Five questions with Cam Woolley, candidate for Elizabethtown-Kitley in the 2026 municipal election

Editor’s note: To help voters to be better informed, Brockvilleist will be asking the same five questions of all Elizabethtown-Kitley council candidates in advance of the municipal election, which will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Questions were sent to all candidates on Sept. 21, 2026. We will publish their responses as we receive them. Below are the responses from candidate Cam Woolley. You can view a full roundup of all our Elizabethtown-Kitley municipal coverage here.

1. Tell us a little bit about your professional background, including any prior municipal or other political participation, as well as about you, personally. What made you want to run for council?

I was an OPP officer for 30 years, from 1978 to 2008, retiring as a sergeant. I spent my entire career in the Highway Safety Division, which includes policing some of the busiest highways in North America as well as rural and municipal areas.

For about 25 years, I was part of a specialized team that investigated major collisions. When not dealing with crashes, we engaged in targeted enforcement of high risk behaviours including dangerous operation, impaired driving and truck safety. I regularly gave evidence at all levels of court, inquests and inquiries, and participated in multiple government and industry committees. These cases frequently lead to: changes in legislation, highway design improvements, vehicle recalls and increased public awareness.

I was an elected executive member of the #5 Branch OPP Association ( union) for about 15 years, including seven years as president. My OPPA responsibilities included interacting with municipal, provincial and federal leaders to improve safety for officers and the public.

Career highlights include receiving an award for bravery for my role under fire in a protracted gun battle with a serial bank robber in October 1991, and being named OPP Officer of the Year in 2005 for promoting traffic safety awareness.

As a “car guy,” I became a partner in a large “picture car” business that provided on-camera vehicles to Hollywood North. We owned 300-400 vehicles. I did that “part-time” for over 20 years.

After retiring from the OPP, I joined CP24/CTVNews/Bell Media as their “traffic and safety specialist.” I was a regular on CP24TVNews, and reported as needed for other CTV/Bellmedia and US affiliates. I was “on-call” for all major crime and public safety stories, including the Yonge Street van attack, the Danforth shooting, ice storms and tornadoes. I was also an “expert” on the popular Canada’s Worst Driver series on Discovery Channel.

2. How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation?

I am not a member of any political party. I judge my support for politicians on an individual basis. I could be considered fiscally conservative, while my experience as a street cop and reporter has taught me compassion for others.

3. What are the three most common issues voters bring up to you as you campaign?

• Most want to preserve the tranquility of EK Twp, and are concerned with incompatible development like expanding the Woods Quarry into established residential areas or poorly placed commercial battery energy storage facilities.
• Most feel that taxes are too high for services received.
• Most feel that council had “grown out of touch.” Some Councillors appear unengaged, failed to read reports, did not attend meetings or failed to respond to genuine concerns.

4. What three issues are most pressing/important to address locally in your opinion?

• I will push for responsible commercial and residential development to preserve the quality of life for our residents.
• I will work to encourage new business and home construction by streamlining the permit process and offering incentives. This will help to reduce taxes. I will ensure that EK Twp gets “value for money” in our contract with the OPP.
• I will push to increase interactive public access to information and awareness of local issues.

5. What do you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

I see the EK Twp as a team. Starting with school sports, and throughout my several careers, I have always been part of a team. I feel my unique background and proven accomplishments set me apart.