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Municipal Elections
26 October 2026

Make climate change a key municipal election issue.

Your vote is important

Why municipal elections matter for climate action

Municipal councils make everyday decisions that shape local GHG emissions, our natural environment,climate resilience, public safety, housing, roads, waste, land use, tree cover, and emergency preparedness. In Lanark County, we already see the impacts of climate change to more frequent extreme weather, ecosystem damage, food insecurity, invasive species, and increased disease risk. That makes municipal elections a direct opportunity for voters to ask how candidates will protect people, farms, forests, lakes, roads, and homes..

How does our government work in Lanark County and why is it important to elect municipal councillors who support county climate initiatives?

Lanark County operates as a two-tier system, with local municipal councils and County Council connected through shared membership and distinct responsibilities.

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​Lanark County is the upper-tier government, made up of 8 lower-tier member municipalities: Beckwith, Carleton Place, Drummond/North Elmsley, Lanark Highlands, Mississippi Mills, Montague, Perth, and Tay Valley. The separated Town of Smiths Falls isn't a member but still shares some responsibilities, like social services, with the County.

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Municipal and County councils connect through through shared personnel:

  • Lanark County Council includes two representatives from each member municipality, usually the Mayor/Reeve and Deputy Mayor/Deputy Reeve, though some municipalities appoint another councillor.

  • These representatives are local councillors who also sit at the County table, bringing municipal priorities into county-wide decisions.

  • County Council meets twice a month to review committee reports and decide on county-wide services, with additional local input through County boards and committees.​

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The two tiers split responsibilities under Ontario's Municipal Act, rather than one reporting to the other:

  • County (upper-tier) handles things like county roads, housing and homelessness, Ontario Works and disability supports, children's services, economic development, planning, ambulance service, emergency preparedness, and long-term care.

  • Local municipalities (lower-tier) retain things like local roads, zoning/by-law enforcement, local parks and recreation, fire services, and building permits.​

 

In practice, local councils set municipal positions, while shared representatives bring those views to County Council; each tier operates within its own jurisdiction rather than under a hierarchy.

Local climate context in Lanark County

Lanark County adopted its first Climate Action Plan in 2023, setting corporate and community goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy and water efficiency, support renewable energy, expand nature-based solutions, reduce waste, collaborate with community stakeholders, and improve funding, accessibility, and education. The County’s 2026 Climate Action Workplan includes initiatives such as Better Homes Lanark home retrofit financing, municipal climate grants, non-profit climate grants, a climate adaptation plan, natural heritage system work, tree planting, living snow fences, tiny forests, and training related to net-zero building practices.

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Key Climate Issues for Lanark County Voters

Home energy and afordability

Heating and cooling costs are a major household concern. Candidates should explain how they would support energy retrofits, insulation, heat pumps, low-interest financing, community workshops, and programs that help residents cut bills while reducing emissions.

Roads, drainage, flooding, and extreme weather

Municipalities maintain local roads, culverts, ditches, bridges, stormwater systems, and emergency plans. Voters can ask whether candidates support climate risk assessments, updated asset management plans, flood mitigation, culvert upgrades, roadside tree and vegetation strategies, and stronger emergency preparedness for heat, storms, wildfire smoke, and power outages.

Land use, housing, farms, forests, and wetlands

Land-use decisions influence emissions, habitat, water quality, farmland protection, transportation needs, and long-term municipal costs. Ask candidates how they would balance housing supply with compact growth, farmland preservation, wetland protection, tree canopy expansion, shoreline health, water quality and responsible development standards. 

Transportation and mobility

In rural communities, transportation solutions must be realistic and flexible. Candidates should be able to discuss road safety, active transportation, EV charging, carpooling, community transit, accessible transportation, safe routes to school, and planning decisions that reduce the need for long car trips where possible.

Waste reduction and local circular economy

Waste policy is a practical municipal climate issue. Ask about organics diversion, composting, landfill life, repair and reuse programs, construction waste, producer responsibility, public education, and regional cooperation that can reduce costs and emissions.

What are CNL’s Election Issues

Our initiative supports residents in navigating and implementing climate action in their homes, empowering them to make informed decisions about sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact.

Preserving Wetlands & Supporting the Development of  Natural Heritage System 
Supporting the Development and Implementation of Local Climate Action Plans
Reduced GHGs Production and Increase Electrification of Lanark County

Questions you can ask candidates

  1. What are your top three climate-related priorities over the next council term?

  2. How will you support Lanark County’s Climate Action Plan while addressing local needs and budget pressures?

  3. What steps would you take to protect roads, culverts, drainage systems, homes, farms, and businesses from extreme weather?

  4. How would you make home energy upgrades more affordable and accessible for residents?

  5. What is your position on stronger green development standards for new buildings and subdivisions?

  6. How would you protect wetlands, forests, farmland, shorelines, and our natural heritage while meeting housing needs?

  7. What transportation solutions make sense for rural residents, youth, seniors, workers, and people without cars?

  8. How would you reduce municipal energy use and emissions from buildings, fleets, equipment, and operations?

  9. How will you measure progress and report it publicly?

  10. What climate actions would you support even if they require difficult budget choices?

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