← District and Town Councillor
Compare candidates
District and Town Councillor
6 candidates for 3 seats · you can vote for up to 3
Everyone is compared on the same 12 issues, in the same order. Candidates are listed alphabetically, and the order of issues is not a ranking. How this works.
Taxes, spending and value for money
What happens to my tax bill, and where does the money go?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Motion: each Town department briefs council on what a 5% budget cut would look like — to reveal efficiencies and cut spending.
- Motion directing each Town department to show what a 5% budget cut would look like.
- Reveal efficiency opportunities and non-essential services; ultimately reduce spending.
- Make Muskoka Heritage Place self-sustaining; address District planning duplication and staffing.
“It is my intention to introduce a motion that directs each Town Department to bring back to Council a brief on what their department would look like if their budget was cut by 5%. This simple exercise will undoubtedly reveal opportunities for greater efficiency, potentially show non-essential services we may wish to cut and ultimately reduce spending. I also believe that Muskoka Heritage Place us underutilized and can, with minimal effort, be self-sustaining. At the District I see duplication in the Planning Department that needs to be addressed.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: Huntsville District and Town candidates weigh in — Doppler candidate Q&A (candidate's own answers) · September 28, 2026
Voted against the District Council salary increase; "Reduce the size and influence of District Planning"; "Reduce Future Tax Levy" — "Listen to the people and never forget it's their money."
- Voted against the District Council salary increase.
- Reduce the size and influence of District Planning.
- Reduce Future Tax Levy.
- Listen to the people and never forget it's their money.
“Listen to the people and never forget it's their money.”
(one sentence)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website · October 1, 2026
Says he voted against a District Council salary increase.
- Frames fiscal responsibility as respect for taxpayers’ money.
- Lists reducing the future tax levy as a priority.
“Listen to the people and never forget it’s their money.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Future Priorities · September 13, 2026
Would ask every department to model a 5 per cent cut before the next budget.
- Says property taxes have risen 20.8 per cent over the past four years. His figure, and notably lower than the numbers other candidates are using — see the note at the end of this file.
- Says Council and staff have not previously been willing to look at reducing services in order to reduce the levy.
- Expects the exercise to reveal operational savings and produce a very low or zero increase in coming years.
- Attributes one bad year to global post-COVID price increases, mitigated by a low District levy that year.
“I will propose in the next budget deliberations that each department bring back to Council a plan outlining how they would cut their costs and/or services to reduce their budget by 5%.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Statements · September 13, 2026
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Lower taxes — and 'fix the waste' — as the core of a simple, no-nonsense platform (waste filed under taxes, spending and value for money per owner).
- Calls his platform simple and no-nonsense.
- Names lowering taxes as its core.
- Pledges to fix the waste — filed under taxes, spending and value for money.
Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence)
“Uh my platform's very simple. Uh and no nonsense. Fix the roads, fix the waste, um and lower the taxes.”
Source: Sept 9, 2026 councillor meet-and-greet (YourTV Muskoka, re-uploaded Sept 25) — candidate's own remarks (1:27) · September 25, 2026
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Spending accountability first: are taxpayers getting value from money already spent? Show it before asking for more.
- First ask whether taxpayers get the value they should from money already spent.
- Residents deserve a clearer understanding of where their tax dollars go.
- Before asking taxpayers for more, demonstrate serious review of existing resources.
“The first question I would ask is whether we're getting the value we should be getting from the money we're already spending. That means looking at administration, duplication between levels of government, procurement, contracts and programs that may have grown without us asking whether they're still delivering the results we originally intended. I also think residents deserve a clearer understanding of where their tax dollars are going. Before asking taxpayers for more, we should be able to demonstrate that we've looked seriously at what we can do with the resources we already have.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Huntsville District and Town candidates weigh in — Doppler candidate Q&A (candidate's own answers) · September 28, 2026
Frames the councillor's job as oversight of how tax dollars are used.
- Wants more open conversation about municipal spending at both the Town and the District.
- Says he would examine how services are delivered and look for efficiencies without jeopardising services residents rely on.
“Councillors have a responsibility to oversee those dollars and make sure they are being used in ways that genuinely benefit the people who pay them.”
(reported remarks)
Source: Huntsville Doppler — Muskoka journalist James Bowler makes a run for Huntsville District council · August 14, 2026
Would look hard at current spending for waste before asking residents for more.
