With the nomination period for the October 26 municipal election having closed on August 21, Peterborough County voters are looking for answers from the now-certified candidates for council.
Residents of the eight municipalities that form Peterborough County — Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Cavan Monaghan, Township of Douro-Dummer, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Township of North Kawartha, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, Township of Selwyn, and Municipality of Trent Lakes— will be voting for members of their lower-tier councils whose leadership makes up the membership of county council.
In the multi-part series of stories, kawarthaNOW asked candidates to introduce their campaigns by answering the question “Why are you running for council and what makes you a unique candidate?” and has published their responses verbatim. This series will present candidate responses by municipality.
The Township of Cavan Monaghan’s council comprises a mayor, deputy mayor, and three councillors, with one elected in each of three wards: Ward 1 (formerly North Monaghan), Ward 2 (formerly Cavan), and Ward 3 (formerly Millbrook).
Incumbent members running for re-election are mayor Matthew Graham, deputy mayor Ryan Huntley, Ward 1 councillor Nelson Edgerton, and Ward 3 councillor Lance Nachoff.
Jaccob Burnett, Jim Chaplin, and Julia Herrick are challenging Graham for the position of mayor, incumbent Ward 2 councillor Gerry Byrne is challenging Huntley for deputy mayor, and John Collver is challenging incumbent Edgerton in Ward 1.
Ward 2 candidates are Malcolm Byard, David Lundrigan, and Saskia Mattern, while Chanelle Courville and Linda Coulter will challenge incumbent Nachoff in Ward 3, where David Lundrigan withdrew his nomination the day before the nomination period ended.
kawarthaNOW did not receive responses before publication from incumbent deputy mayor Huntley or any of the Ward 1 or Ward 3 candidates. Ward 3 candidates Courville and Coulter provided responses after publication. Chaplin, who filed his nomination papers on the final day of the nomination period, was asked for comment after this story was originally published and has provided a response. Collver also provided a response after publication. This story will be updated with any other responses received from the remaining candidates.
Mayor
Jaccob Burnett
I am running for Mayor because Cavan Monaghan is my home, and I believe our Township is entering an important period of growth and change that requires responsible, accessible and accountable leadership. An important reason behind my decision to run, is the financial pressure facing residents across Cavan Monaghan. With the cost of everyday life continuing to increase, I believe municipal government has a responsibility to carefully examine how taxpayer dollars are spent, look for efficiencies and ensure residents are receiving meaningful value.
I have deep roots in this community. My family has called Millbrook home for three generations, and growing up here has given me an appreciation for the character, history and sense of community that makes Cavan Monaghan such a special place. As we continue to grow, I want to ensure we welcome new opportunities without losing the identity and character of the communities that have brought us here.
What makes me a unique candidate is the combination of public service, business and leadership experience I would bring to the role of Mayor. Serving as an Ontario Provincial Police Constable gave me firsthand experience in public safety, legislation, investigations, conflict resolution and serving communities during difficult circumstances.
I bring approximately 14 years of hands-on business, sales and commercial negotiation experience through the antique, collectibles, classic vehicle and movie industry. I have had the opportunity to work with local customers, businesses and organizations. This experience has taught me the importance of building relationships, negotiating fairly, solving problems and being accountable for the decisions you make.
My involvement in leadership and public service began at a young age. I spent several years with the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program, where I progressed through leadership roles and attained the rank of Warrant Officer First Class and served as Squadron Commander. During this time, I instructed aviation, survival and led field training exercises. The program taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, responsibility and leading by example.
In 2015, I was also elected Prime Minister of the Clarke High School Student Council. In that role, I worked with students and staff to organize events and coordinate student initiatives. This was my first experience in an elected leadership position. It gave me early experience representing others, listening to different perspectives and working as part of a team toward common goals.
Those experiences helped shape a belief that has stayed with me throughout my professional life: leadership is ultimately about service. It means listening, being accountable for your decisions, working with others and being willing to take responsibility when people place their trust in you.
Jim Chaplin
I have 8 years previous Council experience, have served on may boards and committees in the community over my 50 years living here, including Chamber of Commerce, BIA, Community Care, Millbrook Manor, Library board, Community School associations for both elementary and high school and others.
