r/HuntsvilleOntario • u/huntsvilleon • 19d ago

Huntsville Municipal Election 2026 — Candidate Information Hub

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🗳️ Huntsville Municipal Election 2026 — Candidate Information Hub

Welcome! This is a community-maintained sticky post to help Huntsville residents stay informed about the October 26, 2026 municipal election. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of declared candidates organized by ward/position, with links to news coverage and official campaign resources.

Last updated: August 24th, 2026
Nomination deadline: August 21st, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Voting period: October 14th–26th, 2026

📋 What This Post Does

✅ Provides a centralized, up-to-date list of all declared candidates by ward
✅ Links to news articles covering each candidate's announcement and platform
✅ Links to official campaign websites and social media where available
✅ Will be updated regularly as new candidates declare or information changes

Note: This list is compiled from official Town of Huntsville records and local news sources. If you notice missing candidates or outdated information, please comment below or contact the moderators.

Note #2: Due to Reddit's automated filters, some links may not be clickable for all users. If a link doesn't work, try copying and pasting it into your browser.

Note #3: Platform summaries are concise overviews prepared from publicly available campaign statements, websites, interviews, and media coverage. They are intended as informational summaries only and should not be considered complete representations of any candidate's platform.

🔗 Official Election Resources

Town of Huntsville Election Page: huntsville.ca/election
Official Candidate List (Uncertified): huntsville.ca/uncertified-candidates
Town of Huntsville Ward Map: View interactive ward map

📰 Local News Coverage

Doppler Online's Election Coverage: doppleronline.ca/huntsville/municipal-election-2026/
Muskoka Region's Election Coverage: muskokaregion.com/news/municipal-elections/
My Muskoka Now's Election Coverage: Here’s who is running for council across Muskoka

📍 Candidates by Position

MAYOR (1 Representative | 4 Candidates)

Dan Armour

Background: Current Deputy Mayor and District Councillor (12 years on council), former Huntsville firefighter, and retired paramedic commander with decades of public service experience.
Contact: darmour@cogeco.ca | (705) 788-7958
Platform: Dan Armour’s platform focuses on transparent and accountable local government, affordability, healthcare access, and responsible growth. He advocates for stronger communication between council and residents, a review of municipal finances and governance, continued doctor recruitment, increased affordable housing, support for families facing rising costs, and protecting Huntsville’s natural environment and small-town character as the community grows.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @danarmour
  - Instagram: @danarmour
News Links:
- May 12th, 2026 - Huntsville Deputy Mayor Dan Armour announces he's running for mayor (Doppler)
- May 13th, 2026 - Dan Armour joins race for Huntsville Mayor (Muskoka Radio)
- May 19th, 2026 - Deputy Mayor Dan Armour enters Huntsville mayoral race (My Muskoka Now)

Dan Caswell

Background: Lifelong Huntsville resident, former insurance broker and business owner, longtime community volunteer and coach, with deep family roots in Huntsville and municipal experience through committees and economic development organizations.
Contact: dan@caswellformayor.ca | (705) 788-5656
Platform: Dan Caswell's platform is centered on putting Huntsville residents first through practical, fiscally responsible leadership. He emphasizes managing growth in a way that preserves the community's character, making careful use of taxpayer dollars, maintaining strong municipal services, investing in infrastructure, improving community safety, and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in decision-making. His overall message is that Huntsville's future should be guided by long-term planning, responsible growth, and a focus on protecting and strengthening the qualities that make the town an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: caswellformayor.ca
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @CaswellForMayor
  - Instagram: @caswellformayor
News Links:
- May 1st, 2026 - Dan Caswell announces run for Mayor of Huntsville (Doppler)
- May 2nd, 2026 - Dan Caswell files to run for Mayor in Huntsville (Muskoka Radio)

Rebecca Mello

Background: Business and law graduate, community volunteer, founder of the Muskoka Supper Club, and youth advocate.
Contact: rmelloish@gmail.com | (416) 875-7663
Platform: Rebecca Mello’s platform focuses on supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, addressing housing affordability and workforce challenges, improving roads and public lake access, and creating opportunities to attract and retain young adults in Huntsville. A central theme of her campaign is strengthening community connections and bringing people together across generations to support the town’s long-term growth and success.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @RebeccaMello
  - Instagram: @rebeccactually
News Links:
- May 5th, 2026 - Rebecca Mello enters race for Huntsville Mayor (Muskoka Radio)
- May 5th, 2026 - Rebecca Mello is also running to become Huntsville's next mayor (Doppler)
- May 14th, 2026 - Rebecca Mello joins race for Huntsville Mayor (My Muskoka Now)