- Frames it as residents needing to see real value for money rather than as a target percentage.
- Written after hearing from residents at the 9 September meet and greet.
Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences)
“I will push for a close look at our current spending to find ways to cut waste and make sure your tax dollars are used wisely, without adding more stress to our community.”
Source: Leland Maw campaign website — Meet & Greet · September 11, 2026
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Property tax increases have become unaffordable, putting people in a bind and 'driving the homelessness situation.'
- Says property tax increases have become unaffordable.
- Says they are putting people in a real bind.
- Says they are driving the homelessness situation.
“property tax increases um just becoming so unaffordable. Uh just really putting people in a real bind. It's certainly driving the homelessness situation.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Sept 9, 2026 councillor meet-and-greet (YourTV Muskoka, re-uploaded Sept 25) — candidate's own remarks (3:50) · September 25, 2026
Says property taxes are the biggest concern she hears, and wants spending priorities examined.
- Says she has been hearing tax concerns for many years.
- Links the pressure to rising costs for housing, food and energy.
- Frames the response as examining spending priorities, services and long-term financial sustainability.
“We have to take those pressures seriously and look carefully at spending priorities, services and long-term financial sustainability.”
(reported remarks)
Source: Huntsville Doppler — Peterson campaigns on taxes, growth and protecting Huntsville's character · August 28, 2026
Roads, infrastructure and the basics
Will the things I use every day actually get fixed?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
'Fix the roads' — the core of a simple, no-nonsense platform.
- Calls his platform simple and no-nonsense.
- Names fixing the roads as its core.
Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence)
“Uh my platform's very simple. Uh and no nonsense. Fix the roads, fix the waste, um and lower the taxes.”
Source: Sept 9, 2026 councillor meet-and-greet (YourTV Muskoka, re-uploaded Sept 25) — candidate's own remarks (1:27) · September 25, 2026
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Focuses on sidewalk safety, traffic calming and neighbourhood maintenance.
- Advocating for a fair share of local infrastructure funding.
- Ensuring streets are safe for kids and seniors.
“Well-maintained roads, safe sidewalks, and reliable local infrastructure are the foundation of a strong community.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: Leland Maw campaign website — Campaign Priorities · September 13, 2026
Wants a repair plan that fixes the worst roads first and publishes a timeline for the rest.
- Calls the state of the roads a safety issue that has been ignored too long.
- Written after the 9 September meet and greet, summarising what residents raised with him.
“I am committing to push for a faster repair plan that fixes the worst spots first and gives everyone a clear timeline for when other roads will be redone.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Leland Maw campaign website — Meet & Greet · September 11, 2026
How council works
How would this person actually govern?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Stepping up from town to district council because there are things happening at the district that Huntsville needs to be at the table for.
- Has served four years on town council.
- Is stepping up to district council.
- Says Huntsville needs to be at the table on district issues.
Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences)
“I've been on council for 4 years now and I'm stepping it up to be on district council because I care about a lot of the issues that are happening at district. there are things that are happening at the district that Huntsville needs to be at the table, and that's why I want to be there.”
Source: Sept 9, 2026 councillor meet-and-greet (YourTV Muskoka, re-uploaded Sept 25) — candidate's own remarks (4:25) · September 25, 2026
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Would carry a reporter's habit of listening first into the council chamber.
- Spent more than a decade reporting on Muskoka municipal councils before running.
- Names increasing transparency and public discussion of spending as a priority.
- Doppler also reported he plans to focus on access to primary care, downtown safety and waste collection; those were the reporter's summary and are not quoted here.
“I've spent my career listening to people from all sides of an issue. I want to bring that same approach to District council: listen first, understand the issue, and then work with others to find practical solutions.”
(reported remarks)
Source: Huntsville Doppler — Muskoka journalist James Bowler makes a run for Huntsville District council · August 14, 2026
Former MooseFM reporter who covered council for 11 years; running because his issues — housing, social services, better governance — are district-level; record of community service; decides by asking how it benefits the people around him.
- Moved to Muskoka 11 years ago as a MooseFM reporter and educated himself on municipal politics.
- Decided he wanted to add his voice to council meetings, not just report on them.
- Says his focus issues — housing, social services, better governance — are district-level, not ward-level.
- Cites a community-service record: Big Brothers Big Sisters chair, plus Muskoka Family Focus, Sexual Assault Services, Mind-Aid and Algonquin Family Health Team boards.
