2026 Electoral Candidates – Questions & Answers
Responses are presented with mayoral candidates first, alphabetically by last name, followed by the Ward 3 candidates. Candidate responses are reproduced as submitted. All seven candidates were asked to participate and the following are the responses that were received.
Question 1- Investment Attraction
What major new businesses or industries would you like to see establish themselves in Kawartha Lakes, and what specific incentives or strategies would you be willing to use to attract them?
Question 2 – Innovation
Looking beyond maintaining the status quo, what is one transformational or innovative initiative you would like to see Kawartha Lakes accomplish during the next term, and what would success look like?
Question 3 – Housing
What new initiatives will you champion to increase the availability of affordable and attainable housing in Kawartha Lakes, particularly housing that supports the workforce our local businesses need?
Question 4 – Arts & Culture
a. Kawartha Lakes' Cultural Master Plan is currently being updated. What role do you believe arts and culture should play in the municipality's economic development and downtown revitalization strategy, and would you support continued or expanded municipal investment in cultural organizations and initiatives, including multi-year funding where appropriate?
b. Kawartha Lakes' tourism economy is often associated with lakes, cottages and outdoor recreation. What role should arts, culture and local events play in the municipality's tourism strategy, and how would you measure whether tourism investment is translating into increased visitation, foot traffic and revenue for local businesses?
Question 5 – Labour Force
What steps would you take to help local businesses address labour shortages and attract and retain workers in Kawartha Lakes?
Question 6 – Red Tape Reduction
What is your approach to reducing red tape and improving municipal processes — including permitting timelines, business licensing and sign bylaws — so that small businesses can start, expand and operate more efficiently?
Question 7 – Transportation
Question 8 – Local infrastructure project
Kawartha Lakes has a significant and growing senior population, while transportation and accessibility remain challenges outside Lindsay. What municipal actions would you prioritize to improve transportation, accessibility and access to essential services for seniors and other residents who do not have reliable access to a vehicle?
The Lindsay Street Bridge project will have significant implications for traffic, accessibility and businesses in Fenelon Falls. What specific steps will you take to minimize disruption to the community and local businesses during construction, and how will you ensure the municipality communicates effectively with affected businesses and residents throughout the project?