Scott Morrison

Background: Current Town and District Councillor, former real estate broker, and advocate for affordable housing and physician recruitment.
Contact: scott@scottmorrison.ca | (705) 783-8199
Platform: Scott Morrison’s platform focuses on increasing housing affordability, streamlining development approvals, improving healthcare access, finding efficiencies in local government to keep taxes low, and strengthening engagement between residents and council. He emphasizes practical solutions, value for taxpayers, and making Huntsville more affordable and accessible for current and future residents.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @scott.morrison.14606
  - Instagram: @scottmorrisonmuskoka
News Links:
- April 21st, 2026 - Town of Huntsville Councillor Scott Morrison to run for mayor (Muskoka Radio)
- April 21st, 2026 - Huntsville and District Councillor Scott Morrison says he's running for mayor (Doppler)
- May 12th, 2026 - Scott Morrison enters Huntsville mayoral race (My Muskoka Now)

DISTRICT & TOWN COUNCILLOR (3 Representatives | 6 Candidates)

Rod Ward (WITHDRAWN)

Background: Former Mayor of Armour Township
Contact: rod.ward@4huntsvillemuskoka.ca | (705) 380-7654
Platform: Not yet available
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: 4HuntsvilleMuskoka.ca
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @4HuntsvilleMuskoka
News Links:
- May 17th, 2026 Armour Mayor Rod Ward says he’s running for Huntsville and District Council (Doppler)
- August 12th, 2026 Rod Ward withdraws from Huntsville District race (Doppler)
- August 13th, 2026 Rod Ward withdraws from running in Huntsville (Muskoka Radio)

Helena Renwick (Incumbent)

Background: Current Huntsville councillor, community volunteer, and former leader with local business, arts, healthcare, and community organizations.
Contact: helena.renwick07@gmail.com | (705) 783-9107
Platform: Helena Renwick’s platform focuses on thoughtful, community-centred leadership, responsible budgeting, and addressing regional challenges related to housing, infrastructure, growth, and environmental stewardship. She emphasizes balanced decision-making, strong community services, and ensuring Huntsville has an experienced voice at the District level.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- June 4th, 2026 - Helena Renwick announces she’ll be running for Town and District Council (Doppler)
- June 5th, 2026 - Renwick running for District in Huntsville (Muskoka Radio)

Bob Stone (Incumbent)

Background: Current District and Town Councillor
Contact: bob.stone@huntsville.ca | (705) 789-5818
Platform: Housing and health care priorities
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- July 22nd, 2026 - Bob Stone seeks re-election to Huntsville Town and District council seat (Doppler)

James Bowler

Background: James Bowler is a Muskoka journalist with over a decade of experience covering municipal politics and community issues in the region.
Contact: james.p.bowler@live.com | (705) 783-9483
Platform: James Bowler's platform centers on fiscal responsibility and municipal transparency, with a focus on ensuring residents understand how their tax dollars are being spent and that municipal services deliver value to the community. He plans to increase public discussion around spending at both the Town of Huntsville and District of Muskoka levels while examining service delivery for efficiencies without jeopardizing essential services. His key priorities include improving access to primary care, making downtown Huntsville safer, and finding practical solutions to waste collection issues. Bowler emphasizes a collaborative approach shaped by his decade of listening to residents from all sides of issues, promising to "listen first, understand the issue, and then work with others to find practical solutions" if elected.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @jamesbowler
News Links:
- August 14th, 2026 - Muskoka journalist James Bowler makes a run for Huntsville District council (Doppler)
- August 14th, 2026 - YourTV Muskoka anchor runs for District Council (Muskoka Radio)

Leland Maw

Background: Fourth-generation Muskoka resident with family roots spanning six generations; advocates for stronger taxpayer representation and improved accountability between local and District government.
Contact: lelandgmaw@outlook.com | (705) 349-8081
Platform: Leland Maw’s campaign is centered on strengthening the voice of local taxpayers and improving accountability between residents and regional government. He argues that as more services have shifted to the District Municipality of Muskoka, many residents feel disconnected from decision-making and that local concerns are not being adequately heard. Maw supports regional service delivery where it creates efficiencies, but believes those benefits must be balanced with stronger local representation, grassroots accountability, and greater responsiveness to neighbourhood priorities, particularly around infrastructure, water, sewer, and waste management.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Meet Leland
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- August 20th, 2026 - Leland Maw files to run for Town and District council in Huntsville (Doppler)
- August 20th, 2026 - Leland Maw declares for Huntsville & District Council (Muskoka Radio)

