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 southeastern Haliburton County, the Municipality of Highlands East is a rural municipality with a population of around 2,700 permanent residents and around 13,000 seasonal residents. Communities in Highlands East include the hamlets of Cardiff, Highland Grove, Wilberforce, Tory Hill, and Gooderham.

The council for the Municipality of Highlands East includes a mayor and four councillors representing four wards, with one councillor elected in Ward 1 (Bicroft), one in Ward 2 (Cardiff), one in Ward 3 (Glamorgan), and one in Ward 4 (Monmouth). At the first meeting of the new council, one of the four councillors will be elected to serve as deputy mayor for the term.

Incumbent members seeking re-election are mayor Dave Burton, Ward 2 councillor Angela Lewis, Ward 3 councillor and deputy mayor Cecil Ryall, and Ward 4 councillor Ruth Strong.
Incumbent Ward 1 councillor Cam McKenzie did not run for re-election.

Challenging incumbent Burton for the mayor position are Cheryl Ellis, Steven Kauffeldt, Mike Killingsworth, and Krystle Anne Pegg. The candidates for Ward 1 are Bill Easton, Leigh Henderson, Andrew Martin, and Don Meharrie. Jo-Anne Gould-Green is challenging incumbent Lewis in Ward 2, Arlene Quinn is challenging incumbent Ryall in Ward 3, and Amy Toye is challenging incubment Strong in Ward 4.

Mayor

Dave Burton (incumbent)

I’ve been fortunate to live in our community for many years. It has been my honour to serve as your mayor. As Highlands East has developed, new challenges and needs have come to the forefront. My roots in this area have given me insight into solutions to these challenges, as well as opportunities for the future.

Over the years, I have spent most of my public life involved in representing Highlands East.

I have worked with my dedicated team to secure millions of dollars in grants.

My years of service have also been marked by a true commitment to the community and a mayor for all. We have strived to keep Highlands East debt-free and are the only one in the county and surrounding area to do so.

Some of the decisions, such as the committees of council, proved to be a real shot in the arm for Highlands East, with each of the councillors working with the community committee members to provide valuable feedback and recommendations to the Highlands East Council. This has provided an excellent citizen-led initiative and a solid foundation for us to build on.

During COVID, the team and I, as Mayor, had to step up and put in long hours to provide the leadership that Highlands East and its citizens deserve; There have been 4 states of emergency over the years, from Ice Storms and floods, that required a true commitment to the office of Mayor and the team of councillors and staff; My commitment has been instrumental not only to the community but also to the county by being elected by my peers and serving as County Warden for Haliburton County 5 times.

Volunteer Firefighter for 15 years; President of the Wilberforce Royal Canadian Legion; President of the Wilbermere Lake Association; President of the Algonquin Gateway Business Association; Chair for the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus; President of Ontario Good Roads; Working experience with all levels of government.

Chair of EORN, helping to bring improved internet and cellular service to our municipality and county; With the help of my team, we brought the Wilberforce Pharmacy and the new library to our community.

My varied experience and commitment to the people of Highlands East put me in a unique position as a candidate for mayor. This is only the beginning of what we can accomplish together with me as your mayor. For these reasons, I am asking voters to re-elect me.

Cheryl Ellis

I am running for Mayor because I believe Highlands East deserves leadership that is accessible, accountable and firmly rooted in the community. People should feel heard, not only during an election, but throughout the entire term of council.

Like many residents, I am concerned about the rising cost of living and the effect that continuing tax increases have on families, seniors and people living on fixed incomes. Every municipal dollar comes from someone who worked hard to earn it. I want council to carefully examine spending, actively pursue grants and look for practical efficiencies and shared services before asking taxpayers for more.

What makes me a unique candidate is the combination of my life experience, education and firsthand understanding of our municipality. I was born and raised here, worked for Haliburton County Roads and served as a volunteer firefighter with Highlands East. Those experiences gave me a practical understanding of rural roads, municipal services, emergency response and the dedication of the people working on the front lines.

I also hold certificates in Law Clerk studies and Human Resources Management. My background has taught me how to read policies and reports, ask difficult but necessary questions, manage responsibly and understand the importance of fair and transparent decision-making.

I am not running to protect the status quo. I am running to bring a fresh perspective, stronger public communication and careful oversight of taxpayers’ money. Most importantly, I am approachable and willing to listen. I want residents to know that their concerns matter and that their mayor will be available, respectful and prepared to work hard on their behalf.

