Limerick 2026 Election candidate profiles

With the municipal election on Oct. 26 approaching, we invited each candidate to respond to the same four questions about their reason
for running, priorities and vision for the municipality, qualifications, and contact information. Their responses are published below as
submitted, subject only to length and standard copyediting for style, grammar, and clarity. Candidates were asked to
keep their responses focused on their own qualifications, priorities and vision for the municipality.
Candidates are listed alphabetically within each position they are running for.

Kimberly Carson — Running for Mayor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office?

 I am proud to be a fourth-generation resident of Limerick Township, a place that has shaped who I am and where my family's roots run deep. Having served as Mayor over the past four years, it has been an honour to represent our residents and work to protect what makes our community so special, but there is still more to do!

My deep connection to this land — from fishing and kayaking on our waterways to enjoying our trails — drives my dedication to public service. I genuinely enjoy meeting new people, connecting with neighbors, and hearing their valuable insights into our community.

I am running to continue tackling our complex municipal challenges head-on. My focus is on building a stronger local economy by attracting new businesses and making our infrastructure more resilient against severe weather events. Most importantly, I am committed to responsible fiscal management to keep taxes low so that families, long-time residents, and newcomers alike can afford to thrive right here at home. This role is about listening, protecting our environment, and ensuring Limerick remains a vibrant, affordable community for generations to come.

 2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality and how would you go about solving them?

The primary issues facing Limerick Township centre around balancing responsible growth with environmental preservation, maintaining infrastructure, and managing the growing demands on municipal service delivery without receiving additional provincial funding.

To solve these challenges, I will focus on:

Advocacy and service delivery: Advocating against provincial downloading and leveraging my strong government relationships to secure grants, ensuring our township gets its fair share of funding for local priorities.

Emergency services: Working closely alongside our community to support and continuously improve our volunteer fire department, ensuring our first responders have the tools to keep us safe and strong.

Environmental stewardship: Protecting our clean lakes, rivers, and natural landscapes through sustainable planning, ensuring every resident and visitor can enjoy and access our natural environment.

Responsible growth and inclusion: Supporting smart development that respects our rural character while building an inclusive, supportive community where everyone feels welcomed, safe, and proud to live.

Fiscal responsibility: Making thoughtful, community-first choices that keep living, working, and retiring in Limerick affordable and accessible for all.

 3. What makes you best suited for the role?

My four years as Mayor, combined with prior council and leadership experience, give me the proven skills needed to serve Limerick Township effectively. Coupled with my deep family roots here, I have a strong understanding of our community's history while remaining fully focused on welcoming and supporting our newest residents as our township grows.

I bring a proven track record of resilient leadership, having successfully navigated complex municipal challenges with integrity and transparency. I bring lots of energy to this role every day, which allows me to stay actively involved and fully participate in events, initiatives, and activities right across the entire community.

Throughout my time in office, I have demonstrated dedicated leadership by bringing strong public speaking, listening, and consensus-building abilities to the table. I listen directly to community concerns and build strong, actionable relationships across all levels of government to advocate for our township's needs. I have the passion, stamina, and experience required to keep moving Limerick forward while always putting all of our residents first.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

Website: Kim Carson for Mayor   

Email: info@carsonformayor.com 

Get Involved: Visit the campaign website to donate, volunteer, or request a lawn sign.

Carl Stefanski — Running for Mayor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

I am seeking to sit as Head of Council in Limerick Township for a second term. My first term was 2018 to 2022 and my goal is to actively carry on where I left off 4 years ago.  Continue to increase economic development with stronger communication between the Township and the residents.

I am a strong advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for everyone in the Township including permanent and seasonal residents, tourists and visitors together with unifying the community associations but still having them maintain their own identity.

The Municipal Act must be reviewed regularly by Council to avoid transgressions that affect their positions with appropriate penalties applied. There are many avenues available to keep pace with the guidelines of the Act.

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality, and how would you go about solving them? 

A Municipality is a business and should be run as such. It provides a service to its customers, the constituents, which service should be in the most cost effective and timely manner.  

