George Ashford
I am seeking re-election to Parry Sound Town Council, bringing four years of council experience, nearly two decades of community involvement, and my ongoing work as an elementary teacher. Myself and his wife, Sarah McDowall, are raising our two daughters in Parry Sound. I have focused on practical results: faster housing approvals, lower-cost municipal processes, housing incentives, and partnerships that have attracted major provincial investment. I have held the line on tax increases because Parry Sounders already pay too much. I believe careful planning protects taxpayers: every dollar should be stretched, and every project should serve multiple community goals. I have protected the fitness trail in law and helped deliver low-cost, high-impact extensions that better connect public spaces. Parry Sound is growing. I will put residents’ priorities first—supporting economic development, new housing, and infrastructure renewal only when they strengthen the community and work for the people who live here.
Joe Belesky
I am proud to have served the residents of Parry Sound as a member of Town Council, and I am seeking your support for a second term. My experience has taught me that municipal government must provide good service while always remembering whose money we are spending: the taxpayers. I believe Council must make practical, responsible decisions while ensuring that essential municipal services remain strong. If re-elected, I will continue to listen to residents, ask the difficult questions, and carefully consider how every decision affects our community and its taxpayers. I believe in accountability, fiscal responsibility, and working cooperatively with Council, staff, residents, businesses, and community organizations. Parry Sound is a community I am proud to serve, and I would be honoured to continue representing you for another four years.
John R. Bennett
I have called Parry Sound home since 1987. I grew up working alongside my father in the family grocery store. After high school, I moved to Toronto, where I built a successful career in corporate loss prevention and retail management. In 2006, I returned to Parry Sound to support my family and put down roots.
Since returning, I have made community involvement a priority. I have coached local youth in basketball and soccer, served as Chair of the Parry Sound Public School Parent Council, and supported the Food Relief Network for many years. Professionally, I have experience in retail management and pharmaceuticals, and since 2014 have worked as an insurance broker. My career has been built on responsibility, service, and earning trust.
Every day, residents trust me to protect their homes, cottages, and businesses. Now, I am asking for that same trust to serve the community I have called home for nearly four decades.
Paul Borneman
I am Paul Borneman and it’s been my privilege to serve as your representative on the Town of Parry Sound Council. Elections not about who has the most signs, the best website, catchy slogans or shiny brochures. Elections are about trust. Who do you believe can deliver the best results for Parry Sound? Who do you want at the table making the difficult choices? I have proven my honesty and integrity. I am a team player, an independent thinker. I am not a rubber stamp for staff recommendations nor am I held hostage to special interests groups. I will not make rash decisions or promises. If re-elected I’ll continue to be available to answer your questions. Transparency is important. I am a proud life long Parry Sounder who is engaged in the community. I am a taxpayer committed to eliminating waste and ensuring we get the best bang for every tax dollar spent. I know the status of various issues and projects currently underway. My knowledge, skill set and experience will continue to help build a stronger Parry Sound for you and your children. On Oct 26th I ask for your support. Vote Paul Borneman. Thank you.
Dennis Brownley
I have a couple priorities for running for Parry Sound Council and I am committed to helping my co-residents of our town! I want our local Paramedicine Program to have access to more funding for the residents of our community that find it not only difficult but unable to attend appointments with their healthcare providers. I also want to fight for more affordable housing units for low-income families in Parry Sound!
Bonnie Keith
I believe in integrity, honesty, openness,hardwork and caring about beautiful Parry Sound. Growth should be balanced with an enjoyable quality of life in a friendly town atmosphere. Affordable and accessible housing for: families, those with disabilities, fixed income and services reflects inclusiveness. Historically, economic development has been incremental. Tourism is but one focus and partnerships with the private sector, municipalities, First Nations and government levels is needed. Infrastructure developments contribute to healthy and clear communication. In respecting the taxpayer's dollar we should discuss with surrounding municipalities a financial agreement that contributes to their regular use of our services/ infrastructure in contrast to the alternative of pursuing a regional government with the province.
Begin developing the Waterfront Master Plan. Fitness trail, parks are our most valuable assets which should be accessible to all. If re-elected I will be practical. I can distinguish between needs, wants and wishes.
Alaina King
Regrets sent. Statement not received by the deadline
Jim Marshall
I’m asking for your support to return me to the council table this October.
Having grown up and raised a family in the Parry Sound area, I bring a business-minded approach to municipal politics. The Town faces some important decisions this council term, and I believe we need to identify and prioritize them early.
Those priorities must include:
- Increasing housing development, particularly affordable starter homes and purpose-built rentals that fill gaps in our current housing supply.
- Strengthening the Town’s advocacy with senior governments, especially the Province.
