The Independent sent a questionnaire to each candidate for Lambton Shores Council. Below are the unedited responses from the candidates who responded to the survey: 

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Age : Lived in Lambton Shores since 1999

Work Experience:  Small business owner for 33 years, 27 years in Lambton Shores

Political experience : Last 17 years. 5 as Ward Councillor, 8 as Deputy Mayor, 4 as Mayor

Why do you want to serve on Lambton Shores council? See my priorities at DougCook2026.ca.

What is the most important issue facing the community in the next four years? While we are one of the fastest growing communities in Lambton County, keeping Lambton Shores an affordable place to live remains a priority.

What should be the municipality response to it? With the second lowest tax rate in Lambton County, maintaining future property taxes below the rate of inflation should be a goal.

In 2025, the then-fire chief presented a plan which outlined the costs of equipment costs for the fire department, including the closure of a hall to help reduce the cost of equipment. At the time, the council suggested a review of fire services should be done; however no vote was taken; should there be a review of fire services in Lambton Shores? Council is committed to maintaining 5 fire stations in Lambton Shores. Period.

The during the 2025 fire debate, there was concern about the communication surrounding the report. Lambton Shores has a website with the reports of council, a communications officer and a social media presence – is there any other way the municipality should/could engage with residents? See previous answer. Lambton Shores also uses Flashvote for public feedback.  However, council is committed to maintaining 5 fire stations. It will not come up for discussion as long as I am Mayor,

QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYORAL AND DEPUTY MAYORAL CANDIDATES ONLY

Lambton Shores mayor has strong mayor powers, granted by the province.

Please indicate, circling yes or no, under which situations you would use the powers;

• Choosing to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer. Y/N  Y
• Hiring certain municipal department heads and establishing and re-organizing departments. Y/N N
• Creating committees of council, assigning their functions and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council. Y/N  Y
• Proposing the municipal budget Y/N  Y
• Veto budget or portions of the budget passed by council. Y/N  N
• Proposing certain municipal by-laws if the mayor is of the opinion that the proposed by-law could potentially advance a provincial priority identified in regulation. Y/N  Y
• Vetoing certain by-laws if the head of council is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority. Y/N  N
• Bringing forward matters for council consideration if the head of council is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority. Y/N  N

Work Experience: I am a mechanic by trade and have worked in private sector and owned and managed business. I served 10 years in the Canadian Armed forces as an RCEME vehicle tech. I have gained great problem solving experience as a technician. 

Political Experience: I have been on council for 12 years and I am disappointed in the communication from Mayor to council. We don’t get important information in a timely fashion, example is the County emergency services plan wasn’t shared with us for 16 months. 

In 2025, the then-fire chief presented a plan which outlined the costs of equipment costs for the fire department, including the closure of a hall to help reduce the cost of equipment. At the time, the council suggested a review of fire services should be done; however no vote was taken; should there be a review of fire services in Lambton Shores? The Municipality had a emergency services plan done in the past, three Fire Chiefs ago. We have a new Chief now and he is doing a fantastic job. Council is committed to keeping all of our halls open, staffed and well equipped.  If the Chief feels a new review is necessary council should move forward with one.

What is the most important issue facing the community in the next four years? The biggest issue coming is the increasing of MPAC values and what we do with tax rates to not have huge tax increases. 

The during the 2025 fire debate, there was concern about the communication surrounding the report. Lambton Shores has a website with the reports of council, a communications officer and a social media presence – is there any other way the municipality should/could engage with residents? The best way to better communicate is be more open in the council chambers and get all information on public record in a timely fashion.  Also we need to encourage more independent media like yourself to hold us to account. 

QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYORAL AND DEPUTY MAYORAL CANDIDATES ONLY: Lambton Shores mayor has strong mayor powers, granted by the province. Please indicate, circling yes or no, under which situations you would use the powers:

I can’t say at this time with the questions below if I would use strong mayor powers. I would need more context and if Council is in support all the Mayor needs to do is break ties.

DEPUTY MAYORAL CANDIDATE

Age: 52

Work Experience: 25 Years independent business owner before that Junior Planner with Bosanquet Township. 

Political experience: 11 years on Lambton Shores Council 7 as ward 2 and 4 as deputy mayor. Chair of Bluewater Recycling Agency, Member of the Committee of Adjustment. Board Member and former vice chair of the Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre. 

Why do you want to serve on Lambton Shores council?

I love being able to serve my community. I am a problem solver, I enjoy being able to connect people to the information they need and help them navigate our departments to get a project off the ground or have a concern dealt with. My education and experience give me unique qualifications to be able to help. My proven leadership abilities plus my education and experience help make hard decisions a little easier. Its my way of giving back to the place I call home. 