I have worked elections for both Elections Canada and Elections Ontario and most recently worked on the 2026 census.
My reasons for running, which I had decided not do again, are that I am disappointed with the current Council. There is little to no communication with the public and it seems they do not use common sense and logic. In addition I was encouraged by some residents to run because they too are dissatisfied with how the current Council operates.
For fourteen and a half years my wife, children and I operated a successful pizza business in Millbrook and briefly had a location in Bethany. My son carried on the business in Peterborough, Norwood and briefly in Campbellford. My grandson continued with the Norwood location until his health, covid and other unfortunate situations cause him to cease operation after 37 years in business.
I was also a freelance DJ for 50 years. My DJ business and many other activities, including a part time job at the Oshawa radio station, were undertaken while working in General Motors, where I held a variety of jobs, including as a facilitator in the training department and finishing up in Quality Audit. I retired from GM before running for Council in 2006 and I served on the Council until 2014.
I can’t say I want desperately to serve as Mayor but I am willing to give it all I have if the voters decide they want me for their Mayor. The fact that some residents have encouraged me to run shows that there is confidence in my ability to take on the job.
When someone wants badly to be on Council and particularly sit in the Mayors chair I wonder if they have an ulterior motive or a personal agenda, I do not. If I am unsuccessful my life will be much easier come Oct. 27, 2026. If my campaign lands me as Mayor of Cavan Monaghan I will spend the next four years immersed in the job and will do my best to do what is in the best interest of this township. I know I can’t please everyone and no matter what I do someone will not like it. My past experience on Council has taught me that. My second term I was the only member of the Council of the day to get re-elected, so I must have done something right.
I will not make a bunch of wild promises just to convince people to vote for me. Too many politicians make promises they can’t keep just to get elected.
Matthew Graham (incumbent)
I am running for re-election to continue to serve the residents of Cavan Monaghan. This is a crucial period in time for the Township as we manage the growth pressure that is already here, and plan for the future of the Township with the work just starting on our Official Plan.
The on-going Provincial Facilitation discussion that we are required to participate in will also be very important to the future of our Township. Many of the decisions over the past two terms have put us in a fantastic strategic position to demonstrate that we are more than capable of managing our own future, not just for our own benefit, but for the entire region.
We’ve been able to accomplish a lot despite the economic challenges. We are investing in new recreation amenities, we’ve built a new fire hall and ambulance bay, we are creating employment opportunities and funding our asset reserves for the future, all while keeping tax increases to their lowest levels in more than a decade. I want to continue this commitment to strategic, efficient and fiscally responsible government.
Julia Herrick
I’m running for Mayor because I believe Cavan Monaghan needs a fresh perspective and a stronger focus on affordability, responsible spending, and actually listening to residents before decisions are made. I also believe our community deserves a Mayor who is visible, approachable, and actively present in the community (not just at Council meetings), in all corners of the Township.
What makes me different is the experience I bring from outside politics. I’m a Master Electrician, college professor, small business owner, mom, and active and present in community events. I’ve worked in the trades, industry, and education, where solving problems means asking questions, understanding the numbers and finding practical solutions. I’m not a career politician, and I’m not interested in maintaining the status quo. I want to bring common sense, accountability and new ideas to Council.
Deputy Mayor
Gerry Byrne
Firm believer in local politics is critical and the rural portion is to often ignored (talked about, the actions don’t match the talk). Politics is community and people need to feel they have a voice in it. In the past 4 years as Councillor in Ward 2 I feel I have made that accessibility to the people who actually live in the Township my number one priority as an employee of those people.
Regardless of who you vote for, Please VOTE.
Ward 1
John Collver
Growth is coming, with pressures from Peterborough, the County and the Province.
There are questions about infrastructure, finances, development, rural character, water, heritage and our future identity.
My concern isn’t simply whether Cavan Monaghan grows. It’s how intelligently it grows, what it costs existing residents, and what remains after. Do we allow change to shape us, or do we have the vision and courage to shape that change ourselves?
Cavan Monaghan isn’t a small municipality that needs saving, but a community with enormous, untapped potential that needs to manage growth responsibly, protect what makes our community special, deliver value for taxpayers and plan for the future without losing sight of the people who live here.
