Five questions with Hendrick Pape, candidate for Augusta council 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 Augusta 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 Hendrick Pape. You can view a full roundup of all our Augusta 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 have more than 30 years of experience in information technology and am also the founder of Sound Check Entertainment, where I have worked in music media, marketing and artist development. In 2022, I was nominated for the Country Music Association of Ontario’s Industry Person of the Year award.

I was elected to Augusta Township Council in 2022 and currently chair the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee. My council portfolios have included economic development and tourism, broadband and cellular connectivity, recreation and communications and transparency.

My wife, Dawn, and I are proud to call Augusta home. Our family has strong connections to the community and its schools. I originally ran because I believed I could bring my professional experience, communication skills and problem-solving approach to the council table while making local government more accessible and responsive to residents.

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

Municipal government is non-partisan, and I approach it that way. I would describe myself as a pragmatic moderate: fiscally responsible, socially inclusive and focused on finding practical solutions that work for our community.

I do not believe every local decision needs to be viewed through a provincial or federal political lens. Roads, recreation, infrastructure, economic development and reliable municipal services are community issues. I assess each matter on its merits, listen to residents and staff and make the decision I believe best serves Augusta Township.

I am also prepared to change my position when better information becomes available. To me, good municipal leadership is less about ideology and more about accountability, sound judgment and getting results.

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

The three subjects I hear about most often are:

1. Property taxes and affordability. Residents are concerned about rising household costs and want to know that municipal spending is responsible and that they are receiving value for their tax dollars.
2. Roads, traffic and speeding. The particular concern varies by community, but road conditions, speeding and traffic safety are raised throughout the township.
3. Communication and transparency. Residents want clearer information before decisions are made, municipal documents written in plain language, and easier ways to understand how decisions affect them.

These conversations do not always produce simple answers, but they are important. Residents deserve honest explanations about what the Township can do, what falls under another level of government and what the financial or operational trade-offs may be.

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

First, we need to complete Augusta’s broadband buildout and continue addressing remaining cellular coverage gaps. Reliable connectivity is essential for families, farms, home-based businesses, emergency communications and economic development.

Second, we need to manage growth responsibly. That includes completing necessary infrastructure, encouraging housing development, attracting employers and building the workforce needed to support growth in our industrial park. Expanding and diversifying our tax base will also help reduce pressure on residential taxpayers.

Third, we must maintain momentum on the new school planned for Augusta. The announcement was an important achievement, but continued advocacy will be necessary until construction begins and the school opens. This is about more than a building—it is about supporting young families and the long-term vitality of our community.

All three priorities require responsible financial planning and cooperation with other governments and community partners.

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

I believe my combination of experience, accessibility and a demonstrated record of getting work done sets me apart.

During my first term, I have worked to improve communications, advance broadband expansion, support recreation and tourism initiatives, and help lay the groundwork for future housing and economic growth. I have also made a point of being visible and available to residents—particularly online, where people increasingly expect timely answers from their elected representatives.

I understand that no councillor accomplishes anything alone. Progress requires cooperation among Council, staff, community organizations, other levels of government and residents. I bring ideas and experience to the table, but I also listen, ask questions and work constructively with others.

I am not asking residents to judge me only by what I promise to do. They can also evaluate how I have served, communicated and followed through during the past four years.