Lisa McGee, 2026 Mayoral Candidate for the Town of Arnprior | Photo Credit: Lisa McGee - Mayor Candidate, Facebook Page
The 2026 Ontario Municipal Election is set for October 26th, and it’s time for constituents to make an informed decision.
WOW FM reporters reached out to all mayoral candidates running for the seat in the Town of Arnprior.
In this article, you’ll be able to hear from incumbent Lisa McGee. She was elected to the role of mayor in 2022 with 53% of the vote. Previously, she held the seat of councillor in the town.
McGee has spent multiple years working in municipal government, including as a constituency assistant former City of Ottawa Ward 5 Councillor Eli El-Chantiry. Then in 2022, after being elected mayor, since the role was part time, she stayed a constituency assistant for Councillor Clarke Kelly, who became councillor of the same ward in Ottawa.
Following multiple years working in municipal government, serving as councillor in Arnprior, then as mayor, McGee brings experience to the council table.
In our interview, McGee was asked three questions focused on future concerns within Arnprior. These are her answers.
Question one: The Town of Arnprior is growing at an impressive rate. The 2021 census recorded a population of over 9,600 people, a nearly 10% increase since 2016. Now, current estimates have put the population at over 11,000 people. If elected mayor, how would you and your council handle the growth while keeping the small country town feel of Arnprior?
Question two: With an increasing population comes the need for affordable homes. A report from the AMO in 2025 revealed that homelessness rates in rural and northern Ontario increased by up to 37%. If elected mayor, how would you and your council support and handle those experiencing homelessness?
Question three: As the town continues to grow, so does the usage on local services and infrastructure. More homes mean more cars on the road, heavier use, the need for increased repairs. If you were elected, how would you and your council handle the increase in repairs while keeping taxes affordable.
In our interview, candidates were also given a two minute time period to share their platform on why you should choose them as your mayor. This is McGee’s response.
The election is fast approaching and there’s a lot information to take in. Ensure you’re registered to vote by contacting the clerks office at town hall.
Registered voters will receive a Voter Information Letter in the mail approximately two weeks before the election. If you do not receive the letter, contact the town via email at election@arnprior.ca or by calling 613-623-4231, extension 1817 or in person at town hall at 105 Elgin Street West in Arnprior.
The Arnprior voting period will run from October 16th at 10 a.m. until October 26th at 8pm. Voting will take place over the internet or by telephone until 8 p.m.
A Voter Help Centre will be opened during the voting period for anyone experiencing difficulties casting their ballot. The centre will be located at the town’s municipal offices at 105 Elgin Street West.
The clerk will then declare the results of the election and provide information to the public on the town’s website.
(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)