What is the most important issue facing the community in the next four years? What should be the municipality response to it?

For all of Lambton Shores-Affordability. Responsible budgeting and use of tax dollars is key. Retention of Jobs and Creation of new opportunity. By making sure the Forest Industrial Park is ready to welcome new industry we can help foster the creation of long term jobs. If there are jobs here for our kids they may be able to stay local. For Ipperwash and Grand Bend-Sustainable tourism. More people doesn’t equal more money for our merchants. An investment in things to do for our visitors is key. 

In 2025, the then-fire chief presented a plan which outlined the costs of equipment costs for the fire department, including the closure of a hall to help reduce the cost of equipment. At the time, the council suggested a review of fire services should be done; however no vote was taken; should there be a review of fire services in Lambton Shores?

A review of fire services can go both ways, it could end up recommending an expansion and it could recommend a consolidation of some resources. It would be irresponsible to not at least look at it from a 3^rd party perspective. A report is never binding, it simply presents information to council to aid in decision making. That said, I don’t think it’s something we need to undertake in the near future, I feel like we should let our new Chief lead the department and see what the future holds. The only thing that I know for sure is that our level of service can never go down and that our response times must stay the same or better. We have consistently invested in our fire and emergency services, adding dollars to operating every year and approving 99% of Capital budget requests. We are very proud of our volunteer fire department and do our best to provide them with the tools and training necessary to do their jobs effectively.

The during the 2025 fire debate, there was concern about the communication surrounding the report. Lambton Shores has a website with the reports of council, a communications officer and a social media presence – is there any other way the municipality should/could engage with residents?

I believe that Lambton Shores uses every channel available to broadcast information to our residents. With the loss of both local newspapers it became really hard to connect with our constituents. I think that more and more people need be pro active and check our website, social media, email newsletters etc for information. The council agenda and associated reports are available to the public at the same time they are available to council. Above all else I would encourage folks to reach out to those of us on council directly with questions or concerns about anything. After all that is our job, to represent your concerns at the table. 

QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYOR DEPUTY MAYORAL CANDIDATES:  Lambton Shores’ mayor has strong mayor powers, granted by the province. Please indicate, circling yes or no, under which situations you would use the powers; 

• Bringing forward matters for council consideration if the head of council is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority. Y/N Yes
• Choosing to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer. Y/N  No
• Hiring certain municipal department heads and establishing and re-organizing departments.Y/N No
• Creating committees of council, assigning their functions and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council. Y/N No
• Proposing the municipal budget Y/N Yes
• Veto budget or portions of the budget passed by council. Y/N  No
• Proposing certain municipal by-laws if the mayor is of the opinion that the proposed by-law could potentially advance a provincial priority identified in regulation. Y/N No
• Vetoing certain by-laws if the head of council is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority. Y/N No

WARD ONE CANDIDATES

Age 40

Work Experience: Business Management, Fire Equipment Specialist, Business Owner.

Political Experience: nothing formal.

Why do you want to serve on Lambton Shores council? Grand Bend has been part of my life, for all my life. From spending summers here, working alongside my parents on the strip for more than 20 years, and now proudly call it home. That history has given me a deep passion for this community and an understanding of its needs and distinct qualities. If elected, I bring a fresh perspective, with innovative ideas and a problem-solving mindset. I want to amplify the voices and concerns of my community, while digging into overlooked spending inefficiencies so our tax dollars can be allocated to growth while protecting what makes each ward special.

What is the most important issue facing the community in the next four years? What should be the municipality response to it? I believe affordability and building a stronger sense of community are among our biggest challenges over the coming years. We need to make Lambton Shores a desirable place to live year-round, with stable employment, housing, recreation and opportunities for businesses to grow. Growth can help us achieve that, but it needs to be planned responsibly. We need to attract year-round, youthful residents, and investment in local jobs. Focusing on affordability and showcasing how desirable it is to live here. Improving how we spend, so we can redirect resources toward growth and recreational programs.  

In 2025, the then-fire chief presented a plan which outlined the costs of equipment costs for the fire department, including the closure of a hall to help reduce the cost of equipment. At the time, the council suggested a review of fire services should be done; however no vote was taken; should there be a review of fire services in Lambton Shores? Yes, I believe Lambton Shores needs an independent, third-party review of our fire services. It should examine call volumes, response times, coverage, staffing, routes, equipment, facilities and long-term needs. Emergency Sevices are critical to our safety, so we need to understand the funding requirements. I’m particularly concerned about the potential move of fire and EMS services, which would require significant funding while leaving existing facilities vaccant. We need a clear, consistent plan for spending and emergency planning, supported by evidence. All short or long term financial plans need to be clear and concise for public understanding.

