Municipal Election 2026
Hometown News Election Centre
Tay Valley
Meet Your CandidatesMeet The Candidates
REEVE
Reeve CandidateRoxAnne Darling
1. Why are you seeking this position and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I’m running to restore transparency, fiscal responsibility, and stronger resident involvement. As a longtime Tay Valley resident with 20 years of municipal experience, planning expertise, and community-engagement work, I bring practical, common sense rural knowledge and a commitment to leadership that listens, understands, and takes action. Residents deserve Real Leadership, Real Listening, Real Results.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
The most urgent issue is fiscal responsibility. Since 2022, tax levies, legal fees, and senior staff salaries have risen sharply. I will demand transparent budgeting, eliminate inefficiencies, and ensure tax increases are justified and communicated clearly. Tay Valley's tax levy has increased at nearly triple the rate of inflation in the last term.
3. What could Tay Valley be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
The Township must improve transparency and public participation. There are far too many closed sessions and legal issues. I would restore residents' voice by creating clear, accessible ways for people to engage in decisions and by ensuring Council not staff sets direction openly and responsibly.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
With 16 years’ experience as a Councillor, I’ve always listened respectfully and welcomed every viewpoint. You can’t always give people the answer they want, but you can always be honest, hear them fully, and explain your reasoning. Respect, honesty, and listening builds trust and leads to better decisions.
5. How should the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
Council must prioritize essential services while eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring every dollar is justified. Transparent budgeting and responsible spending protect taxpayers while maintaining roads, infrastructure, and services across our large rural Township.
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
Tay Valley may have three wards, but we are one Township. Residents from all communities share the same concern: rising costs and feeling unheard. Our community members bring tremendous knowledge and experience, and people want to help. We need more public input and working groups reporting directly to Council so residents are genuinely heard and involved.
Reeve CandidateMarilyn Thomas
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
Tay Valley is my home. Serving as Councillor and leading the Brown Shoe Factory Action Committee to retrain 150+ workers taught me how to deliver results through collaboration. I will bring this proactive leadership to build a resilient economy, support community services for families and seniors, and safeguard our environment.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
With 54% of residents over 55, Tay Valley must attract young families. As Reeve, I will update zoning to permit starter homes, modest eco-friendly housing, and cost-effective green infrastructure. I will also use our seat on Lanark County Council to actively secure the expansion of licensed childcare spaces locally.
3. What could Tay Valley be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Tay Valley must prioritize its economic future. Farms, tourism, and small businesses are our economic backbone. As Reeve, I will propose updating zoning bylaws to permit on-farm diversified uses. I will also speed up commercial permitting to eliminate costly delays for local entrepreneurs and eco-tourism operators, fostering a thriving community.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
When tough decisions divide us, consultation must happen early. On divisive issues, I will host accessible community forums to hear opposing viewpoints before council votes. Ultimately, my responsibility is to make balanced, evidence-based choices for Tay Valley’s future, ensuring residents are respected, involved, and clearly informed throughout the process.
5. How should the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
Affordability means protecting infrastructure we already own. To keep 280 km of roads safe and services reliable, we must pursue grants, protect reserves, and acknowledge measured tax adjustments are sometimes necessary. When difficult choices arise, residents deserve honest communication about costs, trade-offs, and Tay Valley’s long-term future.
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
Different communities have distinct needs, but we are one township. Farmers need infrastructure; waterfront owners expect fair value for taxes. As Reeve, I will use transparent, data-driven asset management to distribute services equitably across all wards, ensuring every community is respected, actively engaged, and invested in Tay Valley’s future.
DEPUTY REEVE
Deputy Reeve CandidateWayne Baker
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I am seeking the position of Deputy Reeve because I feel that I could better serve the residents of Tay Valley Township by sitting on the Township Council as well as County Council. I have been a councillor for Sherbrooke Ward since 2022 and I believe I have obtained a reputation of doing my homework on every issue, asking many questions and voting for what the majority of my constituents want.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
I believe there are a few issues that need attention, but I will be steadfast in trying to keep taxes low. Although this term of council had challenging expenses. A nearly 26% increase over 4 years was not acceptable, which is why I voted against the 2024 and 2025 budgets and voted for the 2026 budget on the condition another FTE was not in it.
Tough budget decisions will have to be made in the upcoming years and after listening to the residents, I will do my utmost to keep taxes low.
Tough budget decisions will have to be made in the upcoming years and after listening to the residents, I will do my utmost to keep taxes low.
3. What could Tay Valley be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
We have heard that residents of Tay Valley would like more transparency from their council. To help achieve this I would make the LiveStreaming of meetings to be recorded and made available to the public to see anytime they choose to. I would also support the idea of having fewer closed session meetings.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I would do what I have done for the last 4 years on council. Do my homework on the issue and come forward with my thoughts, stated in a public forum and hope to get feedback from the residents. Feedback could be via emails, phone calls, delegations at COW meetings or best of all in person meetings. I have demonstrated during this term that I can and have changed my position on issues after receiving feedback from the residents. And will continue to do so if elected.