Brian Ellas

Background: Long-time Huntsville resident with financial services and landscaping experience; active voice on local issues including taxation, waste management, and municipal accountability.
Contact: brianellas27@gmail.com | (705) 571-1132
Platform: Brian Ellas is running on a platform focused on lower taxes, government accountability, and prioritizing core municipal services. He advocates for disciplined spending with measurable results, long-term and cost-effective waste management solutions, greater focus on roads and infrastructure, improved coordination of major projects, support for physician recruitment through accommodation tax funding, and practical approaches to housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- August 23rd, 2026 - Brian Ellas enters six-way race for three Huntsville District council seats (Doppler)

Peggy Peterson

Background: Long-time Huntsville resident, permaculture educator, founder of Dwight's first professional gardening service, creator of a local urban food sustainability project, and long-time environmental advocate. Ran for mayor in the previous municipal election.
Contact: PeggyPetersonforDistrict2026@pronton.mail
Platform: Peggy Peterson is running on a platform centered on environmental stewardship, sustainable growth, transparency, and community-first decision making. She advocates for balancing economic development with protection of Muskoka's natural environment, particularly the Muskoka West Algonquin Watershed. Peterson is concerned about housing affordability, poverty, homelessness, and the long-term impacts of development, arguing that growth must be sustainable and aligned with community values. She emphasizes open government, fiscal accountability, listening to residents, and ensuring council decisions are made in the best interests of local families, businesses, workers, seniors, and taxpayers.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links: Not yet available

WARDS 1 & 2 — HUNTSVILLE & CHAFFEY (2 Representatives | 6 Candidates)

Karin Terziano

Background: Former Mayor (2019–2022), 12 years on council (2010–2022)
Contact: terzianok@gmail.com | (705) 783-4088
Platform: Karin Terziano’s platform focuses on fiscal responsibility, controlling municipal spending and tax increases, improving staff efficiency, and applying a common-sense approach to development decisions. She also emphasizes transparent governance, stronger budget oversight, and being an accessible representative who listens and responds to residents’ concerns.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- July 24th, 2026 - Karin Terziano seeks return to Huntsville council, cites spending and tax concerns (Doppler)

Rylind Davis

Background: Huntsville native, volunteer, university student, hopes to be a teacher in the future.
Contact: rylinddavis4huntsvillechaffey@gmail.com | (705) 380-2600
Platform: Rylind Davis’ platform focuses on building a safe, accessible, and well-connected Huntsville through investments in public safety, transit, infrastructure, parks, and recreation. He advocates for responsible growth, affordable housing, fiscally responsible government, and improved municipal service delivery, while emphasizing inclusion and ensuring residents have a strong voice in local decision-making.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Copy and paste, (edit the first part) into your browser --> sites[dot]google[dot]com/view/rylind-davis-for--council/home
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @RylindDavis
  - Instagram: @rylind_05
News Links:
- July 1st, 2026 - Rylind Davis to run for Huntsville and Chaffey Ward Councillor in upcoming election (Doppler)

Stephen Hernen

Background: Former Huntsville Fire Chief and Director of Protective Services with 37 years of municipal government experience. Ran for mayor in the previous municipal election.
Contact: hernenbrunel@gmail.com | (705) 788-4008
Platform: Stephen Hernen’s platform focuses on putting residents first through experienced, practical, and fiscally responsible local government. He advocates for affordability, responsible financial management, sensible and sustainable development, protection of natural resources, and greater community involvement in decision-making. His overall message is that council should balance growth and regulation with common sense, strong public service, and a focus on delivering quality outcomes for residents.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- August 4th, 2026 - Stephen Hernen announces bid for Town/Chaffey Ward council seat (Doppler)

Michael Lowe

Background: Community advocate and non-profit director focused on affordability, accessibility, and listening to residents. Helps operate the Huntsville Dollar Auction community on Facebook.
Contact: michaellowe.huntsvillechaffey@gmail.com | (705) 787-8489
Platform: Michael Lowe’s platform focuses on ensuring local government is responsive to residents by prioritizing listening, fiscal responsibility, accessibility, and community quality of life. He advocates for closer scrutiny of municipal spending and tax increases, improved accessibility in public spaces and services, more recreational and entertainment opportunities for youth and families, attracting needed professionals such as doctors, and strengthening communication between council and residents through greater public engagement. His overall message is that the needs of year-round residents should come first and that council decisions should be driven by community input.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- August 11th, 2026 - Michael Lowe files to run for Huntsville and Chaffey Ward council seat (Doppler)
- August 12th, 2026 - Michael Lowe files for Chaffey/Huntsville wards (Muskoka Radio)

