The 2026 Ontario Municipal Election is set for October 26th, and it’s time for constituents to make an informed decision.
myFM reporters reached out to both mayoral candidates running for the seat in the Township of Greater Madawaska.
In this article you’ll hear from mayoral candidate Bill Beacham. Beacham is born and raised Renfrew County. He’s lived in Pembroke, Renfrew and for the last 22 years, in the Township of Greater Madawaska in the community of Calabogie.
Beacham has been heavily involved in the community over the years, including being President of the Association for Community Living, Chairman of the Planning Board, and a member on multiple community based advisory committees. He says he’s always felt the need to be involved in a community effort or matter.
His experience includes being a founding president of the Greater Madawaska Senior Housing Corporation in 2008, in which he says gives him great insight into the needs of the township. You can listen to his introduction here:
In our interview, Beacham was asked three questions focused on the future concerns within Greater Madawaska. These are his answers.
Question one: As Greater Madawaska grows, the Township will face choices about where and how new homes, businesses and development should be managed. What principles should guide those decisions?
Question two: How would you balance growth with the need to maintain municipal services across the Township’s communities, particularly as the cost of providing those services continues to rise?
Question three: How can the Township do more to turn tourism traffic into lasting economic benefits for local businesses and residents, rather than simply bringing visitors into the community?
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 Beacham’s response.
The election is fast approaching. Advanced voting is now open and if you’ve received your voter information letter, you’re able to cast your ballot.
If you did not receive your letter, contact the township clerk to ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date. Voter Assistance Centres are also available to update your information or to assist in submitting your vote online or via telephone.
Assistance Centres are available at the following locations:
- 19 Parnell St., Calabogie
- October 19th-23rd – 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- October 26th – 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Denbigh-Griffith Lions Club, 25991 HWY 41, Griffith
- October 26th – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- DACA Centre, 111 Flat Rd., Dacre
- October 26th – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(Written by: Bob Kubbinga | With content from: Kasey Egan)