5. How should the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
Keeping property taxes low while maintaining the existing Level of Services, infrastructure and roads is going to be difficult, considering the costs of everything keeps getting higher. For example this year the cost of Asphalt cement has gone up $500 a ton. Equipment keeps going up as well. Council will have to listen to the residents and will have to choose which options are the best to adopt.
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
Because there is so much diversity in the needs and wants of the various residents and wards, I would like to hear from them and see if what they are requesting is possible and take into account how the request would affect the Township as a whole.
Deputy Reeve CandidateGreg Hallam
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I seek the Deputy Reeve position because I care deeply about Tay Valley's future. With 30 years as a resident, 12 years on Council, business experience, and committee service, I bring practical, fiscally responsible leadership. I will listen to residents, protect taxpayer dollars, preserve our rural character, and support growth.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
The most important issue is managing growth responsibly while protecting Tay Valley's rural character, environment, and affordability. Affordable housing matters so local families can live and build futures here. I support careful planning, responsible budgeting, open consultation, sustainable economic growth, protecting taxpayer dollars, pursuing grants whenever possible for our township.
3. What could Tay Valley be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Tay Valley can strengthen communication and public engagement so residents feel informed and heard before decisions are made. I would propose clearer, more accessible updates on major projects and budgets, plus regular opportunities for residents to ask questions and provide input early in the decision-making process for our community members.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
My approach has always been to hear both sides of a conversation and understand all aspects of an issue comprehensively. I would listen respectfully to residents who disagree with me, ensure their reasoning is understood, and clearly explain my position and the reasons for my decision. Every resident deserves fairness.
5. How should the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
Council must protect taxpayer dollars while maintaining reliable roads, infrastructure, emergency services, and community programs. This means disciplined budgeting, long-term planning, careful priorities, and pursuing outside funding whenever possible. My approach is always to focus on straightforward decision-making that reflects community needs and delivers services responsibly and efficiently.
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
Balancing Tay Valley’s diverse wards and permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities begins with listening carefully to residents’ concerns. I would work to understand each group’s needs, the broader implications of proposed changes and their impact across the township. Every decision must be fair, transparent, and guided by the overall community interest.
Deputy Reeve CandidateFrank Johnson
1. Why are you seeking this position and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
Owning property here for over 20 years, leading the work of a lake association, and running an international company making environmental equipment has allowed me to appreciate the treasures we have in Tay Valley as well as the importance of stewardship of its resources.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
The last session saw tax increases of nearly 30%; senior staff salaries increased by over 60%; and legal fees 250% over comparable municipalities. Clearly the Council has lost control. This needs to be regained; transparent governance is needed to restore taxpayers’ confidence that their taxes are used wisely.
3. What could Tay Valley be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Recording its livestreaming would be a simple bonus for everyone. Review staff workload; reduce staff turnover (over 40% in four years!) by improving job satisfaction; keep budgets within inflation; salary increases within the Consumer Price Index and end unnecessary litigation.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
Maintain an open line; seek to listen and not lecture; run Town Hall meetings whenever appropriate; introduce innovative modes of cooperative discussion and conflict resolution. Ensure that Working Groups report to Council and not to staff.
5. How should the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
By prioritizing these services rather than inflationary salary increases which have done nothing for services. The huge potential liability of “unassumed roads” needs to be addressed with sensitivity and care. The looming threats of climate change, ALTO, and wildfires require long-term plans and preparation.
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
Access to Council deliberations needs to be open to all, whether working or retired, rural or seasonal. When everyone is given a place at the table then their interests will be respected and balanced.
BATHURST WARD
Councillor CandidateFred Dobbie
Incumbent Councillor - 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 Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
Awaiting Response
3. What could Tay Valley 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 the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
Awaiting Response
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
Awaiting Response
Councillor CandidateKorrine Jordan
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I give the same answer when asked why I operate an animal rescue: If I don’t, who will? Both roles involve serving the community, managing budgets, mediating conflicts and navigating limited resources.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
Profligate spending! I will continue to fight against high tax increases. I have a proven track record over the past 4 years. Voted NO to tax increases of almost 30 per cent this term of council. Voted NO to $447,000 in increases to wages and benefits for administrative staff.
3. What could Tay Valley be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Tay Valley needs greater transparency and public engagement. Recording meetings would let residents hear council’s discussions and reasoning instead of relying on summarized minutes. I would update the procedural bylaw to reduce advance-notice requirements and make it easier for residents to participate.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I would hold public meetings at convenient times, meet with local groups and restore direct communication between working groups and council. I would ask questions, seek common ground, reconsider my position when warranted and explain how public input influenced the decision.
5. How should the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
Prioritize maintenance over crisis driven replacement. A rural township can have a large road network serving a relatively small tax base. Prioritize infrastructure spending based on safety and structural integrity (culverts or bridges) rather than non essential esthetic upgrades such as the $40,000 budgeted for “Welcome to Tay Valley Township” signs.
