Five questions with Don Heron, 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 Don Heron. 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 spent 30 years working in retail and financial services, gaining valuable experience in business, financial management, and interpersonal relations. For the last 14 years, I have been involved in ministry, working with marketplace leaders and serving in addiction recovery, prisons and the inner city. These experiences have helped me develop a strong appreciation for listening to people, understanding their challenges and finding solutions.

I also served for eight years on the Brockville Economic Advisory Board, a group of local business people who advised Brockville City Council on ideas to stimulate economic growth in the community. This provided me with meaningful experience in municipal affairs and an understanding of the importance of cooperation between local government and the business community.

On a personal level, I have been married for 47 years. Our two adult daughters and three grandchildren also live in this area. This community is home to my family, and I care deeply about its future.

I decided to run for council because I believe my professional experience, municipal advisory background and years of community service can positively contribute to Elizabethtown-Kitley. I am not running because I believe I have all the answers. I am running because I want to serve, listen to residents and contribute to decisions that put the best interests of the township first.

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

I would describe myself as practical, moderate and community-focused. I am not running to represent a particular political party or ideology. At the municipal level, I believe decisions should be based on the needs of Elizabethtown-Kitley and the best interests of its residents.

My approach is to listen, consider the facts, understand the financial implications and seek practical solutions. I believe taxpayers deserve value for their money, while recognizing that maintaining roads, infrastructure, and essential services requires responsible investment.

I also believe that respectful dialogue and cooperation are important for effective local government. Council members may have different opinions, but they should be able to work together professionally and make decisions that serve the entire community.

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

The three issues I hear about most frequently are property taxes and responsible spending, roads and infrastructure and communication with residents.

Although Elizabethtown-Kitley has a reasonable tax rate, residents remain concerned about tax increases and want to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely. People understand that the Township has financial responsibility, but they also expect accountability, transparency and value for their money.

Roads and infrastructure are another significant concern, particularly given the geographical size of our township. Maintaining an extensive network of roads and other infrastructure presents ongoing challenges, and residents want to know that these needs are being addressed through sound planning and responsible investment.

Finally, residents want to feel that their voices are being heard. Clear communication, accessibility and responsiveness from council are important in building trust and ensuring that people feel connected to their municipal government.

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

In my opinion, three important priorities are responsible financial management, maintaining roads and infrastructure and supporting our community’s long-term sustainability.

First, while Elizabethtown-Kitley has a reasonable tax rate, council must remain focused on ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Residents should be able to trust that spending decisions are carefully considered, unnecessary costs examined and tax increases are approached responsibly. We need to balance affordability with the delivery of quality municipal services.

Second, our roads and infrastructure require ongoing attention because of the township’s size and geographical challenges. Maintaining what we already have, planning for future needs and making responsible investments are essential to the safety, accessibility and quality of life of our residents.

Third, I believe we should continue looking for practical ways to support responsible economic development and the long-term sustainability of Elizabethtown-Kitley. My experience on the Brockville Economic Advisory Board showed me the value of cooperation between municipal government and the business community. We should explore opportunities that strengthen our local economy while respecting the character and needs of our township.

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

I believe my professional experience, municipal advisory background and community service provide a broad perspective that I can bring to council. My 30 years in retail and financial services gave me experience in business and financial matters, while my 14 years in ministry and work in addiction recovery, prison and the inner city have helped me understand the importance of listening to people from different backgrounds and circumstances.

My eight years on the Brockville Economic Advisory Board also gave me direct experience contributing ideas and advice related to municipal economic growth.

I approach this election with a willingness to listen, learn and work cooperatively. Throughout my life, I have tried to approach responsibilities with integrity, practical thinking and commitment to serving others. I want to bring that same approach to council.

My goal is simple: Keep it simple. Make it practical. Put Elizabethtown-Kitley first. I believe residents deserve a councillor who will take their concerns seriously, approach responsibilities thoughtfully and work toward decisions that benefit the community as a whole.