Municipal Election 2026
Hometown News Election Centre
Montague
Meet Your CandidatesMeet The Candidates
DEPUTY REEVE
Deputy Reeve CandidateJeffery Carroll
Incumbent Deputy Reeve
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I am seeking re-election because I have passion to serve and want to see the best for my community. Having 8 years of experience as an elected representative while raising a family and supporting aging family members gives me a good perspective at the council table.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Montague Township, and what would you do about it?
I believe that ALTO and its impacts on our community is the biggest issue that has been thrust upon us. I will continue to advocate for Montague to mitigate consequences and achieve the best possible outcome.
3. What could Montague Township be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
I think we should be constantly trying to improve our community. Public works is our biggest expense and there have been some good improvements, but more targeted road maintenance, better ditching, and more timely grading will improve the driving experience and reduce the wear on our vehicles.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Listening to different perspectives is extremely important in the decision-making process. I am openminded and encourage anyone who has concerns to contact me personally either by email or phone (contact information available on township website) to discuss the issues.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across a rural township?
Having a long-term strategic plan brings better predictability. We will increase revenue by encouraging new commercial business into Montague and pursue every grant opportunity. By listening to our professional staff and seeking expert advice regarding infrastructure/service requirements, Council will be able make an informed decision that considers tax affordability.
6. How would you contribute to an effective working relationship among the reeve, deputy reeve, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
In the past, I have done this by fostering open communication to achieve consensus. I am honest, clearly communicate my thoughts, look to build common ground and recognize the achievements others bring. I have done this consistently over my terms on council and will continue.
Deputy Reeve CandidatePatrick (Pat) Dolan
Awaiting Response
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
Awaiting Response
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Montague Township, and what would you do about it?
Awaiting Response
3. What could Montague Township be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Awaiting Response
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Awaiting Response
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across a rural township?
Awaiting Response
6. How would you contribute to an effective working relationship among the reeve, deputy reeve, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Awaiting Response
COUNCILLOR
Councillor CandidateJim Abbass
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I want to help our community grow while maintaining country living at its best. I bring more than 50 years of experience with Ron Abbass Electrical Ltd., three terms on council and a lifetime of living and working in Montague Township.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Montague Township, and what would you do about it?
Roads are the most important issue facing the township. Council and staff are addressing this by hiring additional part-time workers to assist with grading, ditching, culverts, brushing and other road maintenance.
3. What could Montague Township be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Road maintenance, especially in the spring, is our greatest concern. I would continue supporting additional public works staff and proactive grading, brushing, ditching and culvert work to keep our roads safe and in good condition.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I would meet with residents, listen to their concerns and explain council’s decision. For major issues, I would support public meetings to receive feedback and ensure residents feel heard and respected.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across a rural township?
Council must balance affordability with necessary services. Road studies and the strategic plan help identify costs and priorities. Input from public works, the fire department and other staff also helps council make responsible decisions about maintaining roads, infrastructure and essential services.
6. How would you contribute to an effective working relationship among the reeve, deputy reeve, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Respect, honesty and good communication are essential. Council, staff and residents must work together and listen to different viewpoints. This approach helped make my last term successful, and I would continue building those positive working relationships.
Councillor CandidateGerald Crabtree
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
Montague is my home, and I care deeply about the future of our community. My four years on council, along with my background in construction, have given me hands-ons-experience with planning, budgeting, and seeing projects through. I bring a practical approach, a commitment to accountability and the honesty and willingness to ask difficult questions when they need to be asked.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Montague Township, and what would you do about it?
Maintaining roads and infrastructure without placing an unreasonable burden on taxpayers is our biggest challenge. I support prioritizing repairs based on safety and condition, investing in preventative maintenance and pursuing funding opportunities that meet Montague’s needs.
