| Bio | Charles Cooper is a community builder, business owner and cottager running for Mayor of Lake of Bays. His technology and business background includes governance roles as chair of the finance and audit committee of One Kids Place, chairman of the board of Peel Senior Link, president of his lakes cottagers' association and cofounder of the Dwight food bank. He has volunteered with the Ontario Track3 program since 1997 and is appointed to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, reviewing grant applications to local charities. | Matt Young was raised in Lake of Bays and now serves as a Station Chief in the Township's fire department. He operates three local businesses — SPY Communications, Algonquin Fiber and MP Planning & Associates — and has chosen to raise his family in the township. He is running for Mayor on responsible development and bringing residents and council together. | Tim Withey is a lifelong Muskoka resident, founder and owner of Withey Insurance Brokers Ltd. in Huntsville, running for Mayor of Lake of Bays. He holds a BA in Environmental Studies and has served two terms on Huntsville Council, including as Chair of Community Services and Corporate Services. He has volunteered as a director with Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, the Chamber of Commerce and Crimestoppers, is President of the Algonquin Park Residents Association, and is a parent of three and grandparent of four. |
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| HousingWill I be able to afford to live here? | | | |
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| Taxes & spendingWhat happens to my tax bill, and where does the money go? | Charles Cooper promises fiscal restraint and operational efficiency from a less-government approach. - Views a smaller-government approach as enhancing township operational efficiencies and ensuring fiscal restraint.
- Provided strong leadership to organizations maximizing services to vulnerable populations with minimal budget change year to year.
- Chaired finance and audit committee (One Kids Place) and was Chairman of the Board of Peel Senior Link.
Show their words & sourceHide (several paragraphs)“His background in technology and business, combined with his view of less government will enhance operational efficiencies of the township, ensuring fiscal restraint.” Source: Mayor candidate biography - Township of Lake of Bays official election page · October 17, 2026 Confidence:High | Matt Young promises fiscal responsibility, community engagement and strong representation for Lake of Bays. - Fiscal Responsibility: leading with a transparent, accountable approach to how the Township invests every tax dollar.
- Community Engagement: strengthening the relationship between Council and residents so every voice helps shape the future.
- Strong Representation: ensuring Lake of Bays' priorities are heard at District and provincial levels.
Show their words & sourceHide (a page or more)“Fiscal Responsibility - Leading with a transparent, accountable approach to how the Township invests every tax dollar.” Source: Matt Young For Lake of Bays Mayor - campaign website · October 17, 2026 Confidence:High | |
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| Emergency servicesWhen I call for help, will it come fast enough? | | | |
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| TransitCan I get where I need to go without driving? | | | |
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| GovernmentWill decisions be made in the open, and will anyone answer for them? | Charles Cooper campaigns on better roads, stewardship, governance and accountability. - Campaign pillars: Better Roads, Better Stewardship, Better Governance, Better Accountability.
- Business owner, resident, volunteer and community organizer in Lake of Bays.
- Town bio stresses less government, operational efficiencies and fiscal restraint.
Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences)“Innovating Lake of Bays. Better Roads. Better Stewardship. Better Governance. Better Accountability.” Source: Home - Charles Cooper - Regional Councillor (campaign site) · October 17, 2026 Confidence:High | | Tim Withey leans on two terms on Huntsville Council and deep board experience for fiscally and environmentally responsible leadership. - Two-term Huntsville councillor including Chair of Community Services and Corporate Services; served on District Council's Health Services Committee.
- Education, business experience and extensive community service as a foundation for responsible fiscal, environmental, infrastructure and healthcare decision-making.
- Extensive board service: hospitals, nursing home, hospice, chamber, Crimestoppers, OPP board, forestry authority.
Show their words & sourceHide (several paragraphs)“His education, business experience and extensive community service provide a strong foundation for responsible fiscal, environmental, infrastructure and healthcare decision-making.” Source: Mayor candidate biography - Township of Lake of Bays official election page · October 17, 2026 Confidence:High |
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| Roads & infrastructureWill the things I use every day actually get fixed? | | | |
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| EconomyWill our main streets and local jobs thrive? | | Matt Young wants year-round economic growth, local jobs, affordability and responsible development. - Economic Growth: building on local strengths for a stronger, more diverse year-round economy.
- Business and Employment: keeping business and employment in the region so local growth benefits residents.
- Affordability: addressing rising costs of living and housing with a forward-looking economic strategy.
- Responsible Development: balancing economic growth with protecting the history and environment that define Lake of Bays.
Show their words & sourceHide (a page or more)“Economic Growth - Building on local strengths to create a stronger, more diverse economy that supports our area year-round.” Source: Matt Young For Lake of Bays Mayor - campaign website · October 17, 2026 Confidence:High | |
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| EnvironmentIs the candidate protecting the nature we live in? | | Matt Young wants responsible development with guardrails to protect Lake of Bays' environment and character. - Responsible Development: Council must weigh not only what growth brings but how it affects residents, businesses, infrastructure and the environment.
- Guards: growth should come with the right guardrails to protect lakes, shorelines, parks, natural environment and community character.
- Community Care: supporting residents at every stage of life so they can live, grow and age in Lake of Bays.
Show their words & sourceHide (a page or more)“Matt believes Council must consider not only what growth can bring, but how that growth will affect local residents, businesses, infrastructure, and the environment.” Source: Matt Young For Lake of Bays Mayor - campaign website · October 17, 2026 Confidence:High | |
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| HealthcareWill there be a doctor and a hospital when we need one? | | | |
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| Growth & developmentHow fast should we grow, and who decides what gets built where? | | | |
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| Social & community servicesWho looks after the most vulnerable residents? | | | |
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| Active transportationCan I walk and bike safely around town? | | | |
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| Arts & cultureDoes the candidate value what makes this place feel alive? | | | |
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| Data centresShould energy-hungry data centres be welcomed here? | | | |
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| Water & wasteIs our drinking water safe and our waste handled? | | | |
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| Bylaw enforcementAre the rules fair, and are they actually enforced? | | | |
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