- Says he makes decisions thinking about how they benefit the people around him.
“I moved to Muskoka 11 years ago to work as a reporter for MooseFM, and one of the first things I had to do was educate myself on municipal politics. It was just over a year ago that I realized I didn't just want to be attending the meetings, asking questions and reporting on them. I wanted to add my voice to them. I knew the issues I wanted to focus on (housing, social services and better governance just to name a few) weren't just at the ward level. Being a good neighbour. When I moved here in 2015, the first thing I did was sign up with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Muskoka. I then joined the BBBS Board and was eventually elected Chair. I joined Muskoka Family Focus's Board, the Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services Board, the Mind-Aid Board and took over as Chair, and most recently, I joined the Algonquin Family Health Team Board. When I make decisions, like my decision to run for District Council in Huntsville, I do it thinking, how can this benefit the people around me?”
(a page or more)
Source: MSM Connect candidate Q&A — candidate's own written answers · September 27, 2026
Frames 11 years of municipal reporting as the qualification: from telling the community's stories to helping write its next chapter.
- More than a decade telling the community's stories.
- Asks for the opportunity to help write its next chapter.
- Says he has been asking difficult questions and listening to residents.
“For more than a decade, I've had the privilege of telling the stories of this community. Now, I'm asking for the opportunity to help write its next chapter. I've already been asking difficult questions, listening to residents, and helping explain how local decisions affect everyday life. I'm running because I want to take that same commitment to the conversations and decisions happening at both the Town and District level.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: James Bowler's Facebook post (Aug 14, 2026) · August 14, 2026
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Regular community meetings, plain-language project updates, and input sought before decisions rather than after.
- Says the strongest feedback at the 9 September meet and greet was that residents want more openness from leadership.
- Emphasises consultation happening before final decisions, not after.
“I will work to set up regular community meetings, post easy-to-read updates on big projects, and make sure we ask for your input before final decisions are made, not after.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Leland Maw campaign website — Meet & Greet · September 11, 2026
Wants local government to be understandable, not confusing.
- Says trust is built when neighbours are genuinely informed and involved.
- Wants everyday neighbourhood concerns acted on, not lost.
“Local government should be accessible, clear, and easy to understand—not confusing.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Leland Maw campaign website — Campaign Priorities · September 13, 2026
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Says leadership means listening, asking hard questions and being accountable.
- Says municipal government cannot solve every problem.
- Previously ran for mayor in 2018 and for Huntsville Ward councillor in 2022.
“I don't believe the government can solve everything, but I do believe good leadership means listening, asking difficult questions, working with others and being accountable for the decisions we make”
(reported remarks)
Source: Huntsville Doppler — Peterson campaigns on taxes, growth and protecting Huntsville's character · August 28, 2026
Says that if elected she will not swear the declaration of office, and frames her oath as being to residents instead.
- Describes her platform as honesty and genuine care for community.
- Says her issues remain and she will talk about all of them during the campaign, with no backing down and no capitulating.
- Posted to her own public campaign page on 6 September 2026.
“My Oath will be to serve the people of Huntsville and Muskoka to the best of my ability without fear.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Peggy Peterson campaign page — post of 6 September 2026 · September 6, 2026
Growth, development and community character
How much should Huntsville grow, and where?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Points to a height and density plan that sets where development cannot go.
- Chaired Planning Council when the plan was created.
- Frames it as protecting what residents value, not only enabling building.
“As Chair of Planning Council we created a plan that not only shows where it’s appropriate to build taller, BUT more importantly lays out where development cannot go to protect what we love about Huntsville.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Future Priorities · September 13, 2026
Says the Town cannot stop growth but can shape it, and explains what Council can and cannot legally refuse.
- Says the developments people object to most — Forbes Hill, the Brunel Rd. building, the Hwy 60 condos — were approved years ago and would not be permitted today.
- Says the Province dictates planning rules through the Provincial Policy Statement, and that Planning Council exists to adjudicate applications falling outside existing bylaws, not to stop building.
- Points to the completed Height and Density Study, which sets out where taller buildings of four to six storeys may be appropriate and which hilltops and vistas must be protected.
- Says the Ontario Land Tribunal has almost always sided with developers on housing in recent years, which is why staff seek compromises rather than outright refusals.
- Wrote this in direct response to criticism posted on Doppler and social media, quoting the objections back before answering them.
“We do have the ability to mold that change through good planning practices and protecting those things that we love about this place we call home.”
