About Us
Howick Mutual is an Ontario Farm Mutual Insurance Company established in 1873. Howick Mutual and Grey & Bruce Mutual Insurance amalgamated in January 2014 and operated out of both Wroxeter and Hanover, Ontario until November 2018. November 19, 2018 marked the first day of operations in a new office facility located outside of Wingham, Ontario.
We are a locally owned and independently operated property and casualty insurer, governed by a Board of 9 Directors which are elected by our policyholders. Learn about our Director Qualifications.
We are a proud to be an “Ontario Mutual” company as we are owned by our policyholders, who are the most important aspect of our existence. We do not have shareholders. Through our own Guarantee Fund and Reinsurance Plan, we are backed by every mutual in the system. Visit our Benefits of a Mutual page to learn more about why it is a benefit to insure with an Ontario Mutual.
With Howick you enjoy the benefits of a local company that understands the importance of quality service and community involvement. Our strength and stability for over 140 years is a result of our quality people, our innovative and progressive products and our exceptional customer service. We approach everything we do with our vision and mission statements in mind.
Our Vision Statement:
“Minding the Past, Protecting the Present, Sustaining the Future.”
Our Mission Statement:
“Providing responsible risk management and commitment to our community, the Howick Mutual Way.”
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Bil Graham - Board Chair
Bil joined the Board of Directors in 2017. Bil is retired from Bell Canada after a 31-year career where he held a number of management and executive positions including Vice President of Operations in Ontario. Bil is a graduate of the Civil Engineer Technology Program at Fanshawe College. He has completed both the NAMIC and OMIA Director Certification programs, and currently serves on the OMIA Education Committee. Bil is actively involved in his community and is a member of the Howick Fire Department. Bil and his wife Sonya reside in the village of Gorrie. They have two children and four grandchildren.
Annette MacKenzie - Vice Chair
Annette joined the Board in 2020. She brings with her over 25 years experience from the agriculture, manufacturing, and public accounting sectors. Through her work, she has acquired diplomas and designations in the areas of legal, accounting, payroll, and human resources. Annette has served on various community Boards and Committees and continues to volunteer her time. In her short time on the Board, she has successfully completed the OMIA and NAMIC Farm Director Certification Programs. Annette resides near Lucknow with her husband, where they operate a mixed farming partnership and an excavation business.
Steve Wright - Past Board Chair
Steve joined the Board of Directors in 2013. He has completed his OMIA and NAMIC Farm Mutual Director Certifications. He is a Certified Advisor with the American Society of Agronomists for more than 25 years. Outside of Howick Mutual, Steve works as a regional specialist with an Ontario government agency where he has been employed for over twenty years. He is a fourth-generation farmer in the Belmore area where he and his wife raised four children. Steve values the strong connections he has built within the local community through his professional work, volunteer involvement, and personal interests. In his spare time, he enjoys curling and spending time with his family.
Jacquie Bishop - Director
Jacquie has been on the Board since 2009. She has completed both the NAMIC and OMIA Director Certification programs. Jacquie is an Elections Ontario Provincial Returning Officer for Huron Bruce and the Elections Canada Field Liaison Officer for Southwestern Ontario. Jacquie has been an active volunteer in her community in many areas including 4-H, Huron Tourism Association, and the International Plowing Match 2017. Jacquie is a proud mom of three daughters and four grandchildren. She resides near Bluevale where she and her husband operate a third-generation swine, sheep, and cash crop farm.
Jeff Bloemberg - Director
Jeff joined the Board in January 2022 and has completed the OMIA and NAMIC Directors Certification Program. Jeff is a self-employed investment advisor and other past endeavours include time in retail and 12 years in professional hockey. He currently serves as a Director for the Wingham & District Hospital Foundation, as well as participating in various Board positions at his church. Jeff is actively involved in volunteering in his community and has coached hockey, baseball, and soccer over the years. Jeff and his wife reside in Wingham.
Jeff Consitt - Director
Jeff was welcomed to the Howick Board of Directors in March of 2024. Prior to coming to Howick, Jeff was the Senior VP and COO at Farm Mutual Re, leading IT, Innovation, Data & Insights, Business Operations, Project and Change Management. He served on the Board of the Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies from 2012 through 2024, serving as Chair in 2020 – 2022. Jeff earned his Master of Business Administration from the Ivey Business School, and is a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP). When not at work, Jeff enjoys playing golf, fishing and travelling.
Mary Ann Peel - Director
Mary Ann joined the Board in 2021 and has completed both the OMIA and NAMIC Director Certifications. Mary Ann is a graduate of Fanshawe College - Business Administration Accounting Program. She has served for many years as a Director on the Wingham and District Community Living Board, is a companion for seniors and support staff through the North Huron Food Share and has volunteered for Wingham Minor Soccer. Mary Ann and her husband Nathan are owner/operators of Peel Dominium, a fourth-generation dairy and cash-crop farm business near Bluevale. She enjoys spending time with her 6 children and 14 grandchildren.
Brian Laporte - Director
Brian has been a member of the Board since 2012. He enjoys taking part in any industry-related training and education and is proud to be part of the mutual system. He holds certification in both the OMIA and NAMIC Farm Directors Certification Programs. Brian also serves on the Board of the Valley of Barrie – Learning Centre for Children with Dyslexia. He has spent many years volunteering with the Meaford Amateur Athletic Association as a coach, trainer, and Executive Member for the ball and hockey programs. Brian and his wife raised their family in Meaford. This is where he spends his days working at Cliff Richardson Boats Ltd., a family-owned business. His spare time is spent with family and friends enjoying camping, curling, and attending Owen Sound Attack Junior A hockey games.