Five questions with Michael Bannister, candidate for Gananoque 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 Gananoque 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. 4, 2026. We will publish their responses as we receive them. Below are the responses from candidate Michael Bannister. You can view a full roundup of all our Gananoque 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’ve been interested in politics at all levels for a long time. Last year, I started attending town council meetings, and although nothing was quite as I expected, I found it enlightening and intriguing. As part of the registration and campaign process, I’ve met many interesting people, and met familiar people in new capacities. I’ve already leaned a lot. These are a couple of the reasons I wish to run for council, and a portion of what I will gain from this adventure.

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

I believe:

• political labels do more harm then good
• hearing all available arguments before making a reasoned decision
• accepting and learning from mistakes
• housing is a right, before it is an investment
• society’s value is not measurable in dollars
• not a wheel turns, not a light shines, without workers
• most people are genuinely good

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

Legal fees. Taxes. Tourism.

The towns legal fees are approximately $50,000 per year. Since the start of 2025, we have reached over $500,000 due to fighting over the Integrity Commissioner’s reports, as well as the uptick in IC filings. I would seek an alternate channel for grievances, and apply a small and/or means tested burden to filing with, or challenging, the IC.

Taxes were set to increase by 2-8 per cent for the next 10-20 years before the new legal costs started climbing. No one challenges annual police budget increases. There are a number of areas where we can maintain equipment longer, buy refurbished, sell or rent assets, supplant paid labour with volunteers to maintain our town and add new taxes on strenuous business activity.

Gananoque is a tourist town, but we’ve lost hotels and attractions over recent years. I would encourage operators to expand, or new operators to enter the market. I would also like to see the town expand in to this area with direct involvement in providing these options, if necessary, like the marina.

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

Affordability. Income. Transportation.

Gananoque has some control over tax increases, water bills, taxi services and municipal fees. We can decrease spending and adjust budgets to lower direct costs, while implementing policies such as a legal requirement for affordable housing in new developments to lower out of pocket costs.

Employment options have been declining in Gananoque, I would like to prioritize our Office of Economic Development to aide existing businesses to remain viable and grow, to court manufacturing and to build new attractions in and around town.

At the last Town council meeting, our police chief said he was hesitant to charge minors (specifically related to scooters used by those aged 12-16) because the only courthouse is in Brockville. We often have to travel to Kingston for medical appointments or work. Visiting our neighbouring cities for work and play should not cost us and tourists hundreds of dollars in transportation.

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

I know I don’t fit the typical mould, though it’s always difficult describe myself in a question like this.

I find fault and value in everything. I integrate the perspectives of other people easily. I sit with an issue until I think I understand every viewpoint. I feel like the most average man in Ontario, which I enjoy.

I want to hear from you. I encourage you to reach out to me and other municipal representatives; we’re just your neighbours. Tell me your concerns and rants and raves. Tell me what you would do instead, or what was done well. Tell me what kind of response you’d like to get back. Tell me how I should do my job!