(a page or more)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Statements · September 13, 2026
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Puts the question as how Huntsville stays Huntsville while still growing.
- Pairs responsible growth with environmental protection and natural character.
- Says she wants council to think beyond the next election cycle.
Show their words & sourceHide (reported remarks)
“And I keep coming back to one question: How do we ensure Huntsville stays Huntsville? How do we nurture responsible growth while protecting our environment and respecting the natural character that makes this place so special?”
Source: Huntsville Doppler — Peterson campaigns on taxes, growth and protecting Huntsville's character · August 28, 2026
Housing and affordability
Can people who work here afford to live here?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Push the District for expanded water/wastewater capacity — the rental crisis is growing and housing needs the infrastructure.
- Push the District for expanded water and wastewater infrastructure.
- The $51M provincial grant for treatment plants will not be enough.
- With the rental housing crisis growing, much more system capacity is needed before the required housing can be built.
“It's not sexy to talk about, but we need to push the District for expanded water and waste water infrastructure. We recently received $51M from the Province to close the Mountview treatment plant and expand the Golden Pheasant treatment plant on Hwy 60, but it will not be enough. With the rental housing crisis growing exponentially we will need much more capacity in the system before we can build the needed housing. We also need to be planning to expand the serviced area.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Huntsville District and Town candidates weigh in — Doppler candidate Q&A (candidate's own answers) · September 28, 2026
Wants to find every opportunity to add rental housing.
- Support development that serves local housing needs.
- Work with developers on affordable options.
“Find every opportunity to create more rental housing.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Future Priorities · September 13, 2026
Argues the shortage is specifically in rentals, and that supply is the lever.
- Says someone with a million dollars can buy a home today, but young people starting out often cannot afford even to rent.
- Argues that increasing rental supply will bring costs down, and that developers will not build unless it is profitable.
- Points to 176 rental units planned with the Muskoka Community Land Trust on Town-owned land at Florance St. W, 40 under construction at Taite and Main St. W, and 100 approved beside the new Festing Toyota.
- Notes short-term rentals have taken units off the market and that Council has licensed them and capped the number at 250.
- Notes the District will hire about 130 people for the new Fairvern, all of whom will need housing.
“In my opinion there is NOT a housing crisis, there is only a rental housing crisis.”
(a page or more)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Statements · September 13, 2026
As Planning Council chair, created a plan showing where taller building is appropriate — and more importantly where development cannot go, to protect what Huntsville loves.
- As Chair of Planning Council, created the height/density plan.
- Plan shows where taller building is appropriate — and where development cannot go to protect Huntsville.
“As Chair of Planning Council we created a plan that not only shows where it's appropriate to build taller, BUT more importantly lays out where development cannot go to protect what we love about Huntsville.”
(one sentence)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website · October 1, 2026
On the taller-denser housing bylaw (June 2026 council vote): "We're growing, like it or not" — it sets forth a plan for the future the town can live with.
- Supported the bylaw update allowing taller, denser housing.
- "We're growing, like it or not."
“We're growing, like it or not. I think this sets forth for the future a plan that we can live with.”
(reported remarks)
Source: Huntsville council approves bylaw update allowing taller, denser housing (BayToday/Huntsville Forester) · June 10, 2026
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
'We definitely need more rental housing, not more houses.'
- Says the town needs more rental housing specifically.
- Draws a distinction: rentals, not more houses.
Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence)
“Um we definitely need more rental housing, not more houses. We need more rental housing.”
Source: Sept 9, 2026 councillor meet-and-greet (YourTV Muskoka, re-uploaded Sept 25) — candidate's own remarks (5:04) · September 25, 2026
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Opposes district-built factory homes as government competing with the private sector; build smaller homes and require 10% low-income housing in new subdivisions to keep neighbourhoods mixed.
- Opposes the district building factory homes — government should not compete with the private sector.
- Favours smaller homes and bungalows.
- Proposes requiring 10% low-income housing in new subdivisions so neighbourhoods stay mixed.
“the idea of district building homes in a factory uh I'm not totally agreeing with. I I don't think that uh the government any government should be involved in a private against the private sector in a private business. we can build smaller homes, we can build 1,200 foot long bungs [bungalows?], but I think we need to do it in a little different in that if if we can do it with our development and our development fees and do it with the developer themselves. we can go into if a developer is putting 50 homes in a subdivision, why can we not say 10% have to be low-inccome [low-income] housing? And that way we can uh uh ensure that there's a mix of people.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: Sept 9, 2026 councillor meet-and-greet (YourTV Muskoka, re-uploaded Sept 25) — candidate's own remarks (2:10) · September 25, 2026
Frames housing as keeping local workers, young families and seniors in town.