Steven Kauffeldt

As a long-term resident of Highlands East, I believe the municipality would benefit from a fresh perspective on where it is headed from here. As a municipality, we need fiscal accountability to ensure environmental protection through responsible growth and the protection of the resources and environment our municipality has to offer.

I served on council from 2010 to 2014 as Ward One councillor. During that time, with the assistance of the Housing and Grants Committee, I played a major role in the rejuvenation of the Wilberforce Library. Additionally, as a committee, we worked to reduce the minimum square footage of housing in the municipality, which, in turn, gave residents of Highlands East more affordable housing options.

I have had the opportunity to chair or be a part of many boards within our municipality, including the Municipal Dog Pound Board, the Library Board, the Municipal representative for the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority, the Central Food Network, Place for People, the Municipal Housing and Grants Committee, and the Light the Night Committee.

More than anything, I believe we need to prioritize how Highlands East can begin to grow again. We need to support our municipality and those who reside within it. This includes ensuring that the current municipal zoning by-law and the official plan will support our residents with appropriate updates, rather than deter them. I firmly believe that finding a way to say yes shows support for our residents, and acting to create solutions shows municipal support for our residents.

When considering me, Steven Kauffeldt, as your next mayor, I encourage you to remember my local perspective and my commitment to protecting what matters: our community and those within it. I look forward to the challenge this role as Mayor will offer, and ask for your support during this election. I’d also be happy to discuss your ideas and questions about our municipality.

Mike Killingsworth

Why I Am Stepping Forward

My name is Mike Killingsworth. I am running for Mayor of Highlands East because I love this community deeply, but I know that love alone isn’t enough to protect it. We need approachable, trustworthy leadership to safeguard and enhance the quality of life we all cherish here.

I also want to be clear with voters about the full scope of this position. Running for Mayor of Highlands East is not just about local leadership; by virtue of the office, the Mayor also sits on the Haliburton County Council and various regional governance boards. The decisions made at the county level directly impact our daily lives, and we need a mayor who understands how to navigate those larger tables effectively.

Here is why I am stepping forward to take on these responsibilities:

Navigating Critical Crossroads: We are facing pivotal, county-level reviews — specifically the Haliburton County Affordability and Governance Structure Study and the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Review. These will fundamentally reshape local government and how we protect our communities. I want to ensure our unique rural voice actively drives these decisions at County Council rather than just sitting on the sidelines.

Bridging the Divide: I am championing a “One Highlands East” vision. To reach our full potential, we must unite our year-round permanent residents and our seasonal community, ensuring fair service delivery, inclusive representation, and respect for both.

Delivering Practical Solutions: I am committed to “radical transparency” to address our specific local challenges. This includes working towards a transparent Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the OPP for real accountability, building a functional demand-responsive transit system, implementing fair Short-Term Rental (STR) regulations, and protecting our lakes from sprawl.

What Sets My Candidacy Apart

To navigate high-stakes regional reviews and our growing local demands, we need a mayor with a sophisticated understanding of how the machinery of government actually works. Here is what I bring to the table:

Extensive Public Service Record: I bring nearly 40 years of professional, front-line, and administrative experience in large-scale public safety and municipal governance.

Executive-Level Leadership: I served as the Head of Transit Enforcement and Chief Special Constable for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). In this role, I managed large budgets, led diverse teams, and coordinated multi-agency emergency responses for North America’s third-largest transit system.

Direct Municipal Government Experience: During my time as Deputy City Clerk for the City of Markham, I oversaw Bylaw Enforcement, Licensing, and Regulatory Services. This gave me a crucial “behind-the-scenes” understanding of how to make municipal bureaucracy work for the residents, rather than making residents work around it.

Ground-Level Local Insight: I have been a property owner here for 11 years and a permanent resident for 6. Beyond that, my retirement work driving accessible vans for Haliburton Highlands Health Services has given me an intimate, firsthand look at our local roads and the real isolation facing our local seniors and workers.

A Consensus-Building Approach: I bring a disciplined, analytical approach to problem-solving. Because smaller rural municipalities like Highlands East do not have “strong mayor” powers, a mayor only holds a single vote here. I know that true progress here cannot be mandated; it must be built through consensus, respect, and shared goals.

Moving Forward, Together

At the end of the day, stepping into this race isn’t all about politics for me — it’s about the place Kelly and I are so incredibly proud to call home. Highlands East is more than just breathtaking lakes and rugged trails; it is the warmth of neighbours helping each other after an ice storm, the laughter echoing from the Cardiff Pool, the fellowship and competition at the Wilberforce Curling Club, and the quiet, shared understanding that we live in a truly special part of the world.