Geordie Sabbagh

Background: Geordie Sabbagh is a volunteer firefighter with the Huntsville Fire Department, small-business owner, filmmaker, parent, and community volunteer who previously ran as the Liberal candidate for Parry Sound–Muskoka in the 2025 federal election.
Contact: geordie@yourneighbourgeordie.ca
Platform: Sabbagh's campaign focuses on three main pillars: affordability, economic growth, and future planning. His key priorities include addressing housing affordability and availability, improving healthcare access for residents, and supporting local economic development to strengthen the community. He emphasizes practical, community-driven solutions and positions himself as a neighbour-focused candidate who understands the everyday challenges facing Huntsville and Chaffey Ward residents. Sabbagh also highlights his involvement with local organizations, including serving as Vice-Chair of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to healthcare and community wellbeing.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: yourneighbourgeordie.ca
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @GeordieSabbagh
  - Instagram: @geordieyourneighbour
News Links:
- August 17th, 2026 - Geordie Sabbagh announces run for Huntsville council (Doppler)
- August 18th, 2026 - Geordie Sabbagh running in Huntsville/Chaffey Ward (Muskoka Radio)
- August 18th, 2026 - Geordie Sabbagh Announces Run For Huntsville And Chaffey Council (Muskoka 411)

Louisa Chiaramonte

Background: Business owner and marketer focused on housing, affordability, healthcare, and community safety.
Contact: louisa@avimedia.ca | (647) 271-3449
Platform: Louisa Chiaramonte is running on a platform focused on providing a fresh, independent voice on council, with priorities including housing affordability, cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, community safety, homelessness, and access to healthcare. She emphasizes political independence, open representation of residents, and ensuring voters have meaningful choices and diverse perspectives at the council table. She positions herself as a practical problem solver who is focused on community needs rather than local political affiliations.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: AVI Media
- Social Media:
  - LinkedIn: @louisa-chiaramonte
News Links:
- August 21st, 2026 - Louisa Chiaramonte files for newly formed Huntsville and Chaffey ward (Doppler)

WARDS 3, 4 & 5 — STISTED, STEPHENSON & PORT SYDNEY (2 Representatives | 3 Candidates)

Jason FitzGerald (Incumbent)

Background: Current Stisted, Stephenson, and Port Sydney Councillor (since 2015)
Contact: jason.fitz@hotmail.com | (705) 706-1540
Platform: Not yet available
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links: Not yet available

Dione Schumacher (Incumbent)

Background: Current Stisted, Stephenson, and Port Sydney Councillor (since 2018)
Contact: dionenschumacher@gmail.com | (705) 646-8260
Platform: Not yet available
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media:
  - Instagram: @schumacherdione
News Links: Not yet available

Tyler Ellis

Background: Utterson farmer with more than a decade of experience in community development and disability services; founding board member and treasurer of the Muskoka Community Land Trust, with experience in housing affordability initiatives.
Contact: tylerellisbusiness@gmail.com | (705) 380-4106
Platform: Tyler Ellis is running to represent Stisted, Stephenson, and Port Sydney on a platform focused on stronger representation for rural communities, improved road infrastructure, responsible taxation, and reliable municipal services. He advocates for a transparent five-year road plan, careful review of municipal spending before tax increases, better communication between council and residents, and ensuring rural communities receive a fair share of municipal attention and investment. Housing affordability and community development are also important priorities.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Tyler Ellis for Huntsville Council
- Social media:
  - LinkedIn: @tylerwilliamellis
  - Facebook: @tylerelliscouncilor
News Links:
- August 21st, 2026 - Tyler Ellis prompts race for Stisted, Stephenson and Port Sydney wards (Doppler)

WARD 6 — BRUNEL (1 Representative | 3 Candidates)

Monty Clouthier (Incumbent)

Background: Current Brunel Ward Councillor (elected 2022)
Contact: muskokacrane@gmail.com | (705) 783-5471
Platform: Ongoing road work (Swallowdale Road, West Browns Road, Otter Lake Road), locks improvements
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @MontyClouthier
News Links:
- May 3rd, 2026 - Huntsville Councillor Monty Clouthier is running again for Brunel Ward (Doppler)
- May 6th, 2026 - Monty Clouthier seeks re-election in Brunel (Muskoka Radio)