- Supports dignified, attainable and low-income housing choices.
- Says rising costs are driving out the local workforce.
“Our community thrives when the people who build it, work in it, and care for it can actually afford to live here.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: Leland Maw campaign website — Campaign Priorities · September 13, 2026
Protect the affordable units that already exist, and build mixed-income in the right places.
- Would oppose converting or eliminating existing low-income and geared-to-income housing without workable alternatives in place first.
- Supports mixed-income developments, where market-rate and affordable units sit side by side, in appropriate areas with proper infrastructure.
- Would push for District and provincial funding, and for co-operative and non-profit housing.
- Names seniors on fixed incomes, young adults on local wages, families in unstable housing and workers commuting long distances as who he is hearing from.
“Muskoka only truly works when the people who live and work here can afford to stay.”
(a page or more)
Source: Leland Maw campaign website — Keeping Muskoka Viable for Everyone · September 1, 2026
Convert a waterfront property into affordable housing, community gardens and daycare; maintain public waterfront access: the developers and the elite have enough waterfront.
- Wants a waterfront property converted to affordable housing, community gardens and daycare.
- Insists on maintaining public access to the waterfront.
- Says developers and the elite have enough waterfront already.
Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences)
“that building can be converted uh with some feasibility and get some affordable housing, community gardens, daycare, all those things and access to the public waterfront. We have to maintain public access for the waterfront. Honestly, the developers and the elite, they have enough waterfront and that's ours.”
Source: Sept 9, 2026 councillor meet-and-greet (YourTV Muskoka, re-uploaded Sept 25) — candidate's own remarks (4:05) · September 25, 2026
Healthcare and the new hospital
Can I see a doctor, and how will we pay for the new hospital?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Wants the new hospital moving quickly and more doctors recruited.
- Says a doctor recruitment program he co-created has attracted 8 new doctors.
- Continue recruiting doctors and nurse practitioners.
“Ensure the new hospital moves forward quickly.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Future Priorities · September 13, 2026
Move the new hospital forward quickly; keep fighting for more doctors and NPs — co-created a program that attracted 8 doctors.
- Ensure the new hospital moves forward quickly.
- Continue to fight for more doctors and nurse practitioners.
- Co-created a doctor recruitment program that attracted 8 new doctors, with more on the way.
“Ensure the new hospital moves forward quickly. Together with Scott Morrison, I created a doctor recruitment program that has attracted 8 new doctors to Town with more on the way. Continue to fight for more Doctors & Nurse Practitioners.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Re-Elect Bob Stone — Huntsville Town & District Councillor · October 3, 2026
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Continue the doctor-recruitment program she started with Morrison — nine doctors so far — and add nurse practitioners and specialists.
- Co-started the doctor recruitment program with Scott Morrison.
- Says it has brought nine new doctors so far.
- Wants to add nurse practitioners and specialists.
Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences)
“I want to continue to build on what uh Scott Morris [Morrison] and I started with our doctor recruitment program. So, we brought nine new docs already, but I'd like to bring some more nur nurse practitioners and some specialists to town.”
Source: Sept 9, 2026 councillor meet-and-greet (YourTV Muskoka, re-uploaded Sept 25) — candidate's own remarks (4:50) · September 25, 2026
Names improving access to primary care among his campaign priorities.
- Improving access to primary care is a stated priority.
- Also names downtown safety, transparency in spending, and waste collection.
Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences)
“Over the coming weeks I'll be sharing more about my priorities, including improving access to primary care, making our downtown feel safer, bringing greater transparency and common sense approaches to municipal spending, and finding practical solutions to issues like waste collection.”
Source: James Bowler's Facebook post (Aug 14, 2026) · August 14, 2026
"Our Hospitals": keep critical services local, back local doctors, demand transparency on the $225M local share.
- Keep Critical Services Local — no sacrificing maternal care or settling for an unfair bed share.
- Back Our Local Doctors — listen when physicians warn a care model endangers patients or drives doctors away.
- Demand Total Transparency — taxpayers deserve to know how every dollar of the $225M local share is spent.
