Five questions with Monique Antoine-Hartley, candidate for Leeds and the Thousand Islands 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 Leeds and the Thousand Islands 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. 23, 2026. We will publish their responses as we receive them. Below are the responses from candidate Monique Antoine-Hartley. 

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?

Having grown up on a dairy farm in Seeley’s Bay, I made the conscious decision to establish my home, build my career and raise my daughter in this extraordinary community. Deep connections with the resilient residents of Ward 2, paired with insights gained throughout my professional path, inspired me to step forward and seek a seat on council.

Throughout 38 years spent serving as an educator and elementary principal, I developed versatile leadership competencies directly applicable to municipal governance. Overseeing daily operations within schools required active listening, transparent communication, strong interpersonal skills, data-informed analysis and a firm grasp of relevant legislation to ensure sound, balanced decision-making.

I maintain an active, long-standing commitment to local service across Ward 2, having served as chair of the Seeley’s Bay Area Residents Association and in several capacities with the Seeley’s Bay United Church Pastoral Charge. Additionally, I regularly lend a helping hand to community initiatives such as Frostfest, the Turkey Fair and the local Legion.

Offering my candidacy for municipal government represents a genuine, continuous extension of my dedication to my community. Since my appointment to council in February 2025, I have drawn upon my deep roots in the community to listen attentively to resident concerns, ensuring local taxpayers receive the authentic representation and genuine voice they deserve at the decision-making table.

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

My personal political ideology can best be described as community-centred. I believe that municipal governments, councils and staff, need to treat the communities they support as a shared resource when making decisions, while also taking into consideration legislation by other levels of government. Community members should be given opportunities to provide input beyond the ballot box into policies that impact their daily lives pertaining to reliable local infrastructure, and usable spaces including green spaces to name a couple, while still being conscious of affordability to the taxpayer and environmental concerns.

Creative solutions gained through collaborative interactions gives the community a voice in their own future. I firmly believe that elected officials should act as direct delegates of the communities they represent by listening, being active in the community and giving them the voice they deserve while maintaining an environment of mutual respect and professionalism at the council table.

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

As I visit with local residents along our rural, gravel roads, the main concern is the condition of the roads and brushing. Residents have concerns that go beyond just the grading of the roads to get rid of potholes, but they realize that there needs to be engineered grading to build resilience into gravel roads to prevent weather from tearing them apart. Most residents realize that having all paved roads is beyond what a small township can afford but feel that proper engineering changes can change how the roads handle the elements. 

The next most common conversation that I have with residents is about conduct of council. Many have been watching dysfunction in neighbouring municipalities where mutual respect and professionalism has not been made a priority. Those who have watched TLTI council meetings are appreciative of the civility shown by their representatives and express a desire to see their council continue to make decisions using data and common sense to move the business of the township forward with respect, even when opinions differ.

Finally, while there are many concerns raised, there is a desire to see general maintenance of our communities be continued. Residents see the improvements made in our parks and along the streets, many driven by community organizations and supported by the Township or County, as great improvements to the beauty of our small villages. However, they realize that small things like overflowing garbage or bathrooms that are not available leave an undesirable first impression to visitors. By listening to residents and “sweating the small stuff,”  it will enhance the way of life for all and encourage new residents that will grow our small communities.

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

Navigating our fiscal responsibilities will stand as the primary priority facing the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands throughout the upcoming term. Achieving a thoughtful balance between constructing, upgrading and sustaining municipal infrastructure to foster community growth while confronting escalating expenses, evolving regulatory frameworks, environmental stewardship and mandatory asset management objectives requires prudent oversight to ensure tax rates remain fair and manageable. Fulfilling these core obligations within broader governmental guidelines will necessitate making tough choices and refining strategic priorities moving forward.

Fostering community expansion represents another vital focus. Advancing local economic opportunities and expanding accessible housing options are deeply interconnected imperatives. Championing small businesses enriches daily life for local taxpayers, attracts visitors and encourages new prospective families to put down roots. To welcome new neighbours and enable long-standing families to remain within this vibrant municipality, securing suitable residential housing must remain a front-and-centre goal.

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

All the candidates have their own strengths and talents to offer local government. I believe I have a unique combination of lifelong community roots and connections, professional experience that gives me a balance of leadership skills that are easily transferable to local government, extensive involvement in the community and direct council experience. In the 18 months I have served on council, I have repeatedly been the voice of my community. The best indication of future behaviour is past behaviour, and my time on council has proven my commitment to Ward 2.