The during the 2025 fire debate, there was concern about the communication surrounding the report. Lambton Shores has a website with the reports of council, a communications officer and a social media presence – is there any other way the municipality should/could engage with residents? I think we need to meet people where they are, rather than expecting residents to go looking for information. Social media can be used more effectively to share updates and directly get factual information to the people. But the most important piece is face-to-face, two-way communication. I would like to see more open forums, opportunities for residents and business owners to speak directly with Council, ask questions and make collaborating solutions. People want to know they are being heard. Even when we can’t agree on an issue, residents deserve an opportunity to be heard and understand how decisions were reached.

Should the new mayor use the Strong Mayor Powers to veto a decision of council, would you vote to overturn the mayor’s veto? I am opposed to Strong Mayor Powers because I believe we are elected to be the voice of the community, and the only way to do that is collaboratively. The Mayor should lead, but I don’t believe leadership means more control. As councillors, our job is to listen to the people, bring concerns forward, ask hard questions and to vote in the best interest of the people. Leadership is about collaboration and accountability. I would vote to overturn the mayor’s vote if I believe doing so is in the best interest of our community.

Age: 50
Work experience: I’ve been a paramedic for 30 years, 25 of them as an Advanced Care Paramedic in London. I’m college educated, and I’ve taught both students at Fanshawe and working paramedics at LHSC base hospital.
Political experience: This is my first run for office. I’m an active member of Grand Bend Legion Branch 498, where my wife Tricia and I have run fundraisers for the Grand Bend Food Pantry, CAS and the Women’s Interval Centre.

Why do you want to serve on Lambton Shores council?
After 30 years helping people on their worst days, I want a new way to serve. I grew up in Newbury, raised our family in Strathroy, and fell in love with Grand Bend. I’m deeply concerned about ambulance coverage here. Minutes save lives, and residents shouldn’t wait longer because ambulance hours are redistributed outside Lambton Shores. I’ll fight to keep ambulances stationed in Grand Bend and Thedford. I’m good with numbers, I read the evidence, and I decide without emotion. My focus is tax accountability, fair parking, and safer streets.

What is the most important issue facing the community in the next four years? What should be the municipality’s response?
Affordability, and keeping the services that keep us safe. Taxes keep climbing while tourism and an aging population strain resources. Council should budget from evidence, publish clear costs, and manage visitor pressure, like parking, so it doesn’t land on residents. Council must also press the county to keep ambulances stationed in Grand Bend and Thedford, and to keep the 72 hours of ambulance staffing in Lambton Shores. As a paramedic, I know response times save lives, and I’ll back that case with data.

Should there be a review of fire services in Lambton Shores?
Yes. As a paramedic, I know response time saves lives. A review should look at call volumes, response times, station locations, equipment lifecycles and volunteer recruitment, with firefighters and residents at the table. Results should be public. Nobody should close a hall before we have the facts, and our firefighters deserve a straight answer on what they need. I won’t pre-judge the outcome.

Is there any other way the municipality should or could engage with residents?
I already run a website where constituents raise concerns, and I answer within 48 hours. I’m also active on social media. If elected, I’ll add a monthly newsletter summarizing what I and council are working on, coffee with the councillor twice a year, and public forums and discussions. For huge decisions, like the community centre, I’ll survey residents before council votes. I’ll also push for greater councillor transparency, including how we vote and why, so residents can hold us accountable.

Should the new mayor use Strong Mayor Powers to veto a decision of council, would you vote to overturn the veto?
I’d need to see the reasons in writing. A veto backed by data on cost, safety or provincial priorities deserves respect. A veto that ignores staff advice or resident input does not. I’d vote to overturn only when the evidence clearly supports it.

WARD 4 CANDIDATES

Work Experience: secondary school teacher
Political experience: none

Why do you want to serve on Lambton Shores council?
I have been very active in the Lambton Shores community since my wife and I moved here 27 years ago. I have got to know so many good people through my teaching and extracurricular involvement at NLSS, my coaching of local minor hockey teams and, for the past decade, my playing a leadership role at the Forest Museum. I now wish to use my skills and knowledge to help this community navigate its way into the future. I have no agenda other than to best serve the residents of Lambton Shores in a positive and productive manner.