Show their words & sourceHide (several paragraphs)
“Keep Critical Services Local: We shouldn't have to sacrifice maternal care or settle for an unfair share of beds just to get modern buildings. Both Huntsville and Bracebridge must remain fully functional, safe, and balanced acute care hospitals. Back Our Local Doctors: Our physicians are on the front lines saving lives. If they say a care model is going to force patients into dangerous winter drives or drive doctors out of our area, we must listen to them. Demand Total Transparency for Our Money: The province expects our community to pitch in $225 million as our "local share." If taxpayers are putting up millions of dollars of their own hard-earned money, we deserve to know exactly how every single dollar is spent.”
Source: Our Hospitals — Leland Maw · September 30, 2026
Environment, lakes and dark skies
Who is protecting the lakes and the night sky?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Points to the Dark Sky bylaw as a model for protecting Huntsville as it grows.
- Was Town spokesman for the outdoor lighting bylaw.
- Wants to build on it with sustainable growth.
“Earnestly protect our environment as Huntsville grows.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Future Priorities · September 13, 2026
Build on the success of the Dark Sky bylaw and earnestly protect the environment as Huntsville grows.
- Build on the success of the Dark Sky bylaw.
- Earnestly protect the environment as Huntsville grows.
“Build on the success of our Dark Sky bylaw. Earnestly protect our environment as Huntsville grows.”
(one sentence)
Source: Re-Elect Bob Stone — Huntsville Town & District Councillor · October 3, 2026
Review all plans and by-laws through a climate lens; EV chargers, flood measures, shoreline protection.
- First action: review all current plans and by-laws under a climate lens.
- Level 2 EV chargers in new residential buildings; new Level 3 chargers.
- Flood measures: back stops, green roofs, permeable paving.
- Protect the shoreline Ribbon of Life (2m either side) and wetlands.
“My first action would be to have all current plans and By-laws reviewed under a 'Climate Lens'. We are constantly protecting the 'Ribbon of Life' (2m either side of the shoreline) to keep our fish healthy and waterways clean.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Climate Action Muskoka — Candidate Survey (Bob Stone's responses)
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Serious stormwater planning, enforcement of responsible development, and full leachate testing at the old tannery site.
- Serious stormwater management planning.
- Enforce responsible development (cites the idle Unity Plan).
- Full leachate testing at the old tannery site with help from other governments.
“We need informed leadership at the local level in order to find grass roots solutions to the issues of balancing the ecology, the local economy and creating a kind community which includes engaging in serious storm water management planning.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Climate Action Muskoka candidate survey — Peggy Peterson (candidate's own answers) · January 1, 2022
Frames environmental protection as stewardship for future generations.
- Started a professional gardening service in 1991 and later became involved in permaculture and education.
- Describes permaculture as responsible, respectful and resilient approaches to land use, food security and community systems.
“I believe we need to think beyond the next election cycle and consider what kind of community we want to leave for future generations. For me, that means responsible stewardship, thoughtful growth, environmental protection, financial accountability and a willingness to listen.”
(reported remarks)
Source: Huntsville Doppler — Peterson campaigns on taxes, growth and protecting Huntsville's character · August 28, 2026
Huntsville's place at the District table
Is the two-tier system working for Huntsville, or costing us?
Wants to reduce the size and influence of District Planning.
- Also lists replacing the aging Operations Centre and making Muskoka Heritage Place break even.
Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence)
“Reduce the size and influence of District Planning.”
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Future Priorities · September 13, 2026
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Wants to bridge taxpayers and residents with regional governance.
- Says residents’ voices get lost in bureaucracy.
Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence)
“I am committed to bridging the gap between taxpayers, local residents, and regional governance, ensuring your voice is never lost in bureaucracy.”
Source: Leland Maw campaign website — Campaign Priorities · September 13, 2026
Local economy, jobs and downtown
Will there be decent work here, and a downtown worth walking to?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Find a real solution for Brendale Square; support local businesses and downtown vitality; smart, measured development that fits Huntsville.
- Find a real solution for Brendale Square.
- Support local businesses and downtown vitality.
- Smart, measured development that fits Huntsville.
“Find a real solution for Brendale Square. Support local businesses and downtown vitality. Smart, measured development that fits Huntsville.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Re-Elect Bob Stone — Huntsville Town & District Councillor · October 3, 2026
Wants a real solution for Brendale Square and support for downtown.