We need to plan for growth, protect what matters, build financial sustainability, support local business, improve transparency and communication, work collaboratively and measure the results; and that can only occur with a Council that can work together.
My landscape architecture and multi-disciplined design background in both the private and governmental sectors makes me one of the strongest differentiators.
I’ve spent a career developing and stewarding place—how land, people, infrastructure, landscape, development, movement and identity fit together. That is extraordinarily relevant to this municipality.
I’m not approaching Council with a long list of promises, but with a way of thinking: creative, strategic, independent, collaborative, and willing to question what the best benefits are for our community and the solutions we can provide to achieve them
Ward 2
Malcolm Byard
My decision to run for council comes from a base of over 25 years of voluntary service to communities. As a board member (and at times leader) of three different not for profit organizations I have built and fostered relationships with all levels of government. This experience will enable me to communicate with and effectively represent the interests of Cavan residents.
There have been many changes to the landscape of Cavan Monaghan Township since I moved here in 2009. Defense of our rural identity and respectful development in the future as well as lobbying for the new school and proposing a much needed medical clinic will be paramount to my platform if elected.
David Lundrigan
I’ve decided to change the direction of my candidacy by stepping away from the Ward 3 race and putting my focus where I believe I can make the greatest difference and Where I live – Ward 2.
We’re growing, and with that growth comes an opportunity to make Cavan Monaghan an even better place to live. I want to help shape that future with thoughtful planning, strong community connections and a focus on what makes Cavan Monaghan such a great place to live.
My message is simple:
Grow Smart. Stay Local.
Build local – growing businesses, creating opportunity, and strengthening Cavan Monaghan’s economy. I have a passion for creating more opportunities for youth and seniors, strengthening recreation, encouraging local spending and bringing more community events and activities to our towns.
I also want to bring a strong voice for Ward 2 while contributing to the growth and success of all of Cavan Monaghan. I believe the best communities are built when residents, businesses, community organizations and local government work together.
I’ve spent years building a business, creating youth programs, working with families and investing in our community. Now I want to take that same energy and bring it to the Township.
1) I’m a local business owner – Millbrook Fit
2) I’m involved in the community – Cavan Monaghan Youth Softball Association
3) I understand recreation from multiple perspectives
- I’ve developed youth fitness camps this summer
- I’m a member of the Cavan Monaghan Task Force on Downtown Park and Remaining CMCC Land
- I’ve created fitness programs for seniors of all fitness levels
- I’ve developed Inclusive and accessible recreation for people of all abilities
4) I’ve been an Entrepreneur for 20 plus years.
- My family and I live here. We work here. We invested here.
- Cavan Monaghan is more than where we live. It’s where our lives happen. And that’s something worth being proud of.
Saskia Mattern
I’m running for Council because I love Cavan Monaghan, and I want our community to remain a place where families can afford to build their lives, local businesses can thrive, and our rural character is protected as we grow.
What sets me apart is the combination of, my perspective, my professional background, and my hands-on community involvement.
I bring a perspective that reflects the realities of different stages of life. I understand the challenges facing young families today, including balancing a full-time career with everyday responsibilities and rising costs. At the same time, I think about the future I want for my parents and others who have spent decades working hard and deserve the opportunity to enjoy a secure and well-earned retirement. I believe good municipal decisions should consider both the needs of families building their lives today and the importance of creating communities where people can feel confident about their future.
At the same time I have an evidence-based engineering mindset, with an education and career in the engineering field, I have the ability to look past opinions, analyze technical documents, weigh trade-offs, and focus on practical solutions. I will bring this same analytical approach to Council, asking good questions and making well-informed decisions based on evidence and the long-term interests of our community.
My community involvement has also given me a practical understanding of what makes Cavan Monaghan special. As a member of the Millbrook Valley Trails Advisory Committee, I have the opportunity to contribute to the stewardship and improvement of the outdoor spaces that so many residents value. Through this work, I’ve connected with residents who care deeply about our community and its future.
