

Five priorities: rezoning the central business district so methadone clinics operate from medical facilities while pursuing a purpose-built addictions resource centre; activating Norfolk County's underused facade repair fund to restore derelict downtown buildings; supporting community-led revitalization through Simcoe Strong and the Downtown Simcoe Land Trust; securing Simcoe's water supply through the approved Lake Erie pipeline project; and establishing a film office to bring film and television production to Norfolk County.

How can I volunteer or contribute to the campaign?

Email ryanboykoward5@gmail.com to volunteer, request a lawn sign, contribute to the campaign, or ask a question about the Ward 5 race in Simcoe.

Latest

Updates & Press

Campaign news, press releases, and updates from the trail.

August 12, 2026

Campaign site is live

Welcome to the official campaign site for Ryan Boyko, Ward 5 Councillor candidate for Norfolk County. Check back here for updates, press releases, and campaign news as we count down to October 26.

Press Kit

Candidate Bio (PDF)

Give Downtown SimcoeBack To The PeopleWho Live Here. Ryan Boyko • October 26, 2026