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
Council should make decisions for the entire township while recognizing that communities have different needs. Before deciding, council should ask whether the proposal is fair and financially responsible and whether it protects Tay Valley’s natural and agricultural assets.
Councillor CandidateChad Kelford
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 Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
Awaiting Response
3. What could Tay Valley 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 the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
Awaiting Response
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
Awaiting Response
BURGESS WARD
Councillor CandidateKeith Kerr
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I am running because I care about Tay Valley and its residents. I have almost 23 years of municipal experience, including serving on North Burgess council. I also helped amalgamate the three townships that became Tay Valley Township.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
Taxes, roads, rules and regulations are key issues. Wages, fuel and equipment costs increase annually. Without reasonable tax increases, the township must draw from reserves, leaving less for infrastructure. Many regulations come from senior governments, while local rules should involve public consultation.
3. What could Tay Valley be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Tay Valley could be more transparent and should work harder to find middle ground before taking some disputes to court.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
When making a decision, I consider all the facts, how it affects me and those involved, and what will best serve the greater good.
5. How should the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
Infrastructure needs must be addressed. Other requests should be examined carefully by considering their cost, how many residents would benefit and whether grants are available. Tax increases may be necessary because relying on reserves would eventually leave insufficient money to repair or replace infrastructure.
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
The three wards are reasonably well balanced. Waterfront owners may pay more because of higher assessed property values, particularly on lakes such as the Rideau. MPAC determines property assessments, while the township establishes tax rates.
Councillor CandidateGiovanni Perna
1. Why are you seeking this position and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I am seeking this position to put an immediate halt on taxes and grossly overpaid senior staff. To blow the doors open on obscure and deceitful council meetings. I will bring tenacity, youthful vigour, charm and conviction to TVT.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
Tay Valley's budgetary expenses have doubled and its taxes have almost tripled the rate of inflation in the last five years. This is absurd and unacceptable. I will roll back budgetary expenses and put the kibosh on tax increases.
3. What could Tay Valley be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
The township works for its residents and must treat them with fairness and respect which means using their hard earned tax dollars for productive endeavors. I will ensure that TVT staff take a back seat to Council and ensure that any and every resident's concern be addressed efficiently, promptly and fairly.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I welcome and encourage input from residents even when we do not agree. I will listen to their questions/concerns to land on common ground. I am always available via telephone or email.
5. How should the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
Council will cut the fat by reducing senior staff salaries and unnecessary & frivolous court procedures i.e. Blueberry Creek. Right now TVT is running like an old Chevette. I will have it running like a Testarossa.
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
I believe people want lower taxes, honest councilors, transparency and a strong community that looks after each other regardless of what community you are from.
Councillor CandidateAngela Pierman
Incumbent Councillor
1. Why are you seeking this position and what experience or perspective would you bring to the council table?
I’m seeking re-election in Burgess Ward because I’m invested. It’s the area my husband’s family and ancestors were raised in and settled 170 years ago. Four years on the council, making tough decisions, has made me future-orientated, focused on finding solutions and delivering positive outcomes for all residents.
2. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Tay Valley Township and what would you do about it?
For residents, it’s taxes. Minimizing taxes is a priority, while recognizing the realities of the rising cost of materials, inflation, and competitive wages. On the whole, it’s about facts. Negative, unverified narratives don’t tell the whole story. TVT’s successes deserve to be shared. Residents deserve the truth.
3. What could Tay Valley be doing better, and what specific change would you propose?
Council could improve by explaining how and why hard choices are made. Consistent use of the township media platforms could help residents better understand complex issues such as unassumed roads and RAA agreements. I’d support referendums on topics such as preferred council size. This strategy may be costly but effective.
4. How would you seek and consider input from residents who disagree with you when making a difficult decision?
I’ve met one-on-one with numerous residents who disagreed with my decisions. I took time to listen to their concerns, acknowledge their perspective, and respond. I value face-to-face conversations and seek out the opinions of neighbours to ensure I understand the different viewpoints and make informed decisions.
5. How should the council balance property tax affordability with the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure, and municipal services across a large rural township?
Council needs to prioritize both today’s needs and long-term investments. Following the Township’s Asset Management Plan and maintaining infrastructure helps extend asset life and reduce costs for taxpayers. TVT has competent staff delivering essential services, and regular wage benchmarking is needed to remain competitive.
6. How would you balance the interests of Tay Valley’s different wards and its permanent, seasonal, agricultural, and waterfront communities?
Supporting staff retention ensures consistent, reliable services. Extended summer and Sunday dump hours help cottagers manage waste locally. Regular road maintenance and targeted roadside spraying of invasive weeds support our farmers. TVT’s Climate Action Plan benefits all property owners. Alot is being done, this needs recognition and build upon.
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How to VoteOfficial Information
October 26, 2026Election Day
D Online and Telephone votingVoting Method
Update via Tay Valley Voter PortalRegistration
18+ Canadian citizen Eligibility
Municipal Office Assistance StationVoting Locations
Municipal election pageOfficial Website
Official Voting Information
Visit the municipality's election website for the latest official instructions.