- Improving how major infrastructure projects are planned and managed, with greater emphasis on timelines and budgets.
- Increasing transparency and improving communications with Parry Sound residents.
- Examining whether West Parry Sound’s current municipal governance structure remains the best approach for the future.
I’d be honoured to have your support on Election Day.
Doug McCann
Born and raised in Sudbury, I became interested in radio broadcasting while still in high
school. An entry-level position launched a career that has taken me to stations in Sudbury,
Ottawa, Orillia, Peterborough and Parry Sound, home for 46 years. A local business man, I have operated a music retail store, mobile disk jockey service and founded McCann & Cambrian E-Media Services offering voice, audio, video production and Internet services. In my past three terms I have served on many boards including the Parry Sound Public Library, West Parry Sound District Museum, Belvedere Heights, Industrial Park and Park to Park. My committee work includes Waterfront Advisory, Victory School Commemorative Project, Big Brothers and Parry Sound Community Radio Association. I am a listener, visionary and team player and believe Parry Sound has the potential for growth and development, but tempered with foresight and careful planning.
Chris McDonald
I am a lifelong Parry Sound resident and has served as a Town Councillor since 2022. I am also Executive Director of the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce, working with local businesses, organizations and community partners on economic development and advocacy. I has deep roots in local business and tourism. My family has owned and operated Lakeview Cottages since 1972, and I owned and operated Georgian Lanes Entertainment for 34 years. These experiences have given me firsthand knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing our community.
My 2026 platform focuses on housing, business and economic growth, a connected community, education and workforce development, community & quality of life, and responsible & accountable government.
I believe in listening, advocating, working collaboratively and helping find practical solutions to community challenges.
Doug Newton
My name is Doug Newton, and I’m running for Parry Sound Town Council because I believe local government works best when residents feel heard, informed, and represented. Parry Sound has been an important part of my life for many years, and my background includes radio, community advocacy, entrepreneurship, and small business. I’ve spent much of my career communicating with people, listening to their stories, and connecting communities through media and creative projects.
As a candidate, I’m interested in practical conversations about the issues that affect people every day, including housing, local employment, transportation, accessibility, responsible development, and the cost of living. I believe Parry Sound’s future should consider the needs of the people who live and work here year-round, while recognizing the important role tourism and seasonal residents play in our community. I’m looking forward to hearing directly from residents and participating in an open, respectful discussion about our town’s future
George Ashford
I am seeking re-election to Parry Sound Town Council, bringing four years of council experience, nearly two decades of community involvement, and my ongoing work as an elementary teacher. Myself and his wife, Sarah McDowall, are raising our two daughters in Parry Sound. I have focused on practical results: faster housing approvals, lower-cost municipal processes, housing incentives, and partnerships that have attracted major provincial investment. I have held the line on tax increases because Parry Sounders already pay too much. I believe careful planning protects taxpayers: every dollar should be stretched, and every project should serve multiple community goals. I have protected the fitness trail in law and helped deliver low-cost, high-impact extensions that better connect public spaces. Parry Sound is growing. I will put residents’ priorities first—supporting economic development, new housing, and infrastructure renewal only when they strengthen the community and work for the people who live here.
Joe Belesky
I am proud to have served the residents of Parry Sound as a member of Town Council, and I am seeking your support for a second term. My experience has taught me that municipal government must provide good service while always remembering whose money we are spending: the taxpayers. I believe Council must make practical, responsible decisions while ensuring that essential municipal services remain strong. If re-elected, I will continue to listen to residents, ask the difficult questions, and carefully
consider how every decision affects our community and its taxpayers. I believe in
accountability, fiscal responsibility, and working cooperatively with Council, staff, residents,
businesses, and community organizations.
Parry Sound is a community I am proud to serve, and I would be honoured to continue
representing you for another four years.
John R. Bennett
I have called Parry Sound home since 1987. I grew up working alongside my father in the family grocery store. After high school, I moved to Toronto, where I built a successful career in corporate loss prevention and retail management. In 2006, I returned to Parry Sound to support my family and put down roots.
Since returning, I have made community involvement a priority. I have coached local youth in basketball and soccer, served as Chair of the Parry Sound Public School Parent Council, and supported the Food Relief Network for many years. Professionally, I have experience in retail management and pharmaceuticals, and since 2014 have worked as an insurance broker. My career has been built on responsibility, service, and earning trust.
Every day, residents trust me to protect their homes, cottages, and businesses. Now, I am asking for that same trust to serve the community I have called home for nearly four decades.
