With the nomination period for the October 26 municipal election closing on August 21, Peterborough voters are looking for answers from candidates for city councillor who have filed their nomination papers.

In a multi-story series, kawarthaNOW is contacting all registered candidates in each of the City of Peterborough’s five wards — Ward 1 (Otonabee), Ward 2 (Monaghan), Ward 3 (Town), Ward 4 (Ashburnham), and Ward 5 (Northcrest) — for their position on key election issues such as housing, affordability, and council transparency, with comments from new candidates added as required.

In the first series of stories, kawarthaNOW asked candidates to introduce their campaigns by answering three questions: why they are running, what the biggest challenge is in their ward, and what makes them a unique candidate for councillor.

In Monaghan Ward, five first-time candidates have put their names forward in Ashley Flynn, Rose Kitney, Jen Lacey, Aris Metaxakis, and AJ Shearer. They join incumbent councillor Matt Crowley in the race.

Incumbent councillor Don Vassiliadis is not running for re-election.

kawarthaNOW asked each of the six candidates to respond to the three questions in email, and is publishing their answers verbatim with no editing.

1. Why have you chosen to run for ward councillor?

Matt Crowley

I love my city very much. I was born and raised here, it’s my home, and I care deeply about where it’s headed. So four years ago, I looked around and saw a city facing some significant challenges like an out-of-control tent encampment, insufficient housing, aging and crumbling infrastructure, and a deep feeling that the city wasn’t pointed in the right direction.

I decided that instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining about it, I’d put my name on the ballot and try to be part of the solution.

I’m proud of the progress we’ve made so far and feel like we’re now on the correct course, but there’s still more to do. That’s why I’m asking residents to reelect me as their Ward Councillor.

Ashley Flynn

For years I’ve heard people say they don’t feel heard, and honestly, I understand why. I believe the role of a councillor is to represent the people who elected them, not to push a personal agenda.

I reached a point where I realized I had no right to keep complaining about the direction of our city if I wasn’t willing to step up and be part of the solution. As a local business owner and employer, I solve problems every day. I make decisions, manage budgets, work with people who have different opinions, and I’m accountable for the results. I want to bring that same practical approach to City Hall.

I’m running because Peterborough has incredible potential. We need councillors who will listen, communicate honestly, and advocate relentlessly for the people they represent. My job is to be your voice, not the other way around.

Rose Kitney

Economic development and future growth of Peterborough is my priority while representing the needs and concerns of constituents in Monaghan ward. I envision Peterborough to be a vibrant and welcoming destination for business and families so that they make Peterborough their destination of choice.

As a long time resident of Peterborough I want the city to take back our downtown and to see the downtown streets once again bustling with businesses and shoppers.

Jen Lacey

I have spent my life investing in Peterborough. I was born here, I grew up here, I went to school here, started my career here, and I am raising my family here. This community has shaped who I am.

I have worked on the front lines supporting children, families, seniors, and vulnerable residents. That experience has given me a unique perspective on both the strengths of our community and the challenges people face every day. I have seen how issues like housing, mental health, affordability, transportation, and access to services affect real people.

I also understand the limitations of government systems. Good intentions alone are not enough. We need practical solutions, better coordination between all levels of government, responsible financial decisions, and a council that listens to residents before making decisions that affect their neighbourhoods.

I am running because I believe Peterborough is at critical moment. I want to be at the table because my experience is needed.

Aris Metaxakis

I am running for city Councillor because I am concerned about the direction of the city on many levels.

Peterborough residents need a responsibly managed city, with a focus on services people rely on every day, basic services such as maintenance of roads, parks, facilities, water and wastewater systems, emergency services, and other essential infrastructure and services.

The downtown area needs us to do some real soul searching, how we can help further to turn around the many problems. A long term strategy is needed. Also, we need to look
at the decline of our moral compass as a city, which is a reflection of the change in values.

On the fiscal side, I am very concerned about the New Hockey Arena/Entertainment Complex project, that has passed City Council vote, and for which the estimated cost is $170-200 million. I believe it would leave the city financially strapped, as no funding for it has yet to materialize from outside the city. (Even if the Federal and Provincial governments coughed up the money, we still pay for it in taxes.) Also, the Police Expansion Project cost is estimated at $91.9 M, which includes the purchase of additional property for city future use, for the price tag of $11.5 M. I wonder, in light of this year’s fairly high raise in taxes, whether a more cautious and prudent strategy would have been more realistic and considerate toward those in our city who are already struggling to pay the bills. I am concerned about the future of this city if taxes keep going up. The $4.4 M for pickleball courts redevelopment is another example, in my view, of highly questionable spending (especially after the residents of Bonnerworth Park strongly opposed it). Personally, I found it upsetting to see a perfectly good baseball field, where children played, torn up.

