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 Otonabee-South Monaghan’s council comprises a mayor, deputy mayor, and three councillors, with one elected at large and one elected in each of Otonabee Ward and South Monaghan Ward.
Three positions on council were acclaimed after the closure of the nomination period, as only a single candidate was nominated in each position: incumbent councillor at large Mark Allen as deputy mayor, incumbent Otonabee Ward councillor Nick Powers, and incumbent South Monaghan Ward councillor Terry Holmes.
With incumbent mayor Joe Taylor not seeking re-election, incumbent deputy mayor Bonnie Clark (who also currently serves as Peterborough County warden) is seeking the top chair, with Scott Tower challenging her for the seat.
Tara Loucks and Joe Crowley are competing for the councillor at large position.
Mayor
Bonnie Clark
It is both an honour and a privilege to put my name forward for Mayor of Otonabee-South Monaghan. Our shared values, deep sense of community, and strong rural roots are well worth protecting.
Effective leadership experience is essential at this pivotal time. To that point, I bring 24 years of municipal experience to the table. Having served as Deputy Mayor, Councillor-at-Large, and Councillor within OSM, as well as Warden of Peterborough County, I have gained invaluable insight. This extensive background will allow me to transition seamlessly into the role of Mayor.
Professionally, I am a retired registered nurse, a small business owner, and a fourth-generation farmer involved with our family operation, Millar Eggs and Chickens. I am also a proud member of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).
My husband, Ivan, and I live on our fourth-generation family farm in OSM, where we raised our three children. All three of our children continue to live and raise their own families within the township, making us the proud grandparents of four.
I deeply understand the challenges our community faces, from preserving precious farmland to supporting our local businesses. I am committed to fostering partnerships and working collaboratively to grow a community we are all proud to call home.
In addition to my local service, I bring strong regional and provincial leadership experience. I currently Chair the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), where focus included ALTO concerns, affordable housing, and economic development opportunities across Eastern Ontario. Furthermore, my role as the County Caucus Chair within the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has allowed me to consistently champion a rural Ontario perspective at the provincial level.
Ultimately, I want to be a strong voice for our constituents, build meaningful partnerships, and strengthen our township.
I invite you to reach out to share your ideas and discuss my candidacy. You can contact me directly at 705-295-4434 or via email at clarkx5@nexicom.net.
Scott Tower
OSM, specifically Keene, is the community in which my wife and I chose to raise our children. After 19+ years, I now have the free time to invest in growing our community rather than running after my sons. We have enjoyed the small town feel of OSM throughout these 19 years. Partaking in events such as Keene Pumpkin Fest, Assumption church dinners and Lyons Club fish fries. Our boys played soccer, fished and visited Lange pioneer village. My wife and I have walked the trails with our dogs discussing our dreams for the future.
After a brief journey travelling as a family through the US and Mexico, we chose to return to this community that we love. As our sons step into their careers, relationships and grow their own families, it has raised questions as to where they will choose to grow roots. And if that is possible for them in this same community. It is with this question in mind that I am seeking election to OSM council. OSM has not seen a change in leadership in the last 19 years. I wonder if I could be that change. Bringing a younger, fresher perspective to our community. Seek to define the direction of OSM, be it residential or agricultural. Helping to shape OSMs future while maintaining that small town feel that drew us here to begin with.
Deputy Mayor
Mark Allen (acclaimed)
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Councillor at Large
Joe Crowley
My name is Joe Crowley, and I’m running for Councillor-at-Large for Otonabee South Monaghan.
I’m running because my experience has given me a well-rounded understanding of our community and the challenges we face. I’ve spent most of my career serving the public, and I’m looking forward to continuing that service in a new way.
I spent 16 years as a paramedic, including roles as a community paramedic and superintendent. As a community paramedic, I helped seniors connect with resources so they could remain safely and independently in their homes. I also have leadership training from Conestoga College and served for a year as a Paramedic Superintendent with the City of Kawartha Lakes.
After leaving paramedicine, I started a small business on our family farm in Otonabee. While establishing it, I spent eight months with the Peterborough Utilities water crew, gaining hands-on experience with municipal water infrastructure, including water-main and service-leak repairs and chlorine-level maintenance. That knowledge would be valuable in a township with several municipal water systems.
I’ve also served as a volunteer firefighter at Hall 2 of the Otonabee South Monaghan Fire Department. Along with my paramedic experience working with police and fire departments throughout Peterborough County, this has given me a strong understanding of emergency services, teamwork and community safety.
For the past two years, I’ve served as President of the Otonabee Minor Hockey Association, and I’ve been involved with Otonabee hockey for six years as a coach or assistant coach. Through hockey, I’ve worked with hundreds of local families and volunteers and gained an even greater appreciation for the people who make our community strong.
My wife and I live on my great-grandfather’s farm, where we are raising our two children. Our family has been part of this community for generations, and I want to help ensure Otonabee remains a great place to raise a family.
One of the things I would like to see is reasonable, responsible growth in the areas of the township that are already identified for development.
I believe growth, when planned properly, can be positive for Otonabee.
I also understand that every area of our township has different challenges. Whether it’s airport expansion, the landfill, limited water capacity, source-water protection or the challenges involved with creating additional lots, these are not always easy issues.
But I believe we need councillors who are willing to listen, understand the issues and work with residents, businesses and the township to find practical solutions.
I want to see Otonabee grow while protecting the things that make our township special — our agricultural roots, our rural lifestyle and the communities we call home.
Responsible growth can also strengthen our tax base. More homes and businesses can bring additional tax revenue, helping us maintain reasonable property taxes while giving the township more ability to invest in infrastructure, roads, water systems, recreation and other services residents depend on.
I’m fortunate that my small business gives me the flexibility to dedicate my time to this community. If elected, I want residents and local businesses to know that I will be available to listen.
I’m not running because I think I have all the answers. I’m running because I know how to listen, work with people and put in the time to find solutions.
I’ve served as a paramedic and firefighter, worked with municipal water infrastructure, led our minor hockey association, coached local kids and built a small business on our family farm. I’m also a husband and father raising my family here.
I believe that combination of experience gives me a unique perspective to bring to council.
Most importantly, I care about this community, and I want to continue giving back to the place my family has called home for generations.
If you would like to vote early, early voting is on October 13th. Otherwise, I would be honoured to have your support on October 26th.
Tara Loucks
I deeply care about the future of Otonabee – South Monaghan Township and for this reason I am running for Councillor at Large. The strong sense of community, rural setting and quality of life OSM offers makes it a special place to call home.
As our township continues to develop, I believe it is important to balance responsible growth with the preservation of community priorities. I want to help ensure everyone has a strong voice in the decisions that will shape our township’s future.
For the past 27 years I have worked as an educator building a career focused on listening, problem-solving, collaboration, and advocacy. In my current role as an Itinerant Teacher for children with low vision, I work closely with students, families, educators, and community partners to ensure each individual need is taken care of in an effective manner.
I believe local government works best when residents feel informed, included and connected to the decision-making process. I am committed to listening to residents, strengthening communication between council and the community, and representing all residents with integrity, common sense, and respect.
Otonabee Ward
Nick Powers (incumbent, acclaimed)
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
South Monaghan Ward
Terry Holmes (incumbent, 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.
This story was updated on September 13 with responses from Bonnie Clark and Joe Crowley, as well as a correction to the subhead to include Joe Crowley’s name rather than Joe Taylor’s.
