Cities throughout northwestern Ontario are gearing up for Election Day on Oct. 26, and so are the candidates seeking votes from residents.
reached out to mayoral candidates in the area, asking them to answer three questions in 100 words each.
Below are the responses we’ve received thus far, listed alphabetically by community and last name. has only made edits for spelling, grammar, and word count.
It’s worth noting that Ear Falls Mayor Kevin Kahoot and Kenora Mayor Andrew Poirier have been acclaimed since there are no challengers running against them.
Dryden
Jack Harrison (incumbent)
Jack Harrison is running for re-election as mayor of Dryden, Ont. (Submitted by Jack Harrison)
Why are you running for mayor?
In the last four years, our council and staff have achieved a lot for Dryden. We came into office during a housing crisis, and since then over 140 housing units have been constructed. We’ve also attracted new businesses, updated infrastructure, and revitalized our golf course and recreation areas. I’ve provided consistent leadership through these developments, and I feel it’s essential to keep moving forward now. Experience counts. With four years as mayor plus 25 years leading teams behind me, I’m ready to dive right in. Being retired gives me more time to dedicate to our community.
What are the top issues you hope to address in your community?
Over the next four years, I’ll focus on lessening taxpayer strain while boosting our community’s strength. I’ll negotiate a Community Benefit Agreement with NWMO (Nuclear Waste Management Organization) that offers initial funding for community development along with ongoing payments throughout the project’s duration. I’ll keep promoting housing growth and attracting new residents to broaden our tax base. Additionally, I will pursue partnerships with provincial and federal governments to restore passenger service at Dryden Regional Airport which would enhance economic development and connectivity.
If you are elected, what will your first priority be?
My immediate priority would be ensuring that council collaborates effectively to pass a budget for 2027 that continues strategic infrastructure renewal while supporting community services and facilitating housing development-all while keeping tax rates manageable for residents. To achieve this goal, I’ll encourage public participation in providing feedback on budget planning while fostering discussions among councillors so we can clearly outline an effective path forward.
Brenda Sedgwick
Brenda Sedgwick is running for mayor of Dryden, Ont. (City of Dryden website)
Why are you running for mayor?
I’m running for mayor because I want to represent a Dryden that reflects the diversity of its residents better. My goal is to enhance accessibility, inclusion, empathy, and accountability in decision-making processes so everyone has a voice in shaping outcomes. Elected officials should collaborate across disagreements; we shouldn’t default to exclusion or blame when people think or act differently than us-and we need broader participation beyond traditional influencers.
What are the top issues you hope to address in your community?
Dryden has important physical needs like roads, water supply systems, housing solutions , infrastructure upkeep , economic growth , and responsible taxation. I’m aware of those necessities but also believe we must resolve lingering issues from our 1998 amalgamation-such as divisions between downtown residents , rural folks , and others. We need greater awareness about laws governing municipal decisions , human rights accessibility standards , and learn how manage differences without unfairly marginalizing individuals. Before pursuing current priorities further , let’s ask ourselves whether our actions unite us into one inclusive community or create barriers instead.
If you are elected, what will your first priority be?
My primary concern will be accessibility-not just physical access but also access regarding government resources/services/information/opportunities/decision-making processes. This means raising awareness around human rights /accessibility issues while tackling both attitudes & informational obstacles hindering progress. It includes expecting elected officials at all levels working collaboratively when resolving disputes using minimally invasive measures rather than alienating those who may not always fit existing molds. Every municipal decision should reflect values surrounding inclusion/empathy/accountability/cultural humility; representative democracy ought strive accommodate voices often unheard within city governance structures.
is awaiting a response from mayoral candidate Derek Ouellette.
Fort FrancesJohn Mc Taggart
John Mc Taggart is running for mayor of Fort Frances Ont.(John Mctaggart For Mayor/Facebook)
Why Are You Running For Mayor? P >I Believe That I Have The Experience And Skills Needed To Lead Fort Frances Into The Next Decade. We Are Transitioning From A Service Center To An Industrial Leader In Green Energy. I Plan On Creating A Team Approach With Council And Administration To Develop A Clear Path Forward That Allows Fort Frances To Reach Its Full Potential. I See What Our Community Can Become, I Want Us To Learn From The Past While Staying Focused On Future Growth Now Is The Time For Action P >What Are The Top Issues You Hope To Address In Your Community? P >Attracting Industrial Opportunities And Investments Is My Number One Priority. I’m Committed To Creating Good-Paying Local Jobs So Young People Stay Here. New Industries Will Impact Our Already Tight Housing Market Therefore We Must Advance New Housing Projects Simultaneously. Community Safety Also Matters Greatly; We Need Collaboration Between Residents And Partners Ensure Everyone Feels Safe And Welcome Here P >If You Are Elected What Will Your First Priority Be? P >Building Team Fort Frances Is My Primary Goal-A Collaborative Group Comprised Of Council Members Mayors’ Office & Administrative Staff Who Work Together Responsively & Responsibly Create Budgets Supporting New Development Projects Additionally Engage Citizens By Being Open Responsive So We Can Tackle Daily Challenges Faced By Residents In Our Community. A Unified Vision Extending Beyond Just Fort Frances But Encompassing Our Entire District Municipal Government Offers Unique Opportunities Regular Interaction With Those Who Elected Us p >
is awaiting response from Brent Calder
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