I am very concerned about the downtown area. As an ordained pastor and outreach worker, I have spend 10 years in reaching out on a weekly basis. It is sufficient to say that I have connected with countless individuals and small groups in sharing the love of Jesus Christ. I strongly believe that if we want societal change, each of us can do something. I have some ideas on this that are workable, but they will demand commitment and sacrifice.

Furthermore, I am concerned about the moral compass of the city- which is a reflection of the culture we live in, and the dismissive and increasingly hostile attitude toward our Judaeo Christian roots and the traditional views on family, marriage, and gender. There is no doubt we are in the mire; we would be in denial to think otherwise. I would like to see the ship at City Hall change direction. To start with, “no drag queen readings” at the Library. Children need to be protected.

AJ Shearer

Every municipal election is an opportunity to decide what kind of city we want to be over the next four years. We have tremendous opportunities ahead of us but we’re also facing rising costs, aging infrastructure and the need to accommodate growth in a way that benefits both current and future residents.

I decided to run because I believe I can bring a practical, balanced perspective. My background in engineering, business consulting and real estate taught me how to look at issues from multiple perspectives and make evidence-informed decisions.

Timing is also right for me personally. My family is at a stage where I can dedicate the time and energy this role deserves, both during the campaign and over the next four years if I’m fortunate enough to be elected. I want to help build a city that’s more affordable, more prosperous and well positioned for the future.

2. What is the biggest challenge in your ward?

Matt Crowley

I think the biggest challenge is balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s responsibilities.

Peterborough is growing, and that’s a good thing, but we’re also catching up after years of previous councils underinvestment in infrastructure while also dealing with housing shortages, affordability pressures, and some increasingly complex social challenges.

Residents expect the city to maintain roads, parks, and recreation facilities, support economic growth, and keep taxes as affordable as possible, and they absolutely should expect all of those things.

The challenge as a councillor is making decisions that solve today’s problems without creating bigger ones for the next generation. That means planning ahead, spending appropriately, and building a city that’s ready for the future.

Ashley Flynn

Like many parts of Peterborough, Monaghan Ward is feeling the effects of rising taxes, pressure on infrastructure, housing affordability, and concerns about community safety. But I believe many of those issues share the same root problem: we haven’t done enough to grow our local economy.

One of my biggest priorities will be advocating for more industry and investment in Peterborough. When we create good-paying jobs and grow our commercial and industrial tax base, we reduce the burden on homeowners while creating opportunities for people to build their lives here. That also gives the city more resources to invest in infrastructure, housing, roads, parks, and the services residents rely on.

I want us to stop thinking one budget at a time and start making decisions that set Peterborough up to succeed for the next generation.

Rose Kitney

The traffic flow on Lansdowne Street moving east and west, north and south on Brealey Drive, Parkhill Rd to Monaghan Rd. Council must continue to support road improvements as well as implement safe neighbourhoods. Controlled and consistent speed limits in residential areas would result in safer neighbourhoods for Monaghan ward.

The 6.56% property tax increase this budget year has created additional pressure for constituents in Monaghan ward and throughout the city of Peterborough. I would support keeping tax increases to a minimum without affecting programs and services as much as possible. At budget time I would expect to see efficiencies that allow for this.

Jen Lacey

Property tax increases and economic growth. Property tax increases are no longer sustainable for families in Monaghan Ward. It is not appropriate that there’s an expectation that families budget their household finances in order to pay their taxes, when city hall is not doing the same. With property tax increases you would expect better municipal services. Is this the case? Do you feel more safe? Many people say no.

We need to make is easier for businesses to invest, grow and create jobs. Growth happens when we listen to the experts. The experts in Monaghan ward are the people. Regular consultation, engagement and discussion is key to addressing challenges and barriers.

Aris Metaxakis

We need a better transit service. I believe it needs to be more centralized and more frequently accessed, preferably every 20-25 minutes by perhaps using smaller buses that are energy efficient. I know I would take the bus more often, if this was the case.

A real concern is Ward 2 is Jackson Park. There are an alarming number of dead trees and lots of overgrown underbrush that could cause a forest fire and cause devastation to the park and surrounding neighbourhoods. Provincial/Federal funding may be needed to address this.

The issue of rising property taxes for home owners is a real concern of affordability, as 25% of Peterborough’s population is over 65 yrs of age — and I am one of them. I am concerned about many seniors’ ability to remain in the city, if taxes keep going up. Highly questionable spending, as mentioned above, on large and very expensive capital projects need to be reconsidered to keep taxes down.

AJ Shearer

The issue I hear about most is affordability.

Residents are concerned about the cost of housing, rising property taxes and whether they’ll be able to continue living comfortably in the community they’ve built their lives in.