• Insurance costs are skyrocketing and as previous Mayor, I have had several meetings with the Attorney General regarding this subject. I would like to strengthen this issue by having more municipal voices at the table.

• Costs are a direct hit to the operating revenue of the township resulting in what tax burden the residents will expect. Limerick's roads and fire are the most affected.  These costs need to be kept a “close eye on” to avoid overruns.

• The word amalgamation rears its ugly head once again. Township expenditures would be severely impacted should this transpire. I aggressively oppose this and continue to champion for Limerick Township's identity to remain Limerick Township.

• Candidates throw out overused “catch phrases” such as transparency, clarity and accountability, however, I encompass openness, respect and honesty.  Elements that seem to have been missing in the last four years, however, are not beyond repair.

• As previously mentioned, with minimal communication between the Township and the residents.  I propose to hold a monthly “Talk to the Mayor” event where constituents can come out and share their ideas, concerns, suggestions that would then be brought forward to a future council meeting.

3. What makes you best suited for the role? 

My vast professional experience in the construction and general contracting industry and having owned several companies together with my business acumen has provided me with the foundation to successfully oversee the administration of Limerick Township Council.

Being involved with various non-profit organizations since 2022 on a volunteer basis including Hastings Trails/Hastings Destination Trails Inc., North Hastings Economic Development and Hastings Economic Development Partners Group has provided me with the ability to assist with boosting the economic development and growth of the Township.  I am an Adjudicator for Hastings County Federal Government Grants and having completed my Level 3 Certified Grant Writing Course, I believe would enable me to assist with procuring future grants to further enhance the Township.

I have and will continue to be dedicated to Limerick Township and will demonstrate this by donating my honorarium to various charities as determined by the Clerk and Council.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

I can be reached by cell at 647-268-2620, Facebook: Carl Stefanski for Mayor Limerick a Positive Change, or Email: carlstefanskimayorlimerick01@gmail.com. I am available anytime and would be more than pleased to drop by to discuss any issues that are of concern or interest to you.

Selena Bruni — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

I decided to run for council because I care about where we live and believe I can make positive contribution to the future of Limerick Township.

I've attended council meetings for the past four years, which has helped me better understand the challenges our township faces and how decisions affect residents. It has also reinforced how important it is to have someone on council who listens, asks questions and takes residents' concerns seriously.

I've always been someone who gets involved. I've built businesses, raised my family and volunteered in several community organizations. Since 2019, I've served as Social Chair for the Steenburg Lake Community Association, where I enjoy bringing people together and strengthening our community.

I see a lot of potential in Limerick Township. We have wonderful people, beautiful surroundings and a community that cares.

I'm running because I want to be involved in the decisions that shape our future. Residents deserve to have their voices heard and to feel their concerns matter. I will show up, listen, do the work and be accountable to the people I represent.

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality and how would you go about solving them?

I think some of the biggest challenges facing Limerick Township are rising taxes, maintaining our essential services and finding ways to create more local economic opportunities.

When it comes to taxes, I believe residents deserve a clear understanding of what they're paying for. Before supporting an increase, I would want to look closely at the budget, understand what's driving the increase and make sure other options have been considered. We need to be thoughtful about how we spend the money we have.

Roads, winter maintenance and waste management are important services that residents rely on. With a small staff and limited resources, we need to focus on these priorities and make sure we're using our resources wisely.

I would also like to see more support for local businesses and people who want to start a business here. We have seasonal residents who contribute to our local economy, and I believe there are opportunities to build on that while encouraging responsible development.

Protecting our lakes and natural environment needs to be part of those conversations. Growth is important, but it needs to be
managed carefully.

My approach would be to listen to residents, understand the information in front of us and work toward practical solutions that benefit the township as a whole. I think it's important to follow through on commitments and be honest with people about what can and cannot be accomplished.

3. What makes you best suited for the role?

I bring a mix of business experience, leadership and community involvement, but one of my greatest strengths is that I genuinely enjoy working with people.

Over the years as an entrepreneur I have completed leadership training and learned how to work with different personalities and find ways to get things done. I've also volunteered extensively, including serving on the Family Advisory Council at Lakeridge Health Oshawa and as Chair of the Parent Council at my children's school, working with parents and staff to organize events and fundraisers.