We have a rare and beautiful way of life here, and it is worth fiercely protecting so that our youth can stay where they grew up, and our seniors can retire with dignity. But we have some real challenges ahead. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be visiting every ward, and I genuinely look forward to shaking your hands, hearing your stories, and listening to your hopes for our town.

On election day, I humbly ask for your trust and your vote. Let’s work together to protect the heart of Highlands East and guide the community we love toward a brighter, united, and prosperous future.

Krystle Anne Pegg

Transparency is essential to good governance, but transparency is more than posting an agenda or making a report publicly available before a meeting. Residents need enough information, early enough, to understand what is being proposed, why it is being proposed, what it may cost, what the consequences could be and what alternatives were considered. That is an area where I believe Highlands East can do better.

Long before becoming a candidate, I watched Council meetings and read agendas, municipal reports and bylaws simply as a matter of personal interest. And sometimes, I shake my head. I am sure many residents do too. Other times, people may not learn about a decision until the report has already been written, the recommendation is on the table and it feels like there is little opportunity left to influence the outcome. Information can technically be public without giving residents a meaningful opportunity to understand and participate before a decision is made.

As I watch Council meetings and read the material, I find myself asking questions. What authority supports this decision? Does the bylaw actually say what Council thinks it says? What problem are we trying to solve? How will it be enforced? What will it cost? Who will be affected? Is the response proportionate to the problem?

I also find myself thinking through alternatives. Could we accomplish the same objective another way? Is there a less restrictive or less costly approach? Could we solve the actual problem without creating another one? Sometimes I can see an alternative that I wish had been put before Council alongside the recommendation. And perhaps most importantly, I ask what happens five or ten years from now, when the people who made the decision may no longer be sitting at the table, but residents are still living with the consequences.

Those questions are a large part of why I am running for Mayor. I do not want to keep asking them only after a decision has been made. I want them asked before the bylaw passes, before the agreement is signed and before the money is committed. I want to be at the table when the options are being considered, able to bring another option forward, test it against the others and work with Council toward a decision that considers the benefits, drawbacks, costs, alternatives and longer-term consequences.

For years, I have done that work from outside the Council chamber. I have read the records, questioned the authority being relied upon, challenged decisions, proposed alternatives and helped people navigate systems they often find difficult to understand.

Sometimes working from the outside is enough. I raised concerns about a County rule that limited the time residents had to bring an Integrity Commissioner complaint. The issue was reviewed, and Council changed the policy to provide more time and greater flexibility. I have organized residents around provincial land use and access decisions that would have significantly affected residents of Highlands East and Minden Hills. I have worked through access to information and government processes, volunteered hundreds of hours on local trails, provided residents with information about property rights and trespass law, and spoken up when local families needed help navigating school transportation decisions.

Those experiences have taught me how to identify who actually has the authority to make a decision, find the information needed to challenge or improve it, bring people together when necessary and keep following an issue until there is an answer. They have also taught me that it is much easier to prevent a poor decision than to fix one after it has already landed on someone’s doorstep.

What makes me a unique candidate is the combination of perspectives I would bring to Council. I have been a licensed paralegal since 2013, worked within Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General, earned an Honours degree with distinction in Criminology, Law & Society, and Sociology from the University of Toronto, and built and operated my own business.

I have therefore experienced public systems from different sides. I have worked inside government, and I have spent much of my professional life representing people who have to navigate government processes and live with the decisions those systems produce. I have also run a business, managed costs and deadlines, worked with community organizations and spent hundreds of hours doing hands on volunteer work in this community.

My professional experience has trained me to read beyond a summary, find the actual legal authority, examine the evidence, identify what is missing and understand how a decision will affect the person who ultimately has to live with it. It has also taught me to examine both sides of a dispute and test my own position against the strongest argument on the other side. Asking difficult questions does not mean I have already decided the answer. Sometimes the evidence will support the recommendation in front of Council. Sometimes it may show that another approach would work better.

I am persistent, but I also believe criticism without an alternative only gets us so far. If something does not make sense, I want to know why. If information is missing, I will look for it. If there is a legitimate reason for a decision, residents should be able to understand it. If there is a better alternative, I want it considered. The harder work is developing an alternative that is lawful, practical, affordable and capable of actually working.

