John Fenik, now vying for the Mayor's chair in Rideau Lakes
Former Perth mayor John Fenik says leadership and a desire to reset the tone at Rideau Lakes Township council are behind his decision to seek the mayor’s chair instead of a council seat.
Fenik had previously announced plans to run for councillor, but said his thinking changed after current Mayor Arie Hoogenboom decided not to seek another term as mayor. Fenik said Hoogenboom’s decision weighed heavily on him, and after discussions with his wife, Lori, and friends, he decided his experience could be better used in the top job.
Fenik said the field includes good candidates, but he believes his years in municipal politics give him something different to offer.
He also said his connection to Rideau Lakes goes back years. Fenik once owned the Westport Mirror and delivered papers throughout the township, travelling through communities including Seeley’s Bay, Elgin, Newboro and Westport. He said those trips helped him get to know the area, its geography and the people who call it home.
His platform is beginning to take shape around youth, rural safety, municipal finances and growth.
Fenik said he would like Rideau Lakes to create a bursary fund for young people entering agriculture or agribusiness, including those taking over family farms.
He also pointed to a Queen’s University program that helps rural communities gain quick access to automatic defibrillators, saying emergency response times can be longer in remote areas.
On finances, Fenik said Rideau Lakes should keep building reserves, maintain low debt and encourage assessment growth through new housing. He argued strong reserves can protect taxpayers when major unexpected costs arise, such as replacing damaged roads.
Fenik also wants the township to promote itself as a place to live, work and play in an effort to attract new residents and expand the local tax base.
The former Perth mayor was also asked about the difficulties that marked the current Rideau Lakes council term. Fenik described the council as turbulent and dysfunctional, and said restoring civility would be one of his priorities. He said councillors must be able to disagree while still treating one another respectfully and moving township business forward.
Fenik said he would push for council members to commit to respectful conduct and follow proper meeting rules, with a stronger focus on positive debate and decisions.
He is equally clear about Ontario’s strong mayor powers. Fenik said he would not use them if elected, arguing they undermine the democratic process. He said his experience in Perth taught him that mayors sometimes lose votes, but that accepting those results is part of municipal democracy.
Fenik said he wants to bring that approach to Rideau Lakes and create a council culture built around respectful debate, fiscal responsibility, community growth and getting decisions made.