Since 2019, my involvement with the Steenburg Lake Community Association has given me experience working with volunteers, organizing events and connecting with residents.

Attending council meetings for the past four years has helped me understand municipal decision-making. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I'm willing to listen, do my homework and ask questions.

Integrity means a great deal to me. I do what I say, take my responsibilities seriously and believe people should be able to trust me. When I commit to something, I stay with it and do my best to see it through.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online?

Email: selenaforlimerick@gmail.com

Website: selenabruni.com

Facebook: SelenaBruniForLimerick

Kevin Charlton — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office?

I am running for Councillor of Limerick Township because I believe my background is suited to help Limerick Township.

Having grown up in a small rural community and on a farm, I understand the values and challenges that come with living in a smaller municipality. Since moving to Limerick Township, I have become actively involved in our community. I joined Limerick Township Fire and Rescue, where I participate in training exercises and assist with fundraising whenever possible. I also volunteer with Friends of Limerick, an organization I believe plays an important role in supporting our Township.

I want to bring my hands-on experience, community involvement, and practical approach to Council and the residents of Limerick Township.

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality and how would you go about solving them?

Some of the biggest issues facing Limerick Township are housing, and managing the cost of living and property taxes while maintaining the quality of our community.

I believe that Limerick Lake Estates development has received approval to proceed, provided the required criteria are met. I believe Council should continue to ensure that development is responsible, properly planned, and beneficial to the community.

The Dixon Creek issue appears to have been resolved for now, but I believe Council must remain proactive and work to ensure that similar concerns do not become problems again. We need to keep our community, land and waterways connected.

Most importantly, I would listen to residents, work collaboratively with Council and Township staff, and make practical decisions that balance responsible growth, affordability, environmental stewardship, and the long-term interests of the entire Township.

3. What makes you best suited for the role?

I believe my rural background, community involvement, work experience, and practical approach make me well suited for the role of Councillor.

Given my small rural community background, I understand the importance of protecting the character of communities surrounded by lakes and waterways. I also understand the perspective of both year-round residents and cottage associations as taxpayers and members of our community.

I am a retired licensed carpenter and certified PSW, and I managed a construction company for 38 years. That experience taught me how to manage people, budgets, projects, and challenges while ensuring that the job gets done properly.

I am a hard-working, hands-on person who believes in following through on commitments. Through my involvement with Limerick Township Fire and Rescue and Friends of Limerick, I have continued to contribute to our community.

I would bring that same work ethic, practical experience, and commitment to Council.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

Residents can connect with me through my Facebook page or by email at kevcharlton@icloud.com. I can also be reached by phone at 705-652-1590.

Allen Downey — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

As my campaign slogan states, I want to “make a difference”  and that's why I am running for Council.

Limerick Township is a jewel within Hastings County and provides a multitude of recreational opportunities, nestled within a strong community with future potential growth

I believe I have the necessary experience, leadership and team building skills needed to create a vision for the future of Limerick.

I have selected Limerick as my home following my retirement and want to contribute to its success in the future. My present situation allows me the opportunity to devote time and energy to fulfill these goals

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality and how would you go about solving them?

I believe that the four biggest issues facing Limerick Township are communication, fiscal responsibility, planning for growth and amalgamation.

Communication: I believe that ongoing communication with the residents of Limerick is essential. As a member of council, I will ensure that residents are informed on a regular basis with regards to Council's actions and initiatives. 

Fiscal responsibility: As a member of council, it is my responsibility to ensure that taxpayer funds are properly allocated in order to provide the services that are essential to this community. Taxpayer funds must be strategically allocated and used effectively and efficiently to ensure we get the best value for money spent. Recent tax increases have been far beyond the cost of living without clear communication as to the reasons why. I believe council should use the cost of living as a target for any future tax increases.Planning for growth: Limerick Township has great potential for sustainable, environmentally responsible growth. As a member of council I will actively seek out opportunities and do whatever is required in order to support growth in an environmentally responsible manner while addressing the needs of the existing community.