What is the most important issue facing the community in the next four years? What
should be the municipality’s response to it?
Based on an online survey I conducted, and from my conversations with voters, affordability is an issue of uppermost concern for many in Lambton Shores. Lambton Shores Council is a lower tier municipal government, but it does have tools to help deal with some impacts of the rising cost of living. Over the next four years, Lambton Shores can improve affordability by enabling more modest housing development, speeding approvals, using available municipal land for affordable housing, leveraging provincial/federal infrastructure funding, supporting initiatives by the County and non-profits that assist the vulnerable, and keeping property-tax and utility increases financially sustainable.

In 2025, the then-fire chief presented a plan which outlined the costs of equipment costs for the fire department, including the closure of a hall to help reduce the cost of equipment. At the time, the council suggested a review of fire services should be done; however no vote was taken; should there be a review of fire services in Lambton Shores?
The provision of adequate fire services is another issue of concern identified in my survey. It is vital that our residents be secure in the knowledge that our firefighters are sufficiently equipped and able to respond as quickly as possible to emergencies. Although there was some reluctance on Council last year to conduct a review, I think that the passage of five years since the last “Fire Master Plan” was prepared makes it prudent and reasonable to proceed with a review of fire services in Lambton Shores.

During the 2025 fire debate, there was concern about the communication surrounding the
report. Lambton Shores has a website with the reports of council, a communications officer and a social media presence – is there any other way the municipality should/could engage with residents? The demise of our last newspaper is largely to blame for residents being in the dark about what is happening in their municipal government and community. Social media does not adequately fill the news void that was created. To supplement what is being done on social media, one idea I have is to recruit interested parties in the community to gather local news and share it in a print format similar to the “Focus on Forest” newsletter that volunteers were publishing up until about a year ago. The Canadian Periodical Fund could possibly help finance such a project.

Should the new mayor use the Strong Mayor Powers to veto a decision of council, would you vote to overturn the mayor’s veto?
The Strong Mayors Powers brought in by the Ontario government is one of the most
undemocratic developments I have ever witnessed in our province. Due to its potential for abuse, and its disrespect for the voters who elected their council members, I would absolutely vote to overturn the mayor’s veto.

WARD 5 CANDIDATES

What is the most important issue facing the community in the next four years? What should be the municipality’s response to it? The most important issue is the significant financial shortfall in the Municipality’s Long Term Asset Management Plan. The Municipality should not acquire further assets, such as the Proposed Sewage Treatment Plant between Lakeshore Road and the Lake, considering the eventual long term Operating Costs and Capital Improvements which will follow.

In 2025, the then-fire chief presented a plan which outlined the costs of equipment costs for the fire department, including the closure of a hall to help reduce the cost of equipment. At the time, the council suggested a review of fire services should be done; however no vote was taken; should there be a review of fire services in Lambton Shores? I do not believe that a Fire Services Review is warranted at this time. It took 20 Years to receive the First Report, which confirmed One Fire Chief versus Five, as well as the harmonization of Communication, Breathing Apparatus, and Training.

During the 2025 fire debate, there was concern about the communication surrounding the
report. Lambton Shores has a website with the reports of council, a communications officer and a social media presence – is there any other way the municipality should/could engage with residents? Public APATHY is at the Crux of dissemination of Municipal Information. Citizens, if they CARED have available more than enough Facts, Figures, and Details, provided through the various current channels. 

Should the new mayor use the Strong Mayor Powers to veto a decision of council, would you vote to overturn the mayor’s veto? The “Incoming” Mayor has been provided with this option by the Province, who oversee the Municipalities.  If they so, choose to exercise this ability, it would be their choice. However, I personally, avoid thinking in the Hypothetical, and my stance would depend on what was best for Residents, on that particular occasion or issue.

Age – 49
Work Experience: I have over 25 years of experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations, and public service. My career includes nearly two decades with Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, where I managed regulatory programs, environmental reviews, Indigenous consultation, and public safety initiatives. I’ve worked in the corporate sector over the past 10 years, where I’ve led municipal and community relations, communications, and large-scale engagement strategies across Ontario. I’ve managed complex issues, supported regulatory processes, built strong partnerships, and led high-performing teams. My work is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and strengthening trust between organizations and the communities they serve.

Political experience: I have not previously served on council, but I have been actively involved in municipal, provincial and federal processes throughout my career. In the federal public service, I worked directly with proponents, companies, and the public on regulatory reviews, environmental considerations, and consultation requirements, ensuring projects were assessed responsibly and in the public interest. In the corporate sector, I’ve supported municipalities through community engagement, issues management, community investment, transparent communication, and collaborative work focused on listening and building strong relationships. I’ve also regularly attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Rural Ontario Municipal Association conferences, advocating alongside municipalities in their meetings with Ministers to hep advance their local priorities.