That approach applies equally to bylaws, spending and major decisions about the future of local government. If Council is considering a new rule, what problem are we actually trying to solve, and is the proposed rule necessary to solve it? If we are spending public money, what are residents receiving for it, what is the long term cost and how will we know whether it worked? If we defer maintenance, what will that decision cost later? If we are considering a major change to how local government is structured, residents should see the long term financial comparison, the consequences for services and local representation, and the shared service alternatives before an irreversible decision is made.

I also believe municipal government should be easier for ordinary people to navigate. A process is not truly accessible simply because it exists. People should not need specialized knowledge, the right connections or an understanding of municipal procedure just to find information, understand a decision or get an answer.

Someone contacting the municipality should know who is dealing with their issue, when they can expect an answer and what happens next. Someone trying to build or renovate, start or expand a business, create housing for a family member or organize a community event should be able to understand the rules, process and likely costs before investing significant time and money.

That does not mean everything should be approved. Legitimate concerns involving septic capacity, access, fire safety, environmental protection or neighbouring properties need to be addressed. But the requirements should reflect the actual risk and impact rather than creating unnecessary barriers.

My reasons for running are personal too. Highlands East is my forever home. I am raising my children here, building my life here, driving these roads, using these services and community facilities, and volunteering in this community. I am not making decisions about a place I expect to leave behind. I plan to grow old here, and the decisions made during the next term will affect my family alongside everyone else’s.

I want my children to have the option of building their lives here if they choose. I want older residents to be able to remain in the communities they helped build, families to be able to adapt their properties as their needs change, local businesses to have a reasonable opportunity to grow, and volunteers to spend more of their energy doing good things for Highlands East and less of it navigating unnecessary obstacles.

I also want to protect and improve the trails and recreational opportunities that are such an important part of life in Highlands East. These are community assets that support our quality of life, bring people together and contribute to our local economy.

I also understand rural life as something I participate in, not simply something I read about in a municipal report. Highlands East is made up of villages, lakes, rural roads, seasonal properties, businesses, resource industries and people living significant distances from services. What works somewhere else will not necessarily work here, and what works in one part of Highlands East may not always be what another community needs. A problem also does not need to affect every resident before it deserves Council’s attention.

I understand the limits of the Mayor’s role too. The Mayor does not simply decide what happens. I would have one vote at Council. Meaningful change requires research, sound proposals, listening to other perspectives, working with the ward councillors and building enough support to move an idea forward. At County Council, it means working with our Deputy Mayor to represent Highlands East while also considering our responsibilities to Haliburton County as a whole.

I am not running because I think I will always have the only answer. I am running because I am willing to ask the questions that need to be asked, including questions that may challenge my own position. There are candidates in this election with experience in elected office and municipal administration. My experience is different. I know what public administration looks like from inside government, and I know what government processes look like from the perspective of the people trying to navigate them. I know what it means to operate a business and be responsible for the consequences of my own decisions, to represent someone when the answer is complicated, to organize people around an issue affecting their community, and to put in the physical work alongside other volunteers.

And I think many of us are ready for something different. Not change simply for the sake of change, but a different approach to how decisions are made. An approach that looks beyond the recommendation immediately in front of Council, asks what we are actually trying to accomplish, considers the alternatives and thinks about what the consequences may be five or ten years from now.

I have spent years trying to improve decisions from outside the system. I am running for Mayor because I am ready to bring that experience inside the Council chamber, where those questions can be asked before the bylaw passes, before the money is spent and before residents are left dealing with the consequences afterward.

I want residents informed before major decisions are made. I want Council to ask difficult questions, consider alternatives, understand the consequences and think beyond the next meeting. I want public money treated like public money, rules that make sense for the problems they are intended to solve, and a municipality where residents can get an answer without having to fight for one.

I want a Highlands East that works for us. That is why I am running for Mayor.

Ward 1 (Bicroft)

Bill Easton

Hello friends and neighbour’s of Highlands East. My name is Bill Easton. I’m running to represent Bicroft Ward 1. I grew up in the town of Bancroft. With my wife Joan of 43 years, we raised our 5 children in neighboring Faraday township and have resided in Cardiff since 2020. I love our quiet rural neighborhood and the services that we enjoy fairly close at hand. I want to see Highlands East thrive in our rural Central Ontario setting that allows coexistence with permanent and seasonal residence and welcomes tourists to enjoy our 4 season playground. I would like to see employment opportunities in and nearby that keep our growing young people building their families and homes locally. Developing sustainability in fiscal responsibility, creating recreational and local opportunities without sacrificing our rural identity are important issues to pursue. I want to be your voice, building and managing Highlands East for the future!