3. What could Montague Township be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
There’s always room for improvement. For example we're working on better ways to maintain and repair our roads, use resources wisely and reduce waste. The goal would be for better roads with lasting results while making every taxpayer dollar go further.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I welcome open and honest conversations. My role is to listen, ask questions, and weigh their concerns alongside facts and staff advice. We may not always agree, but everyone deserves consideration, a clear explanation of decisions, and the option to present a delegation to council.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across a rural township?
Every tax increase affects household budgets, but delaying necessary maintenance can cost residents more later. Council needs to distinguish essential work from optional spending, plan ahead and compare costs carefully. I would support responsible investments that protect our assets while respecting what taxpayers can afford.
6. How would you contribute to an effective working relationship among the reeve, deputy reeve, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
I believe teamwork starts with respecting each person’s role. I would come prepared, keep discussions focused on solutions and respect staff’s professional advice. Working through differences in opinions constructively and keeping residents involved helps us make better decisions for Montague.
Councillor CandidateTrevor Johnson
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I am seeking this nomination because I care about this community and want to be part of the decision making process as we shape our path forward. I bring a great deal of relevant business experience to the council table which will allow for a balanced perspective as we approach difficult issues.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Montague Township, and what would you do about it?
The most important issue facing the Township would be how do you keep taxes low but also provide the services that our citizens require. Council requires a strategic plan that spreads spending out over multiple years. The needs must be prioritized so that they can be budgeted in a fiscally responsible manner.
3. What could Montague Township be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Montague is operating in a prudent manner and has been fiscally responsible with our tax dollars, my only change would be a budgetary process that is strategic and long term in its outlook.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I would use town hall meetings to reach out with regard to contentious issues and ensure that my contact information is easily available to all.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across a rural township?
The Township needs to be very strategic in how it spends our tax dollars. To do this we need a multi year plan that sets priorities with regard to roads and services. This plan needs to show short term and long term vision. We also need to seek cost effective ways to provide services and maintain our roads.
6. How would you contribute to an effective working relationship among the reeve, deputy reeve, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Throughout my previous career I was able to build consensus and work with differing points of view to find solutions to complex problems. I believe I can do the same with council, staff and the constituents.
Councillor CandidateBonnie Leach
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I bring my years of being a councillor in Montague Township, as well as being part of the negotiation process for the former Rideau Regional Centre with the town of Smiths Falls as a huge win for Montague Township residents. I’ve worn multiple hats dividing my focus across multiple business pillars.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Montague Township, and what would you do about it?
One of the important issues for municipalities and people alike is the increasing costs of services and the ability to maintain fiscal responsibility, with a focus on cutting costs for severances.
3. What could Montague Township be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Montage Township needs to maintain its service level and continue with road improvements, with funding from the federal and provincial governments. We need to improve our agreements with neighbouring municipalities.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I believe that elected officials need to have the ability to weigh all concerns of taxpayers and make informed decisions based on the individual issues.
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across a rural township?
Montage Township has done an amazing job on road maintenance and I see that practice growing as we have some, not all of the best maintained roads around.
6. How would you contribute to an effective working relationship among the reeve, deputy reeve, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
I believe in working with others always and my many years in the business industries juggling multiple roles with many responsibilities.
Councillor CandidateDavid Marion
Awaiting Response
1. Why are you seeking this position, and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
Awaiting Response
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Montague Township, and what would you do about it?
Awaiting Response
3. What could Montague Township be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Awaiting Response
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Awaiting Response
5. How should council balance property-tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and municipal services across a rural township?
Awaiting Response
6. How would you contribute to an effective working relationship among the reeve, deputy reeve, councillors, municipal staff and residents?
Awaiting Response
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How to VoteOfficial Information
October 26, 2026Election Day
Online and Telephone voting systemVoting Method
Update via Montague Election PortalRegistration
18+ Canadian citizen Eligibility
Help centre at Municipal OfficeVoting Locations
Municipal election pageOfficial Website
Official Voting Information
Visit the municipality's election website for the latest official instructions.