- Support local businesses and downtown vitality.
- Smart, measured development that fits Huntsville.
“Find a real solution for Brendale Square.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Future Priorities · September 13, 2026
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Make Muskoka Heritage Place break even and revitalize Brendale Square downtown.
- Wants Muskoka Heritage Place to break even — calls it beautiful but underused.
- Wants revitalization of Brendale Square downtown.
Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences)
“I I'd like to make Mskoka [Muskoka] Heritage Place uh break even. I think we've got a beautiful property there that's well underused. Um, I would like to see some revitalization of Brendle Square.”
Source: Sept 9, 2026 councillor meet-and-greet (YourTV Muskoka, re-uploaded Sept 25) — candidate's own remarks (5:20) · September 25, 2026
Economic development should build careers, startups and families for people already here, not just attract newcomers.
- Economic development must be about more than attracting people to Muskoka.
- Create conditions where current residents can build careers, start businesses and raise families.
Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences)
“Ultimately, I think economic development needs to be about more than attracting people to Muskoka. It should also be about creating an environment where the people who already live here can build careers, start businesses, raise families and continue contributing to the community.”
Source: Rural Employment Access Ontario 2026 municipal questionnaire — candidate's own answers · September 30, 2026
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Wants a task force to recruit clean manufacturing so the economy is not built on seasonal work.
- Says most local jobs are seasonal, part-time and low-paying, and that a large part of the workforce only works part of the year.
- Says an influx of outside wealth has driven up costs without that money reaching local workers.
- Cites a median Muskoka wage of $36,730 to $43,200 against a need for at least $22.20 an hour to afford basics, and says over half of residents cannot meet the cost of living. These are his figures; SmarterVote has not independently verified them.
- Argues year-round manufacturing jobs would also reduce demand on subsidised housing, because workers could afford their own homes.
“We cannot just be a summer playground for the rich. We need permanent, year-round jobs, not seasonal band-aids.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: Leland Maw campaign website — Investing in Our Future · September 8, 2026
Says the local jobs problem is seasonal, part-time and low-paying work.
- Argues Muskoka needs younger people and families but lacks year-round work.
- Links an influx of outside wealth to rising local costs.
“Right now, the big issue is that most of our jobs are seasonal, part-time, and low-paying.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Leland Maw campaign website — Campaign Priorities · September 13, 2026
Parks, trails and active transportation
Can you get around safely without a car, and are the parks and trails looked after?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Create more active transportation trails and connect neighbourhoods with safe routes.
- Create more active transportation trails.
- Connect neighbourhoods with safe routes.
“Create more active transportation trails. Connect neighbourhoods with safe routes.”
(one sentence)
Source: Re-Elect Bob Stone — Huntsville Town & District Councillor · October 3, 2026
Wants more active transportation trails connecting neighbourhoods.
- Chairs the Active Transportation and Transit Committee.
- Connect neighbourhoods with safe routes.
“Create more active transportation trails.”
(a few sentences)
Source: Bob Stone campaign website — Future Priorities · September 13, 2026
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Wants a public decision about the Fairvern waterfront site before it is disposed of.
- Raises what happens to the existing Fairvern property on the Muskoka River once the long-term care home moves.
- Says she is researching adaptive reuse options, which could include affordable or supportive housing, food security initiatives, community services or a community hub.
- Says all reasonable options should be examined before an irreversible decision.
Show their words & sourceHide (reported remarks)
“I believe we should have clear assurances and a transparent public discussion about what happens to this important waterfront property when Fairvern moves to its new location. I want to see the community's interests protected and meaningful public access to the waterfront maintained.”
Source: Huntsville Doppler — Peterson campaigns on taxes, growth and protecting Huntsville's character · August 28, 2026
Police, fire, emergency services and community safety
Who shows up when you call 911, and do they have what they need?
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Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Transit and getting around without a car
Can you get where you need to go if you do not drive?
Expand transit routes and add a bus so every stop is served hourly instead of every two hours.
- Survey answer: expand transit routes and add an additional bus.
- Goal: all stops served every hour, currently every two hours.
Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence)
“Expand our Transit System routes and add an additional bus so all stops are passed every hour (currently every 2 hrs.).”
Source: Climate Action Muskoka — Candidate Survey (Bob Stone's responses)
Brian Ellas
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Helena Renwick
No website or social media listed
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Not reviewed yet. Know something?
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Something wrong here?
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