Leigh Henderson

I’m running for council because I believe our community deserves to be heard, respected, and represented. I’ve called Cardiff home for 23 years. I raised my children here, worked here, and have experienced firsthand the changes our community has gone through — both the good and the challenges.

I’m not running because I want a title. I’m running because I want to be a voice for the people who live here and to help bring our community together again. I believe council should listen first, communicate openly, and make decisions with the people — not simply for them.

What makes me unique is that I’m deeply connected to the community I want to represent. I understand the history of Cardiff, I know what matters to local families, and I’m not afraid to speak up when something isn’t right. I bring a fresh perspective, strong leadership, and, most importantly, a willingness to listen.

I’m a community-minded person who believes that meaningful change starts with showing up, hearing people out, and following through. I want to bring that approach to council and make sure Ward 1 has a strong, independent voice at the table.

Andrew Martin

I am running for council because I believe Highlands East is at an important crossroads. With growing financial pressures, infrastructure challenges and the conversation around amalgamation, we need councillors who are prepared to put in the work, study the issues carefully and make informed decisions about our future. We cannot allow fear to guide us. We must move forward with careful, informed decision-making.

I believe my education and experience make me uniquely qualified in this race. For the past 14 years, I have operated Camp Can-Aqua in Highlands East. Managing a large summer camp is, in many ways, like running a small town. It involves overseeing significant budgets, infrastructure, staffing, transportation, food services, emergency planning, regulatory requirements and the needs of hundreds of people. It demands careful planning, financial discipline, strong communication and difficult decisions.

Our municipality is facing serious challenges, both operational and financial. We need to to start carving a new path. As Ward 1 councillor, I would work to strengthen best practices within our municipal offices, reduce waiting times for permits and approvals, and carefully evaluate any amalgamation proposal while protecting our rural community values.

Highlands East needs councillors who are capable and prepared to take this responsibility seriously. The decisions made by the next council could shape our municipality for decades. I am ready to do the work, ask difficult questions and help move our community forward. I look forward to speaking with the people of Ward 1 about how we can do that together

Don Meharrie

Editor’s note: As Don Meharrie does not regularly use email, mayoral candidate Krystle Anne Pegg contacted kawarthaNOW and offered to call him and obtain his response. After speaking with him, she prepared the response in email, read it back to him, and he confirmed he was comfortable with the crafted response.

I am running for Council because I want to help keep taxes and spending under control, make sure people are being listened to, and, if I can, stop the amalgamation of Highlands East.

I have lived in Highlands East for pretty well all of my life. I grew up here, I worked for Highlands East, and I have now been retired for about five years. Because of that, I know the municipality, I know how things work, and I know many of the problems we have here. I have also watched this area change a lot over the years.

That experience is a big part of what makes me different as a candidate. I am not coming into this without knowing the community or how the municipality operates. I worked there. I know what goes on, I know many of the problems, and I think that knowledge is important when we consider future decisions about Highlands East.

I do not want to see Highlands East amalgamated. I know that one councillor cannot make that decision alone, but if there is something I can do as a member of Council to stop it, I will. I think we need people on Council who care about Highlands East, and are prepared to look out for the people who live here.

Another reason I am running is because I think people’s complaints and concerns need to be taken seriously. You cannot fix every problem, and one councillor cannot make everything go their way, but you can listen. If you cannot fix something, you can at least give the person an answer.

I have been going door to door throughout this campaign because I want to hear directly from people about what is important to them. I am also always happy to take your call. If you have a concern, a question, or something you think Council should be paying attention to, call me.

Don Meharrie
613-334-4712

Ward 2 (Cardiff)

Jo-Anne Gould Green

My decisions to take on board and committee roles involving municipal, provincial and federal governments and non-profit organizations have always involved careful consideration and planning. Before taking something on, I consider how I can contribute in a meaningful way. I approached my decision to run for Council in the same way. This was a decision I did not take lightly. Having recently retired, I am now at a point in my life where I have the time and flexibility to fully commit myself to the responsibilities of being a Councillor and serving the residents of Highlands East.