Paul Borneman
I am Paul Borneman and it’s been my privilege to serve as your representative on the Town of Parry Sound Council. Elections not about who has the most signs, the best website, catchy slogans or shiny brochures. Elections are about trust. Who do you believe can deliver the best results for Parry Sound? Who do you want at the table making the difficult choices? I have proven my honesty and integrity. I am a team player, an independent thinker. I am not a rubber stamp for staff recommendations nor am I held hostage to special interests groups. I will not make rash decisions or promises. If re-elected I’ll continue to be available to answer your questions. Transparency is important. I am a proud life long Parry Sounder who is engaged in the community. I am a taxpayer committed to eliminating waste and ensuring we get the best bang for every tax dollar spent. I know the status of various issues and projects currently underway. My knowledge, skill set and experience will continue to help build a stronger Parry Sound for you and your children. On Oct 26th I ask for your support. Vote Paul Borneman. Thank you.
Dennis Brownley
I have a couple priorities for running for Parry Sound Council and I am committed to helping my co-residents of our town! I want our local Paramedicine Program to have access to more funding for the residents of our community that find it not only difficult but unable to attend appointments with their healthcare providers. I also want to fight for more affordable housing units for low-income families in Parry Sound!
Bonnie Keith
I believe in integrity, honesty, openness,hardwork and caring about beautiful Parry Sound. Growth should be balanced with an enjoyable quality of life in a friendly town atmosphere. Affordable and accessible housing for: families, those with disabilities, fixed income and services reflects inclusiveness. Historically, economic development has been incremental. Tourism is but one focus and partnerships with the private sector, municipalities, First Nations and government levels is needed. Infrastructure developments contribute to healthy and clear communication. In respecting the taxpayer's dollar we should discuss with surrounding municipalities a financial agreement that contributes to their regular use of our services/ infrastructure in contrast to the alternative of pursuing a regional government with the province.
Begin developing the Waterfront Master Plan. Fitness trail, parks are our most valuable assets which should be accessible to all. If re-elected I will be practical. I can distinguish between needs, wants and wishes.
Alaina King
Regrets sent. Statement not received by the deadline
Jim Marshall
I’m asking for your support to return me to the council table this October.
Having grown up and raised a family in the Parry Sound area, I bring a business-minded approach to municipal politics. The Town faces some important decisions this council term, and I believe we need to identify and prioritize them early.
Those priorities must include:
-
Increasing housing development, particularly affordable starter homes and purpose-built rentals that fill gaps in our current housing supply.
-
Strengthening the Town’s advocacy with senior governments, especially the Province.
-
Improving how major infrastructure projects are planned and managed, with greater emphasis on timelines and budgets.
-
Increasing transparency and improving communications with Parry Sound residents.
-
Examining whether West Parry Sound’s current municipal governance structure remains the best approach for the future.
I’d be honoured to have your support on Election Day.
Doug McCann
Born and raised in Sudbury, I became interested in radio broadcasting while still in high
school. An entry-level position launched a career that has taken me to stations in Sudbury,
Ottawa, Orillia, Peterborough and Parry Sound, home for 46 years. A local business man, I have operated a music retail store, mobile disk jockey service and founded McCann & Cambrian E-Media Services offering voice, audio, video production and Internet services. In my past three terms I have served on many boards including the Parry Sound Public Library, West Parry Sound District Museum, Belvedere Heights, Industrial Park and Park to Park. My committee work includes Waterfront Advisory, Victory School Commemorative Project, Big Brothers and Parry Sound Community Radio Association. I am a listener, visionary and team player and believe Parry Sound has the potential for growth and development, but tempered with foresight and careful planning.
Chris McDonald
I am a lifelong Parry Sound resident and has served as a Town Councillor since 2022. I am also Executive Director of the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce, working with local businesses, organizations and community partners on economic development and advocacy. I has deep roots in local business and tourism. My family has owned and operated Lakeview Cottages since 1972, and I owned and operated Georgian Lanes Entertainment for 34 years. These experiences have given me firsthand knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing our community.
My 2026 platform focuses on housing, business and economic growth, a connected community, education and workforce development, community & quality of life, and responsible & accountable government.
I believe in listening, advocating, working collaboratively and helping find practical solutions to community challenges.
Doug Newton
My name is Doug Newton, and I’m running for Parry Sound Town Council because I believe local government works best when residents feel heard, informed, and represented. Parry Sound has been an important part of my life for many years, and my background includes radio, community advocacy, entrepreneurship, and small business. I’ve spent much of my career communicating with people, listening to their stories, and connecting communities through media and creative projects.
As a candidate, I’m interested in practical conversations about the issues that affect people every day, including housing, local employment, transportation, accessibility, responsible development, and the cost of living. I believe Parry Sound’s future should consider the needs of the people who live and work here year-round, while recognizing the important role tourism and seasonal residents play in our community. I’m looking forward to hearing directly from residents and participating in an open, respectful discussion about our town’s future
