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 this multi-part series, kawarthaNOW is publishing responses from candidates in each municipality to the question “Why are you running for council and what makes you a unique candidate?” Stories in the series, presented by municipality, will be updated as required to include additional responses received after publication.
The Township of North Kawartha’s council comprises a mayor, deputy mayor, and three councillors: one elected at large, one in Ward 1 (formerly Chandos), and one in Ward 2 (formerly Burleigh Anstruther).
Two positions were acclaimed upon the closure of the nomination period: incumbent mayor Carolyn Amyotte and incumbent deputy mayor Jim Whelan as Ward 2 councillor.
Incumbent Ward 2 councillor Colin McLellan and incumbent councillor-at-large Ruth Anne McIlmoyl are running to fill the vacant deputy mayor seat.
Longtime incumbent Ward 1 councillor Jim O’Shea, who decided not to seek re-election, passed away on August 6. John Lovatsis and Bruce Paterson are competing for the seat.
Joe McCauley and Guy Sprung are running for the councillor-at-large position.
Mayor
Carolyn Amyotte (incumbent, acclaimed)
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Deputy Mayor
Ruth Anne McIlmoyl
I grew up just outside Apsley on Highway 28 and spent much of my childhood on Chandos Lake. After leaving the area for education and career, I was drawn home, longing for the community and the beauty that has always grounded me. North Kawartha isn’t just where I live, it’s my home.
My professional background in financial services included customer service, collections, sales, business systems analysis and systems implementation. Over time, I shifted my focus to helping young families build financial stability and plan for the future. That same practical, plan-ahead approach is what I brought to council and I will continue to provide that experience in the future.
Community involvement has been a constant in my life. I’ve volunteered with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada and the MS Society. Since returning to North Kawartha I’ve stayed involved through the Lions Club, the Library, the PTA, the Legion and other local groups.
I’m currently completing my first term as Councillor at Large for North Kawartha. Municipal government drew me in because the decisions touch daily life directly through roads, housing, waste management, local services and the overall well-being of our community. I bring a thoughtful, informed perspective shaped by my experience in finance, systems and community engagement.
I care deeply about North Kawartha, and I am committed to it’s financial, social and environmental well being. I’m here to represent everyone who calls North Kawartha home, whether that’s year round or just part of the year!
Colin McLellan
I am once again running for North Kawartha Council because, while I am proud of past accomplishments, I still see much to be done.
My love of systems-based problem solving makes me a uniquely qualified candidate for office.
When I look at a problem like our regional housing shortage, I will not rely purely on administrative changes. In my mind, making our communities better places to live is the single greatest thing Councils can do to attract healthy growth. Large problems require holistic solutions.
Municipalities, such as North Kawartha, that do not charge development fees should be recognized by Peterborough County. The “Build More Homes Faster” Act amongst other provincial legislation shows Ontario’s desire to cut back on fees. Our federal government is investing $8.8 billion in something that we in North Kawartha already do through the Development Charge Reduction Program.
Those that chose to not implement development fees and did not capitalize on them should not be subsidizing those that did. Our alignment should be recognized.
Procurement is immensely complicated. I am excited to bring my knowledge to help ensure the County spend represents the best public interest, not simply the lowest cost. Deep research I undertook in an effort to improve our local Procurement Policy led me into being the only elected official in an industry group supporting small Canadian defense companies.
I am grateful for the unique opportunities that I’ve been given through the trust of my constituents.
I look forward to bringing my proven commitments to quality oversight and simple, responsible, transparent government to the County chambers on behalf of North Kawartha.
Councillor at Large
Joe McCauley
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Guy Sprung
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Ward 1 (formerly Chandos)
John Lovatsis
My reason for running for council both back in 2022 and now in 2026 is that I genuinely feel that I can be a contributing factor to the betterment of the day to day lives of the constituents here in North Kawartha and particularly in Ward 1, Chandos ward. I have been an active member/director in the CLPOA (Chandos Lake Property Owners Association) for the past 4 years. I also am the advertising director for the CLPOA’s annual yearbook and have raised close to $200K dollars in those 4 years that includes growth of over $70K over and above what was being raised previously. I also run all of the food/BBQ at all CLPOA summer events. I aim to bring the same focus, commitment, passion and success to NK council that I have achieved in my professional career to this point in time. My wife, Ann Marie and I plan to make our cottage here on Chandos Lake our permanent home within the next 12 – 24 months.
Bruce Paterson
My name is Bruce Paterson, and I am running for Councillor representing North Kawartha Ward 1 (Chandos Ward). I have been a resident of Peterborough County my entire life. I was born, raised and worked in the Peterborough area, now my wife Tammy, and I, are proud to call North Kawartha home year-round. Our twin adult daughters also look forward to spending time here whenever their personal and professional lives allow, maintaining the family’s deep bond with Chandos Lake.
Our family connection to Chandos Lake goes back more than a century. My grandfather first began coming to the lake-then known as Loon Lake-in the early 1920s. In 1934 he purchased property on West Bay and built the cottage that our family has enjoyed for generations. Our family has been part of this community for so long that when the local roads were eventually named, the road where we live became designated as Paterson Lane.
Recently, I replaced that original three-season cabin with a new year-round home, making the transition from long-time cottager to permanent North Kawartha resident. That experience has given me a unique perspective on both sides of the community: I understand the importance of the area to seasonal property owners while also appreciating the needs and realities of those who live here full-time.
My father, Murray Paterson, literally wrote a book on the history of Chandos Lake, Bygone Days at Chandos Lake. Our family’s connection to this area is deep, but my decision to run for council is about more than family history. It is about giving back to a community that has played an important role throughout my life.
I have never run for public office before. However, over the years, my experience as a business owner, entrepreneur, homeowner and cottage property owner has brought me before municipal council on a variety of issues. Those experiences sparked my interest in local government and in the role council can play in shaping the future of our community. Jim O’Shea, who served as Chandos Ward Councillor since 2014, was a friend and neighbour. A few years ago, we discussed the possibility of me one day running for council. I told Jim that I would never want to run against him because I was very happy with the work he was doing, but that if he ever decided to step down, I would be interested in the challenge.
This past spring, Jim told me that he would not be seeking another term and asked whether I was still interested. When I said yes, he was pleased and offered to help me pursue the position. Sadly, Jim’s health declined suddenly and he passed away recently. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.
I am running for council because I believe my experience, perspective and connection to this community can be valuable at the municipal table. I am not running with a predetermined agenda or a list of promises. Instead, I want to be an impartial, practical and reasonable voice for the residents of Chandos Ward.
Now that I am mostly retired, I have the time and flexibility to give the position the attention and dedication that such an important responsibility deserves. I believe good local government requires listening carefully, considering all sides of an issue and making practical decisions based on what is best for the community.
As someone who has spent his entire life in the Peterborough area, who has been a cottager on Chandos Lake for generations, and who is now a permanent resident of North Kawartha, I believe I can bring a balanced perspective to council. I understand the importance of both the year-round and seasonal communities, and I want to ensure that both voices are heard and respected.
Chandos Lake and North Kawartha have given my family a lifetime of memories and experiences. I am now looking forward to giving something back. I would be honoured to serve the residents of North Kawartha Ward 1 and to help shape a practical, thoughtful and sustainable future for the community we are so fortunate to call home.
Ward 2 (formerly Burleigh Anstruther)
Jim Whelan (acclaimed)
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
kawarthaNOW has reproduced written responses from candidates verbatim. Any errors, factual or otherwise, or any use of AI-generated content originate with the candidate.