I am someone who takes the time to weigh the pros and cons before forming an opinion. I make it a practice to listen first, gather information, look at the facts and consider different perspectives before deciding on a course of action. Then I believe in following through. Our residents deserve to be treated with respect, and to me, respect means listening to their concerns, providing clear information and, where possible, taking action to address those concerns. I recognize that I would be one member of Council, but by working together with Council, staff, residents, businesses and other levels of government, we can find practical, common-sense solutions to move Highlands East forward and give residents confidence in the future of our community.

After moving back home in 2021, when my husband and I built our home, I began hearing from neighbours, friends, family and other Highlands East residents about a wide range of concerns. They can be as straightforward as dump hours or opportunities for youth or involve more complicated matters such as permits and approval processes, clearer communication, short-term rentals, affordability, and the important questions surrounding the County’s governance and restructuring study.

The governance and restructuring study is a good example of that approach. Before deciding which model I could support, if any, I want to review the additional information expected in the next study. But I would not make that decision without hearing from residents. Once that information is available, I want to hear from residents about their views and concerns. A decision of this importance deserves meaningful input from residents and a clear understanding of what each option could mean for Highlands East and its future.

While the governance discussion continues, I believe we also need to move forward with economic development. We need to look ahead at the infrastructure and services our community will require, including the changing needs of our seniors, while keeping affordability in mind. Growth can understandably be concerning because people value the rural character and natural environment of our small communities.

Economic development in Highlands East does not have to mean large factories, big-box stores or major subdivisions. It can mean supporting the businesses already here, attracting businesses that fit our rural communities, creating opportunities for our youth and workforce, and providing clearer guidance to new businesses trying to understand licensing, planning and permit requirements. Helping people better navigate these processes can make Highlands East a more welcoming place to invest and do business.

At the same time, carefully planned growth and economic development can help broaden our economic base, create opportunities and reduce some of the pressure on residential taxpayers. Our reserves are important municipal savings and should be carefully managed so they are available when our community truly needs them.

What makes me unique is that I have practical experience turning ideas into opportunities.

Throughout my career, I have collaborated with all three levels of government, employers and community organizations to establish employment and small-business training opportunities for youth and adults. I also worked with businesses to help them access programs and services that could support their operations and growth. Further, I have my own business, which has given me first-hand experience with the planning, requirements, and challenges involved in getting small business established.

My work included collaborating with organizations such as Ontario Power Generation, Hydro and municipalities in the region to create opportunities for clients to gain hands-on, on-the-job experience, with the goal of moving into full-time employment. Those experiences taught me the importance of bringing the right people to the table, identifying available resources and working together toward a result.

Although this would be my first time serving as a Councillor, public and community service are not new to me. My years of experience working with governments, organizations, businesses and communities have provided me with skills that transfer directly to the work of Council. I ask questions, research the facts, look for practical solutions and follow through. My experience has taught me not only how decisions are made, but how those decisions affect the people they are intended to serve.

To learn more about my experience and my ideas for Highlands East, please visit vote-green.click.

Angela Lewis (incumbent)

I’m Angela Lewis, a lifelong resident of Highlands East.

My husband and I have worked, played, and volunteered in our community that we love. My husband is self-employed; our two daughters and their families live in neighbouring municipalities.

I ran for council four years ago when the fear of losing our fire halls, Station 2 (Highland Grove) and Station 6 (Paudash), was being discussed. The thought of losing these essential services and dedicated volunteers is what inspired me to run.

In my first term, I have navigated the role of councillor and gained valuable experience in the operations and language of Municipal services.

For four years, I have spoken up, asked questions, debated, and made accountable decisions while listening to ratepayers. I created a responsible budget with zero debt to ensure community centers have winter sand, roads receive upgrades, a boat launch is installed in the fall, and community signs and an information finger slide are installed. I’ve also brought all community center users together to discuss issues and develop solutions.

I’m eager and committed to using this experience to continue representing the needs of Ward 2 and the Municipality as a whole.

Right now, the most significant issue is the proposed one-tier or two-hybrid amalgamation system, which risks centralizing decision-making, increasing taxes, and reducing autonomy, community representation, and identity. Our four municipalities have very different geographies and needs.

I will ensure all information, risks and benefits are available to ratepayers so they can make informed decisions. I will oppose a one-tier system and advocate maintaining our current municipal structure. I will continue pursuing shared-service efficiencies with the County as a practical alternative to amalgamation. I will ensure decisions about roads, fire stations, and community spaces stay with representatives who understand our communities.

My vision is to keep Highlands East autonomous and ensure our residents’ voices remain heard, with accessible and accountable councillors.