Why do you want to serve on Lambton Shores council?
I want to serve on Lambton Shores council because I care about our community and believe I have experience that can genuinely help. This is where I’m raising my family, and I want to see it continue growing into a vibrant place where people and families of all ages can build a fulfilling life. After decades in the public service and community relations, I’ve seen how thoughtful decision-making and clear communication strengthen trust. I believe residents deserve a council that listens, plans responsibly, and works together. I’m committed to contributing positively and helping all of our communities thrive.

What is the most important issue facing the community in the next four years? What should be the municipality response to it?
One of the most important issues ahead is attracting future growth and supporting it responsibly. We need to ensure our existing infrastructure and services can support that growth, and plan future development alongside asset replacement cycles to give us clear line of sight into where growth makes sense and how we can achieve it sustainably. A more diversified tax base that is less reliant on tourism and residential taxpayers benefits everyone and helps improve our financial stability and budget gaps. In the meantime, we must pursue available grants and funding opportunities and make sure every community – from our downtowns to our rural and farming areas – are supported and set up for success.

In 2025, the then-fire chief presented a plan which outlined the costs of equipment costs for the fire department, including the closure of a hall to help reduce the cost of equipment. At the time, the council suggested a review of fire services should be done; however no vote was taken; should there be a review of fire services in Lambton Shores?
I fully support our emergency services and the critical role they play in keeping our community safe. I would be supportive of a review of fire services if it helps us better understand long‑term needs, equipment planning, and how to maintain strong coverage across Lambton Shores – not one that is being used as a pathway to reducing service. Any assessment must focus on ensuring firefighters have the resources they need, that response times remain strong, and that residents across all communities continue to receive reliable, high‑quality emergency protection.

The during the 2025 fire debate, there was concern about the communication surrounding the report. Lambton Shores has a website with the reports of council, a communications officer and a social media presence – is there any other way the municipality should/could engage with residents?
I understand from speaking with residents that communication and transparency are ongoing concerns. Information is available, but most people aren’t going to watch an entire council meeting or dig through a long report. People want clear, practical summaries: what they need to know, how it affects them, and the key points that help them understand the decision. I’m open to solutions and want to know how we can do better. Ward 5 residents I’ve spoken with about this topic are interested in options like short highlight videos, ward-specific updates, or even a podcast, and I’m happy to explore approaches that best serve them.

Should the new mayor use the Strong Mayor Powers to veto a decision of council, would you vote to overturn the mayor’s veto?
My view is that Strong Mayor Powers be used only when absolutely necessary. Council decisions should be made through collaboration, discussion, and community input, and that process matters. If a mayor chose to veto a council decision, I would look closely at whether the veto reflects the best interests of residents and the integrity of the decision-making process. If it didn’t, I would vote to overturn it. My priority is ensuring decisions are transparent, well-communicated, and grounded in what residents need – not driven by unilateral authority.

WARD SEVEN CANDIDATES

Age 72
Work Experience – Sales, Entrepreneur., Restaurant and Hotelier.
Political Experience – I was elected a town councillor in 2010 and served two 4 year terms in Gananoque, Ontario In that time served, I was involved in many committees such as BIA, Finance, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, Santa Claus Parade

Why do I want to serve on the Lambton Shores Council?
I very much enjoyed working with like minded colleagues in the capacity of councilor back in Gananoque. I feel we made a great contribution to the town in all that we were able to accomplish. I feel that we are on the cusp of doing something compatible here in Lambton Shores given the opportunity to put our heads down and get some things done.

Most important issues….
There are several very important issues facing us now and over the next 4 years. The Rec Centre has been on the table for at least 8 years. It is a great deal money that needs to be looked at with extreme care to ensure that we are not misspending . The movement of the emergency services also requires a great deal of care in how and where it is to be located. There are many residents that are extremely concerned as to the answers to these questions particularly
The development of a Economic Committee with more strength and planning should be a priority this term as we seek a stronger economy in the region in the way of retail, service and light manufacturing particularly in the Thedford, Forest and Arkona towns.

Should the new mayor use the Strong Mayor Powers to veto a decision of council, would you vote to overturn the mayor’s veto? Your question with regards to the use of a veto is a difficult one to answer because your question is too broad to answer. I will say that I am not a supporter of the Strong Mayor Powers. If you recall the OMB was labeled as having too much power. It in fact exhibiting the same constraints on democracy as with Strong Mayor Powers in many cases.