The City of Kawartha Lakes is still seeking candidates for ward councillors in the October 26 municipal election, with low candidate registration in some wards potentially leading to acclamations.
As residents of a single-tier municipality, City of Kawartha Lakes voters will elect a mayor, a councillor in each of the municipality’s eight wards, and eight school board trustees.
Here is a list of the mayoral and ward candidates who have registered as of the date of this story.
Mayor
With incumbent mayor Doug Elmslie unlikely to seek re-election, the race for the top chair is heating up. Two incumbent ward councillors are looking to make the leap to mayor: Ron Ashmore of Ward 6 and Charlie McDonald of Ward 7. Joining them in the race are new candidates Mathew Flynn and Doug Ford — who shares his name with Ontario’s premier.
Ashmore was first elected to council in 2006 in the now defunct Ward 14 where he served for eight years. He then was elected to represent Ward 6, which includes Ashmore’s home community of Omemee, in 2018.
Ashmore’s website outlines his 13-point platform including topics such as job creation, infrastructure investment, and community safety. He also looks to bring both a Walmart and a GO Transit route to Lindsay, the region’s biggest community.
McDonald originally filed his nomination paperwork to run for re-election in Ward 7; however, a month later he withdrew from the ward race and filed for the mayoral seat.
“I’m running for mayor in this upcoming municipal election because I believe our community deserves responsive, transparent local government that puts residents first,” reads McDonald’s announcement on Facebook.
Ward 1
In Ward 1, long-time councillor Emmett Yeo will not seek re-election. His vacant seat has already drawn five candidates to enter the race.
Brian Bartley is the owner of Maple Ridge Farm and Kawartha Maple. He is also a former board member of the Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce.
Don Logan previously ran for council in 2018 in 2022. He is the owner of Kawartha Garage and a former captain with the City of Kawartha Lakes Fire Department.
Jennifer Sherry is known locally in her role as the general manager of the Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce.
“A vote for me is a vote for open communication, for solutions, and for your representation at council to be completely dedicated to the betterment of our community,” posts Sherry on Facebook.
Jennifer Silverthorne-Litton is a retired business owner who also is involved in community organizations such as the Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society.
“I have a great respect for this community, its constituents, and its environs and that is why I am running in this election,” writes Silverthorne-Litton on her campaign Facebook page.
Vicki Taylor, who owns the Riverside Inn in Norland announced her campaign on July 13.
“As a local business owner I’m hyper-aware of our local economy, amenities, services and needs. I believe in building community to make our towns stronger,” reads Taylor’s Facebook page.
Ward 2
In Ward 2, incumbent councillor Pat Warren has registered to run for re-election. She has been a council member for nearly 15 years and a community leader since her time on council in the former Verulam Township.
“I like to think I understand how Ward 2 works. I’ve been here for quite a while — 41 years — and I’ve learned my way around our local politics. That experience has taught me a lot, especially how to work with other councillors and how to get things done,” writes Warren on her website.
Challenging the long-time incumbent is Air Force veteran Terry Blackmore.
“I believe in service before self, practical leadership, smart spending, and strong resilient communities. I also believe residents deserve to be heard,” posts Blackmore on Facebook.
Ward 3
In Ward 3, incumbent councillor Mike Perry stands to be acclaimed with no other candidates registered to date. Perry is also the executive director at the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team.
Ward 4
In Ward 4, incumbent councillor Dan Joyce has registered for re-election. His campaign website highlights investments in public services and infrastructure as central to his platform.
“Managing a region such as Kawartha Lakes with a $400M budget is big business, and I have a solid corporate business background developing and launching new businesses, strategic planning, budgeting expertise and more,” reads Joyce’s website.
Local business owners Guru Bhat and Shannon Reddom will challenge Joyce for this seat.
Bhat, who owns Oakwood Grocery, says that his experience as a business owner and community leader suits him to council office, especially in representing the disparate Ward 4 community.
“Residents deserve a councillor who is available, responsive, and accountable. Guru is committed to regular community meetings, open communication, and keeping residents informed throughout the year — not just during election season. He will listen. He will follow up. He will keep residents informed,” reads Bhat’s website.
Reddom moved to the community of Woodville two years ago and describes herself as a business owner and community volunteer, including with the Woodville Community Festival.
“I’m running because I believe our communities diverse a strong voice at the council table-someone who listens, is accessible, and works hard for the people they represent,” writes Reddom on Facebook.
Ward 5
In Ward 5, recently elected incumbent councillor Mark Doble is the only candidate registered to date. Doble was elected in November 2025 in a by-election after previous Ward 5 councillor Eric Smeaton announced his resignation citing health and personal reasons.
“As our community is evolving and growing — we need to ensure that economic growth is balanced and planned; with the amenities, environment, and infrastructure to attract residential/commercial growth; businesses, professionals, and more doctors,” says Doble on his website.
Ward 6
In Ward 6, Ashmore’s bid for mayor leaves his seat vacant. Two candidates, Jasmine Marshall and Mary Ann Martin, are vying for the open space.
Marshall is a real estate professional and lifelong Omemee resident who is entering the council race for the first time.
“She isn’t running because she has a political career to build. She’s running because the people who actually live here year-round — in Omemee, on the water, out on the concessions — deserve a councillor who would be a strong, local voice for our community,” reads Marshall’s website.
Martin is a former councillor and currently represents the City of Kawartha Lakes as the school board trustee for the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic School Board.
Ward 7
In Ward 7, with incumbent councillor McDonald having withdrawn his nomination to enter the mayoral race, the sole registered candidate is Liam Bruyn.
Ward 8
In Ward 8, incumbent councillor Tracy Richardson, who is also the city’s deputy mayor, will not be seeking re-election. She has spoken out about the gender-based harassment she has faced throughout her term.
To date the only candidate registered is Wyatt Colazzi, who stands to be acclaimed if no other candidates enter the race for the ward.
