Chris Couper, 2026 Candidate for Council in the Town of Arnprior | Photo Credit: Chris Couper
Advanced voting is under way and it’s a mad dash to election day. WOW FM reporters reached out to candidates running for seats around the council table in Arnprior, to give them the opportunity to share their platform with you, the voter.
In this article, you will be able to read the platform of Chris Couper running for a seat on council in the Town of Arnprior. This is his submission.
It has been a privilege serving as one of your town Councillors over the past four years. My approach is grounded in one consistent principle: always remember who you work for. That means direct communication, fiscal accountability, and turning resident feedback into concrete results. Prior to council, I have had deep impacts on our community: in 2013, I founded “What’s Up, Arnprior?”. During COVID, I ran a successful fundraising campaign that saved the O’Brien Theatre.
This past term, I brought forward motions to reform our winter parking bylaw enforcement and initiated a formal review of winter sidewalk maintenance. I was part of a collaborative delegation to the Province that helped secure a $1-million grant to revitalize the Nick Smith Centre. I served as Vice Chair on our Culture and Diversity Committee and as your Library Board Trustee.
If re-elected, my priorities for the next four years focus on three key pillars:
- Sustainable Growth: We must ensure growth pays for growth. Through sensible development charges, new development must fund its own infrastructure, including parks, water, wastewater, and roads, so existing taxpayers are not left subsidizing expansion.
- Disciplined Fiscal Stewardship: I fully support maintaining our pay-as-you-go capital financing model. Funding infrastructure renewal through steady reserve contributions
rather than taking on heavy debt protects our healthy reserves, stabilizes tax rates, and saves millions of dollars in interest charges. - Investing in Quality of Life: Our community’s vitality relies on accessible, inclusive spaces. I support annual rehabilitation funding for roads and sidewalks, active transportation pathways, and modern upgrades to cultural and community spaces so our amenities serve youth, families, and seniors alike.
Leadership is not about making flashy promises; it requires doing the homework, showing up, making data-driven decisions, and steady stewardship. I respectfully ask for your continued trust and your vote.
Election day is October 26th and advanced voting is now open. If you’ve received your voter information letter, you can submit your vote now. If you haven’t or need assistance voting, a Voter Assistance Centre has been opened town hall to help with any issues.
(Written by: Bob Kubbinga | Platform provided by: Chris Couper)
