Election season is heating up, and the future of Orillia hangs in the balance—will experienced leaders step up again, or is it time for fresh voices to shake things up?
Dive into our exclusive Council Series, where we're exploring the pulse of local politics ahead of the 2026 municipal election. We've polled the mayor and city councillors on their plans, and the responses are as revealing as they are divisive. But here's where it gets intriguing: not everyone is committing to stay the course, leaving us to wonder—does continuity breed stability, or is change the key to progress?
Editor's Note: This kicks off a three-part series where we posed the same three questions to the mayor and city councillors, capping responses at 250 words for fairness. What you'll read below are their raw, unedited replies—no edits, no filters.
Question: Will you run for re-election in the upcoming municipal election? If yes, why? If not, what factors are influencing your choice?
Mayor Don McIsaac
I've had countless people reach out, urging me to throw my hat back in the ring. Serving in public office feels like it's woven into who I am—it's an honor to give back and make a real impact. Right now, I'm carefully weighing what still needs improvement in our city and plan to chat with residents and taxpayers before locking in my decision. It's all about ensuring my next steps align with what's best for everyone involved.
Ward 1
David Campbell
Absolutely, I'm gearing up to seek another term on council. Growing up right here in Orillia has instilled a deep love for this place, and every single day as a councillor, I'm focused on enhancing it for all. One standout lesson from this term has been the value of seasoned expertise on council. As someone who was new to this not long ago, I vividly recall the steep learning curve—think of it like jumping into a complex puzzle where each piece represents community needs, budgets, and policies. I've made it a point to provide impartial guidance to newcomers as they've navigated this. Looking ahead, I aim to keep bringing that calm, thoughtful, and strategic perspective to our discussions for many more years.
Whitney Smith
Yes, I'm fully intending to run for re-election. Orillia is on the cusp of tremendous expansion and transformation, and strong, consistent guidance from experienced leaders is crucial to steer us through it smoothly. Over this past term, I've developed a thorough grasp of the unique opportunities—like attracting new businesses or improving infrastructure—and the hurdles, such as balancing growth with environmental concerns. My dedication lies in advocating for choices that uplift our residents, bolster local enterprises, and promote lasting sustainability. Ultimately, my mission is to keep pushing for initiatives that fortify our city's fabric, encourage smart development, and maintain Orillia as a thriving, secure, and inclusive hub for living and working.
Ward 2
Ralph Cipolla
I haven't made up my mind just yet. I'll need to sit down with my family and hash it out together. Family input is key in these big decisions, especially when public service can demand so much time and emotional energy from loved ones.
Luke Leatherdale
Yes, I'm set on running again, and here's why: Before I got into this role, I'd often read the local paper and wince at some of the choices being made, particularly when it came to wasting taxpayer money on low-impact projects. If I can play a part in handling the city's finances more responsibly—prioritizing investments that deliver real value for the entire community—then I'm all in. And this is the part most people miss: Supporting our most vulnerable residents is non-negotiable for me, whether it's through targeted social programs or essential services like public transit, which falls squarely under city jurisdiction. There's a delicate balance here, though—figuring out where the city's responsibilities end and the county's begin to avoid overlap and ensure efficiency.
Ward 3
Jeff Czetwerzuk
Right now, I'm still mulling over my re-election plans. Life outside of politics is keeping me busy, with some exciting personal milestones on the horizon—like getting married later this year—and I want to have everything sorted before committing. That said, I've cherished every moment on council; it's been a rewarding journey, allowing me to contribute meaningfully at the grassroots level. Serving our community has been a privilege, and I'm still eager to make positive impacts, regardless of whether I run again. I'll share my final call as soon as I decide.
Jay Fallis
There are plenty of variables at play, making it tough to say definitively until campaigning kicks off. But here's the thing: I believe I have more to offer and, at this stage, I'm leaning strongly toward jumping back in. It's about that drive to keep giving back, ensuring our local government stays responsive and effective.
Ward 4
Janet-Lynne Durnford
Yes, I'm stepping up to run for mayor. The job is demanding, especially in these tough economic and social times, but I'm ready to tackle the challenges and thankful for the chance to support our community. For beginners in politics, think of the mayor's role as the captain of a ship—guiding policies on everything from budgets to emergency responses, and deciding how to navigate community disagreements toward collective goals.
Tim Lauer
I typically hold off on firm decisions until spring rolls around. However, I firmly believe that solid municipal governance is vital—it's often hailed as the purest form of democracy, where decisions are transparent and directly tied to local needs. My worries about the current trajectory of our city leadership will weigh heavily on my choice. And this is where it gets controversial: Is transparency always a strength, or can too much openness lead to gridlock and inefficiency in decision-making?
What do you think? Do you value experience on council for its wisdom, or is it time for newcomers to bring fresh ideas and prevent stagnation? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you side with the incumbents seeking continuity, or are you rooting for change? Let's discuss!