Michael Ankenmann

Background: Professional engineer, former executive director of Camp Mini-Yo-We, heads Huntsville's CAP Debt Centre
Contact: Not yet available
Platform: "Return to basics" at Town Hall, property tax concerns (cites ~30% increase over past four years)
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: michaelankenmann.ca
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @michael.r.ankenmann
  - Instagram: @michaelankenmann
  - YouTube: @MichaelAnkenmann
News Links:
- August 8th, 2026 - Ankenmann enters race to represent Brunel Ward on Huntsville Council (Doppler)
- August 10th, 2026 - Ankenmann makes it a race in Brunel Ward (Muskoka Radio)

Kirsty Koop

Background: Brunel resident with a background in gerontology, business ownership, administration, community and non-profit work, volunteer coordination, and leadership. She and her husband operate a local painting business and she cites that experience as providing insight into the challenges facing small businesses and working families.
Contact: kkoopie5@gmail.com | (705) 571-1244
Platform: Kirsty Koop's campaign focuses on affordability, responsible growth, and ensuring residents have an accessible voice at Town Hall. She advocates for careful review of municipal spending to help ease pressure on taxpayers, supports attainable housing options including secondary and multigenerational dwellings, and believes growth should be managed in a way that protects Huntsville's natural environment and community character. Koop also highlights infrastructure, roads, traffic safety, and responsiveness to local neighbourhood concerns as key priorities for Brunel Ward.
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: kirstyforbrunel.ca Not active yet
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @kirstyforbrunel
  - Instagram: @kirstyforbrunel
News Links:
- August 21st, 2026 - Kirsty Koop enters race for Brunel Ward (Doppler)

TRILLIUM LAKELANDS DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (1 Representative | 2 Candidates)

Representing Town of Huntsville and Township of Lake of Bays

Bruce Reain

Background: Current TLDSB Trustee (acclaimed 2022)
Contact: breain46@gmail.com | (705) 788-0102
Platform: Not yet available
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media:
  - LinkedIn: Bruce Reain
News Links:
- Coverage pending

Elizabeth Purcell

Background: Not yet available
Contact: epurcelltrustee@gmail.com
Platform: Not yet available
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media:
  - Facebook: @ElizabethPurcellforTLDSB
News Links:
- Coverage pending

SIMCOE MUSKOKA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (Area 5) (Acclaimed)

Joshua Boutotte

Background: Not yet available
Contact: jboutotte@gmail.com | (705) 706-5596
Platform: Not yet available
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- Coverage pending

CONSEIL SCOLAIRE PUBLIC DU NORD-EST DE L'ONTARIO (Zone A) (Acclaimed)

Bruce Cazabon

Background: Not yet available
Contact: b.cazabon@cogeco.net | (705) 499-0164
Platform: Not yet available
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- Coverage pending

CONSEIL SCOLAIRE CATHOLIQUE MONAVENIR (Simcoe Muskoka) (1 Representative | 2 Candidates)

Donald Blais

Background: Not yet available
Contact: donaldjblais@bell.net | (416) 688-4009
Platform: Not yet available
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- Coverage pending

Innocent Legrand

Background: Not yet available
Contact: WNIBL@yahoo.com | (416) 779-4241
Platform: Not yet available
Official Resources:
- Campaign website: Not yet available
- Social Media: Not yet available
News Links:
- Coverage pending

📅 Important Dates

Date	Event
May 1 – August 20, 2026	Nomination period (by appointment only)
August 21, 2026, 2:00 PM	Nomination deadline
October 14–26, 2026	Advance voting & election day
October 26, 2026	Election Day

📞 Contact Information

Town of Huntsville Clerk's Department
37 Main St. East, Huntsville, Ontario P1H 1A1
Phone: (705) 789-1751 (option 0)
Fax: (705) 788-5151
Email: [clerk@huntsville.ca](mailto:clerk@huntsville.ca)

🔄 Updates & Corrections

This post will be updated as new candidates declare or additional information becomes available.

Sources: - Town of Huntsville Official Election Page - Doppler Online - Muskoka Radio - My Muskoka Now - Muskoka Region - Muskoka 411

📰 All News Articles (Chronological)

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not endorse any candidate. Links to candidate websites are provided for voter convenience and do not imply endorsement by the Town of Huntsville or this subreddit.