With the nomination period for the October 26 municipal election having closed on August 21, Haliburton County voters are looking for answers from the now-certified candidates for council.
Residents of the four municipalities that form Haliburton County — Township of Algonquin Highlands, Municipality of Dysart et al, Municipality of Highlands East, and Township of Minden Hills — 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 candidate responses received after initial publication.
Located in central Haliburton County, the United Townships of Dysart, Dudley, Harcourt, Guilford, Harburn, Bruton, Havelock, Eyre and Clyde — commonly known as the Municipality of Dysart et al — is a rural municipality with a population of around 7,200 permanent residents and over 20,000 seasonal residents. The municipality’s largest community is the village of Haliburton, with other smaller communities including Donald, Eagle Lake, Fort Irwin, Goulds, Harburn, Harcourt, Kennisis Lake, and West Guilford.
The council for the Municipality of Dysart et al is comprised of a mayor, deputy mayor, and five councillors representing five geographical wards.
Incumbent mayor Murray Fearrey passed away in May at the age of 84 after serving in municipal public office since 1971. In July, council voted to appoint deputy mayor Walt McKechnie as mayor for the rest of the current term and Ward 1 councillor Pat Casey as deputy mayor, leaving her seat vacant.
Incumbent members seeking re-election are McKenchie and Casey (who are both running for deputy mayor), Ward 3 councillor Tammy Donaldson, Ward 4 councillor Carm Sawyer, and Ward 5 councillor Barry Boice.
Vying for the mayor’s seat are Greg Bishop and Andrew Nowell. In Ward 1, Danny Roberts, Rob McCaig, and Deb Lambe are competing for the vacant seat. Incumbent Ward 2 councillor Nancy Wood-Roberts did not run for re-election, and Mike Waller and Rob Parish are running for the seat. Challenging Ward 3 incumbent Donaldson are Geoff Webber and Marianne Schlottke, while Esther Sipe is taking on Ward 4 incumbent Sawyer, and Kirby Bagg is challenging Ward 5 incumbent Barry Boice.
Mayor
Greg Bishop
Greg Bishop and his wife Sandra have built their lives in Haliburton County. A retired Ontario Land Surveyor and local business owner, Greg has worked on Haliburton’s lakes and rivers for his entire life.
Greg is proud that his adult children have chosen to raise their families in Dysart. He’s committed to providing positive, dedicated leadership and fostering community development that is sustainable and supports families, seniors and seasonal residents alike. Greg is passionate about Dysart and is running to protect and improve the quality of life for all residents.
Andrew Nowell
My experience and success in the Canadian Forces and my further professional career in Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, has not been about myself, but what I have done and can do to represent people and the organizations I have worked with. Building relationships, listening to concerns, problem solving and being able to formulate plans to achieve goals for the better of all parties involved has always been my main priority. To not just be the Mayor, but an ambassador, to promote Haliburton. Great place, great people, great future.
Deputy Mayor
Pat Casey
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Walt McKechnie
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Ward 1
Debra Lambe
My name is Deb Lambe, and I’m proud to say I was born and raised right here in our community. Ward 1 isn’t just where I work, its where I grew up, raised my family, built my career, and watched our community grow and change.
I’m a wife, mom and grandmother, and those roles have shaped who I am. They’ve taught me the importance of strong families, safe neighbourhoods, good schools, and a community where neighbours look out for one another.
For more than 35 years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a local realtor. Through my career, I’ve met countless families, listened to their concerns and dreams, and gained a strong understanding of the people, businesses and communities that make this area such a special place to call home.
I believe a good councillor should listen first, be approachable, ask questions, and make decisions based on what is best for the community as a whole. I believe in responsible spending, open communication, and making sure residents have the information they need to understand the decisions that affect them.
After a lifetime of living, working, raising a family and being part of this community, I feel it’s time to give back in a new way.
I’m running for Ward 1 because I care deeply about where we live and the future we are creating for our children and grandchildren.
I’m not just asking for your vote — I’m asking for the opportunity to listen, serve, and work for the community I have proudly called home my entire life.
Rob McCaig
I’m running for council because I have extensive experience in all areas of Business with transferable skills that will lead Dysart et al for many years to come.
As a permanent resident of Haliburton and long-time seasonal resident since 1981, I feel my qualifications to run for council will complement the team as we move Dysart and Haliburton County forward through the next four years. My qualifications include 20 years of media experience and 25 years of client-side marketing experience. In addition, I have extensive expertise in marketing management, business management, strategic planning, human resources and budgeting management whereby I have developed and managed budgets of more than 35 million dollars. Over the course of my career, I worked in newspapers/magazines, radio in addition to, strategic planning & marketing small & large businesses including a multitude of retail operations, restaurants, service companies and real estate companies in Haliburton, Durham Region, the GTHA and other parts of Canada. I have done the marketing and advertising for over 300 stores across Canada. Plus, I owned a consulting company and a Boomers Lifestyle Magazine.