While municipal government can’t solve every affordability issue, property taxes are one of the largest costs that it does influence, and they’ve increased a lot in recent years. Two main things can be done to help address that, delivering city services as efficiently as possible and supporting responsible economic growth that expands our commercial and industrial assessment base. The broader our tax base becomes, the less the burden falls on homeowners alone.

I believe council’s job is to be conscientious with taxpayers’ money while making the decisions today that help keep Peterborough affordable tomorrow.

3. What makes you a unique candidate for councillor?

Matt Crowley

As the current councillor for Monaghan Ward, I’m the only candidate currently running with experience serving residents at council. Over the past four years, I’ve worked through some of the biggest challenges Peterborough has faced, from housing and affordability to infrastructure, economic development, and long-term financial planning.

Experience matters, but it’s only valuable if you use it well. I believe people know what they’ll get from me as their councillor. I answer my phone, I return emails, I try to make my constituents aware of any current issues, and I’ll explain my decisions to residents in my ward even when they’re unpopular. I’m not someone who disappears between elections.

My approach to decision-making has always been to ask questions, understand the facts, listen to residents, and make decisions based on what’s in the best long-term interest of Peterborough.

If residents choose to re-elect me, they’ll be choosing someone with experience, a proven record of showing up when needed, and someone who will continue working every day to earn their trust.

Ashley Flynn

I think what sets me apart is that I’m a builder — not just by profession, but in how I approach problems.

I’ve built a successful local business, created jobs, managed complex projects, and worked with people from every walk of life. Those experiences have taught me how to listen first, make informed decisions, and follow through on commitments.

I’m also someone who will tell people the truth, even when it’s not the most popular answer. Residents deserve honesty, transparency, and someone who is willing to ask tough questions and challenge the status quo when necessary.

Most importantly, I’m a doer. If I say I’m going to work on something, I’ll work on it. I won’t promise miracles or make commitments I can’t keep, but I will always advocate for my community, communicate openly, and work hard to leave Peterborough stronger than I found it.

Rose Kitney

I believe my experience as a school board trustee has provided me the skill set and well demonstrated ability to represent the City of Peterborough in a professional, respectful and well informed manner, responding to the needs of the residents of Monaghan ward but at the same time being able to consider the needs of the entire city of Peterborough.

I have had a great deal of experience in budget setting and approval process. Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board’s approved budget for the 2026-27 school year at $613,069,178.00 is not far off the budget for the City of Peterborough this year. I chaired budget committee as vice-chair of the board as well as many other committees during my tenure. I have connected with various local communities over the years including parents, our MPP’s, mayor and councillors to advocate and resolve the many issues facing families throughout the City of Peterborough.

I would be honoured to represent Monaghan ward as councillor.

Jen Lacey

I have spent my whole career making decisions to complex situations. I have been able to bring different perspectives together, find where we agree, where we don’t, and develop a solution. I am able to navigate complex policy with the ability to see how it impacts individual people in the community. I have been the bridge between people and policy, and I am very comfortable being in that position. I bring a perspective that no other candidate for councillor and no current councillor has. This perspective is extremely relevant in municipal government.

I am also a parent. I understand the day-to-day challenges of juggling work, raising children, managing household finances, coordinating schedules, and making sure everyone’s needs are being met. There are never simple solutions, but rather using the information you have at the time to make a decision that is in the best interests of everyone.

Aris Metaxakis

I have varied work experience as a chef; as a high school teacher and presently as an ordained pastor. I have travelled widely and served overseas, doing volunteer and missions work, both short term and longer term trips.

I care about my community. I have seen first hand over 10 years of ministry in downtown Peterborough area the downward trajectory of people lives and also a decline of the area and businesses moving away. (I have noticed that fewer and fewer people frequent the downtown area) Drugs, mental illness and homelessness can be addressed. There are other countries that have tried various housing options, with community support services that have shown promise, such as in Denmark, to help people gain stability and independence.

AJ Shearer

I feel my background sets me apart.

I’m an engineer by education and spent years helping public and private companies improve their businesses before returning home to Peterborough just over eight years ago. Today, as a real estate broker, I have a practical understanding of housing, growth and the challenges our community faces.

Returning home also gave me a new appreciation for what makes Peterborough special as well as where we can do better. My experiences have taught me to ask questions, understand the facts and look for practical solutions that deliver long-term value rather than short-term wins.

I believe that combination of professional experience, local perspective and investment in Peterborough’s future allows me to bring something different to the council table.

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 has been updated to include responses from Rose Kitney, who registered as a candidate for Monaghan Ward after this story was originally published.

This story has been updated to include responses from Aris Metaxakis, who registered as a candidate for Monaghan Ward after this story was originally published, and to confirm that incumbent councillor Don Vassiliadis is not seeking re-election.