Our lakes, trails, and forests are the pillars of our tourism economy. Protecting them is essential! We need to continue supporting our septic system inspection program on lakes and supporting the needs of our lake associations, as they are the guardians of our lakes. The lake associations undertake extensive work: ecosystem Water Monitoring, Invasive Species Control, Shoreline Protection, and promotion and education of natural shoreline protection and revitalization.

We must invest in the people and organizations that make Highlands East a year-round destination. From winter trail networks and the Paudash Trail Blazers to local arts and the fish hatchery, each contributes to a vibrant tourism sector.

Volunteers bring spirit and heart to our communities, uniting residents across the Municipality. Their dedication deserves our ongoing support and recognition.

I’ll keep supporting our volunteers, churches, heat bank, and food banks, and keep community centers accessible to all groups.

These volunteers connect, feed, drive, counsel, and assist in providing resources and resource materials to individuals. We, as a Municipal Council, can support, develop partnerships, and collaborate with county services to help achieve this.

I will continue to review policies, bylaws, and fee structures to ensure they are fair, enforceable, and equally applicable to all. E.g., the protection of our shorelines and environment.

I will seek cost-sharing efficiencies with the County, rather than moving to a one-tier governance model. I will continue working with staff to implement the recommendations from the 2020 joint Delivery Service Review in phases through 2025.

We must preserve our autonomy as much as possible within the Municipality of Highlands East.

Let’s find savings, NOT sell out!

Ward 3 (Glamorgan)

Arlene Quinn

I want to be clear from the outset: I am not a politician. I am a resident, a small business owner, and someone who lives, works and plays in Highlands East. I see areas where our community can improve, and I believe it is important to step forward when you see a need for change. Rather than simply voicing concerns, I decided to put my name forward and be part of the solution.

One of the areas I would like to see addressed is communication between the Municipality and its residents. I have heard repeatedly from residents who have experienced difficulty getting answers or even reaching the Municipality in the first place. Response times can vary significantly, and in some cases, people receive no response at all. This creates frustration and leaves residents feeling that their concerns are not being heard. I believe communication should be timely, accessible and transparent.

I also believe we need to do more to engage and support our youth. We want young people to see a future for themselves in Highlands East and, when they finish school, to have opportunities that encourage them to stay, build careers, raise families and contribute to our community. For young families in particular, the cost and availability of housing and access to childcare can make that incredibly challenging.

I believe I bring a unique perspective to Council because of my previous experience working in the Highlands East Building Department as a Septic Inspector. That experience gave me firsthand insight into how municipal processes work and, just as importantly, how they can be improved from the resident’s perspective. There are opportunities to make information easier to access, improve the permitting process and make dealing with the Municipality a more straightforward and positive experience for the public.

I am not running because I believe everything is wrong. I am running because I believe there is an opportunity to make things better. Highlands East is a community worth investing in, and I want to help ensure that residents feel heard, informed and represented.

With the challenges and changes that may come with proposed amalgamation, I believe strong local representation will be more important than ever. I would like to be part of that conversation and help ensure that the voice, needs and character of Highlands East are not lost in the process. I want to be part of building a strong future for our community-one where residents feel heard, families can thrive, businesses can succeed, and Highlands East remains a place people are proud to call home.

Cecil Ryall (incumbent, deputy mayor)

I have had the honour of being your Ward Councilor since 2011. In 2019, I became Deputy Mayor and a County Councilor. I am also the Vice Chair of the Lakelands Public Health Unit and was part of the merger team that formed the new health unit.

Prior to COVID, I helped Highlands East to become the most productive of the four lower tier municipalities in Haliburton County. Then COVID struck and shut down most of life as we knew it. We lost many of the processes and culture that had been developed. This was followed by two years of high staff shortages and turnovers, which also dramatically changed the municipality’s culture and customer service levels.

In the last two years, I have been a strong voice for correcting and improving the way we do business. Some items are in progress, but others still have a long way to go. These are some of the ones that I think are critical.

Municipal Communication: COVID is over, we need to improve the way and timeliness that our municipality communicates with the public.

Volunteer Groups: Community groups are the backbone of our communities. Most social events and activities wouldn’t happen without them. We must return to supporting them at pre-COVID levels.

Highlands East had five advisory committees prior to COVID. They provided public input into municipal issues like recreation and environmental concerns, along with economic and trails development. Some form of these committees must be re-established.

The Environment: Highlands East established its septic re-inspection programme in 2017. Most of the lake front properties and some back-lot properties have been inspected. However, with input from our lake associations, it is time to review how our programme works and how it can be improved.