Ultimately, I believe Cavan Monaghan deserves a Council that combines thoughtful decision making with a genuine understanding of the people who call this community home. I want to bring my professional skills, my perspective, and my commitment to our community to the table, while helping to ensure that as we grow, we do so thoughtfully, responsibly, and in a way that preserves what makes Cavan Monaghan such a great place to live.
Ward 3
Linda Coulter
I’m running because I believe our community deserves a councillor who will listen, ask questions, represent residents, and work hard to make responsible decisions for our future.
Our township is growing quickly, and with that growth come important questions about development, roads, infrastructure, services, protecting our rural character, and making sure our community continues to be a great place to live.
This campaign isn’t just about me — it’s about our community.
I feel I’m a unique candidate because Millbrook isn’t just where I live, it is my home!
I’ve lived here my entire life. I attended all 3 schools here — the Old Millbrook School for grades 1-3, South Cavan for grades 4-6 and the High School for Kindergarten and grades 7-13. Yes I graduated High School here! It was during my grade 12 year that I had the opportunity to do a Co-op placement at our local dental office. That placement led to me developing my career as a Dental Hygienist. I worked many years at the Medical Centre here in Millbrook before I entered Public Health. My career has given me the opportunity to work with people from many different backgrounds and to listen to their concerns, find solutions, work collaboratively, and advocate for the people I serve.
I raised my children here. I have 4 children that I am so very proud of. And a new grandbaby that fills my heart. My children attended school here and were all involved in many community activities. Those years were busy and as the saying goes — “it takes a community to raise a child” was so very true! We all leaned on each other to help.
I have spent my life being part of this community. Being involved in school life, volunteered and held many roles in minor hockey including manager and treasurer positions and I represented our township for the Agricultural Society. My father was also born and raised here and his father before that. My parents had a successful business in the village for over 25 years. Where I worked and had the opportunity to be part of our downtown charm!
My history here has helped develop me as a person. A person who deeply cares about our community. A genuine love for this area!
I can make one promise to the residents of Millbrook — I will be a voice for the people who live here — those who have been here for generations, those who have recently chosen Millbrook as their home, and the families who will grow up here in the years ahead.
Millbrook raised me and helped me and my family when we needed it most. My community shaped me. And now I want to give back.
Chanelle Courville
My name is Chanelle Courville, and I am running for Ward 3 Councillor because I care deeply about the community my family and I call home. I want to be part of making sure Millbrook remains a great place to live while also helping it move forward.
My professional background has given me a perspective I believe would be valuable at Council. I spent almost a decade working in education before moving into the federal government, where I now work as a policy analyst. My work has taught me how to research complex issues, understand policy, look at the numbers, ask difficult questions, and turn ideas into practical plans.
I have brought that same approach to my campaign. Rather than simply talking about what I would like to see in our community, I have taken the time to develop economic proposals that explore how we can make those ideas financially realistic. This includes a proposal for a new indoor sports dome that could provide much needed recreational space for local families while creating a potential source of revenue for the Township. I have also developed a proposal for a Millbrook focused tourism website that would showcase our businesses, heritage, events, trails and attractions and encourage more people to visit and spend money in our community. These are just a few of the things I have been working on.
I believe we need to start thinking creatively about how we grow our local economy and bring new revenue into the Township. If we can create sustainable sources of revenue, we have an opportunity to help reduce the financial pressure on residents and make it easier to manage costs such as water bills and property taxes.
My commitment to this community also extends beyond this election. I hold a seat on the board of directors with the Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society and serve on the Municipal Revitalization and Heritage Committee. I believe in giving back, supporting local organizations and being involved in the community rather than simply talking about the importance of community. I truly believe if you have the ability to help, you have the moral obligation to do so.
I am running because I believe Ward 3 deserves someone who will show up for the residents, do the work they say they will do and bring forward new, achievable ideas.
I am not running because I think everything is wrong. I am running because I believe we can do better.
kawarthaNOW has reproduced written responses from candidates verbatim. Any errors, factual or otherwise, or any use of AI-generated content originate with the candidate.
This story was updated on August 30 to include responses from Chanelle Courville and Angela Lloyd, as well as a response from Jim Chaplin. The original version of this story indicated that Chaplin had not provided a response before publication; in fact, he was only contacted to provide a response after publication.
This story was updated on September 2 to include a response from John Collver.