I want to help OUR Community, Live, Work, Shop and Play! And, I fight for what’s right and against what’s wrong!
Danny Roberts
I have a passion for Haliburton. At the start of each day, I realize how fortunate I am to be Home.
Like many, I left my home here at an early age to hopefully find a career. With the exception of being out West for a time, I spent most weekends and my summers in Haliburton. It’s in the blood. I’ve owned property here and then a second residence for more than 30 years.
After 40 plus years in the banking system and asset based lending and leasing corporations, it seemed like time to come home permanently. And that is what I did several years ago. I’ve followed our Municipal Government and our County Government for years. I believe I can offer a positive perspective to Dysart’s future.
Ward 2
Rob Parish
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Mike Waller
I believe strong rural communities are built on service, respect, and neighbours helping neighbours. Since moving to Haliburton County full-time in 2016, I’ve made community service a priority. I’ve served on the Board of the Haliburton Legion for nine years, including the last four as President, and I’ve also served as Treasurer of the Loon Lake Property Owners’ Association. As a taxpayer, I care deeply about our community, the people who live here, and the environment that makes this place special. I’m not a career politician, and I have no vested interests. Dysart is at a crossroads. We can accept the status quo, or we can look ahead, recognize the possibilities, and move forward. I’m focused on moving forward. We need practical, community-focused leadership that listens to residents and develops solutions that serve the whole community-not just a select few. I want to step up and do my bit to make that happen.
Ward 3
Tammy Donaldson (incumbent)
I am running for Council this term as I have 12 years of council experience and I feel like experience matters in this upcoming term of deciding on what’s best for our municipality with the amalgamation options we have been given.
Marianne Schlottke
I’m Your Voice! Because many people have expressed to me that over the past 8 years they have had no voice, and their concerns have not been heard. I have a big voice, love people and am not afraid to speak up on our behalf and be heard.
I believe in
- Two way communication;
- Total Transparency;
- Staying Connected;
- Maintaining affordability;
- Providing excellent services; and
- Accessibility to programs & services.
- Utilizing our unique geography, nature and environmental preservation as an asset.
- And much more!
Ward 3 is on the fringe of Haliburton County and any governance structural change that is implemented in the future needs to have a strong voice, a focus and the support of Ward 3 throughout this change, so we aren’t lost in the shuffle. I’ve worked through three successful corporate restructuring processes to reduce costs and maintain service and function.
My story:
I first visited Dysart in the 1980’s with my (now) husband. I immediately fell in love with the area. In 2002 my husband and I bought property on Benoir Lake and spent every weekend and holiday here, raising our two daughters who consider this home. I am here full time now, and am very integrated into the community; hiking, kayaking, biking, snowmobiling, ATVing, pickleball, quilting, painting & craft programs with local artisans, the library and the Legion. I’m running for council to continue to see the area improve and thrive.
My experience:
My whole career has been working for the people — listening, responding, and making a difference. I have 25+ years working in public, private and not-for-profit service, have a masters in Municipal Management and am a performance management coach. My 20+ years with municipal government and the Heart and Stroke Foundation has given me extensive experience with municipal & regional council, community networks, committees, coalitions and volunteer boards, as well as, advocacy with all three levels of government , media relations, and public speaking. I have managed operating, revenue and capital budgets in excess of $2M.
I have the experience. I have the passion. I have the personality. I want Ward 3 to maintain its identity, focus and importance as Haliburton’s government structure morphs into something new. Now I just need your vote.
Geoff Webber
With my background in Project Management and Business, I wish to help guide the direction of Dysart Et Al and Haliburton County local governments to ensure an efficient and service-oriented future and provide clear communications to our constituents. I want to make a difference and help shape our future in a positive way.
Throughout my career as a Project Manager, I have planned and executed the consolidation and integration of large corporations and understand the challenges and benefits of a well thought-out plan. Prudent budgeting and fiscal management will be important while maintaining service levels and the unique culture and community of the municipality.
As a long time cottager now full time resident and local business owner, I see the challenges with a holistic view giving me the insight to help address issues and find creative solutions. We need to think outside the box and look to other municipalities that have similar experiences.
Thanking you in advance for your support
Ward 4
Carm Sawyer (incumbent)
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Esther Sipe
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Ward 5
Kirby Bagg
kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.
Barry Boice (incumbent)
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.