As vice-chair of the Lakelands Public Health Unit, I strongly support their work in investigating the challenges for dealing with both blue-green algae and radon gas.

As a member of the Trent Source Water Protection Committee, I believe that many of the safeguard policies used by larger municipal water systems can be adapted and recommended for use with our local private wells.

Road Conditions Mother Nature is showing no mercy on most of our roads. We are currently investigating better re-surfacing options. County Road 3 and Glamor Lake Road have already been done. Contau Lake Road and the Community Centre Road in Gooderham will be completed by this fall.

Private Road Grant: Highlands East is the only municipality that offers a private road grant to help with road maintenance on private roads. This programme must be reviewed annually to see if municipality budget funding can be increased.

By Law Enforcement: Many of our bylaws are very difficult to enforce because of the way they are worded and the lack of financial penalties. This is frustrating for everyone. Some bylaws are being reviewed but more must be completed in 2027.

We are seriously short of bylaw enforcement on weekends. Additional enforcement can be expensive, but this situation cannot continue and somehow must be resolved.

Short Term Rental Bylaw: I said that we would review our Short-Term Rental (STR) Licensing Program after the first operating year. I want to make the programme clearer and easier to administer for both the public and municipal staff. Our focus is to find the right balance, supporting tourism while protecting our communities. The programme must work well for everyone. It must be reviewed again in 2027 to determine what additional changes should be made.

Neighborhood Watch Groups: Municipal governments have no jurisdiction over criminal offences, but protection of life and property is everyone’s priority. We must help our citizens establish neighbourhood watch groups that can work with the municipality, the Haliburton Police Board and the OPP to make our communities safer places to live.

Municipal Budget: Highlands East has a 5-year strategic plan but there is no annual operating plan that identifies measurable goals and objectives. This would guide annual budget development. We must know what, why, impact and the cost of what is planned for that year, with a quarterly review.

Affordability Study: Municipal operating costs are rising every year. Soon we will have to choose between municipal services reductions and unacceptable property tax increases. We can reduce the increase if we change the way we deliver our services. When a change is made, there is the cost of making the change and the benefits that comes from it. With full amalgamation, there are too many moving pieces to calculate costs and benefits accurately. Without provincial funding assistance, the cost of the merger would be more than our taxpayers could handle, regardless of the potential return. Much more investigation is required. However, for example, if we were to consolidate five planning departments into one, we could calculate the cost of the change and what we would gain from it. So, changing some service options should make sense, but full amalgamation maybe not be as much.

Summary: The next four years are going to be challenging and critical for Highlands East. I am sure there are other issues that I have not mentioned. If you have questions or recommendations, do not hesitate to call me and let me know what you think at (705) 447-3473, website: cecryall.ca or email cec@cecryall.ca. I want to be on council for you, but that won’t happen without your help. If you agree, please make sure that you are on the Voters List and vote for me by October 26. I am asking for your support.

Ward 4 (Monmouth)

Ruth Strong (incumbent)

kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.

Amy Toye

The most important roles in my life are being a Mom, Grammy & Wife. My husband & I run a successful business that serves all of Haliburton County and our neighbours & I volunteer my time or resources where I can throughout. Highlands East has been my home since the day I was born and that alone gives me a unique perspective on things.

I believe that the main goal of any Council should be to create a community that is affordable and inviting. One that encourages our young people to stay, buy homes, raise families, and build businesses. And asks others to come & enjoy all of the things we love here.

Accessible services, and low costs are a struggle faced by every municipality and Highlands East is no different. I believe we could minimize costs and better utilize funds by leaning on the expertise we have in house, or training our own staff instead of outsourcing, allowing for more growth within. Monies spent on local service providers, circle directly back into our own communities. I believe this is extremely important.

My background is in Finance, Administration and Marketing and while I do not have any specific political experience, I have been in many leadership roles, am diligent, and diplomatic, and truly care for Highlands East.

There is a balance between the growth we need to sustain ourselves & the smalltown feel we love. I am hopeful that I’ll be given the chance to participate in or even start some conversations. I do not have the answers; but I do have ideas and questions.

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 28 with responses from mayoral candidate Krystle Anne Pegg and Ward 1 candidate Don Meharrie.

This story was updated on October 1 with a response from Ward 2 candidate Jo-Anne Gould Green.

This story was updated on October 8 with a response from Ward 3 candidate Cecil Ryall.