Amalgamation: Limerick Township and Hastings County are wrestling with the prospect of amalgamation. I believe that this is not in the best interest of Limerick or the county. My experience has taught me that it will not result in any cost savings, improved services or a better standard of living for our residents. I will continue to voice my opposition on any attempts to amalgamate.

3. What makes you best suited for the role?

With over 40 years experience in Municipal government — 33 of them as a senior director, I believe that I am uniquely qualified to understand and work within the inner workings of both municipal and council operations.

My municipal experience has provided me the opportunity to provide for the delivery of multiple services to a variety of communities. These include: park planning, park construction, park maintenance, recreational programming, land acquisitions, road maintenance and construction, water services, sewer management, fleet management, garbage collection and recycling.

I have also been project manager for many municipal facilities including two libraries, three community centers, two firehalls, one senior's centre and multiple facility restorations.  

My municipal tenure would not have been possible without working closely with council, regional and provincial representatives. These experiences position me to hit the ground running and begin working in my role on council without the usual extensive learning curve.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

www.aldowney.ca

Email: allandowney57@gmail.com

Phone: (416) 427-8432

Facebook: facebook.com/AlDowneyforLimerickCouncil

Blog: aldowney.ca/just-my-thoughts

Grace Hamm — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office?

This area is home to me. Since first becoming a councillor four years ago, I've seen some things that need a bit of change. Nothing major, just ways of clarifying how and why things are being done. Residents are entitled to a little more clarity on how things work. Working around a time when more people could attend, hopefully would encourage people to come to meetings. Ensuring that everyone felt comfortable and welcome to attend. It takes involvement to make changes and hopefully improvements.

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality and how would you go about solving them?

I feel that sometimes issues get rushed through, without enough discussion. We are a small township, so we are limited to what and when things get done. One of my biggest concerns is our roads. Some roads seem to get a lot of attention and upgrades, while others get told no, it's not in the budget at this time. Getting a grant for improvement to our local community centre is almost non existant.

3. What makes you best suited for the role?

The desire to see an improvement in this area. Making sure our residents have access to what they need. 

I am willing ot listen, willing to discuss and see if we can find a solution. Limerick has less than 400 full time residents. These people and friends and neighbours.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

I can be reached at 613-334-9693 or gracehamm6591@gmail.com. You can also find me on Facebook.

Glenn Locke — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

To strive for the betterment of my community. I feel very confident in the knowledge and experience in my two terms as a councillor for Limerick Township. I've gone before the provincial ministers as a delegation with the mayor and other Limerick councillors. Working as a team. To be the voice for the residents, both seasonal and permanent. Some residents want change in their council. Sometimes change can be either positive or negative. I believe a mix of old and new are needed. Experience is needed to help those who will be new councillors through the governmental ropes. I would like to be the experienced councillor to help guide the new. If that's what the constituents want this election. I'm not for unrealistic promises and proposals. We must work within the budget as a solid team. I'm for Limerick Township as a whole.

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality and how would you go about solving them?

Amalgamation seems to be a concern for some of us. I'm against amalgamation, but I support shared services. All parties should understand the difference between the two. The importance of finding the balance of the scale. In my opinion, making things bigger is not the right solution. With amalgamation, taxes increase, services decrease. Since covid, the municipality has grown. Some seasonal cottages have become permanent residents. There are more cottage rentals in the township. It has put pressure on our infrastructure. Roads, our waste site, our lakes. I firmly believe that our policies and procedures should be revisited. Some need to be revamped to reflect the growth within the Township. Environmental issues: invasive species of weeds in our lakes, wild fire threats, etc. These must be monitored carefully and closely. Constantly monitoring our budget to keep our taxes in check. I'm for making serious cuts to the budget if needed. To keep reasonable affordability for living in Limerick Township. Especially in these trying times.

3. What makes you best suited for the role?

I believe in the equal treatment of all who live in Limerick Township, whether it be seasonal or permanent. To treat all Limerick constituents with respect, fairness and dignity. I listen to both sides of the conversations. Remember that there's always two sides to every story. I will make an informative assessment and then make my decision on the topic. As an experienced Councillor. I'm aware of some changes that are needed for our community. I'm open-minded to change and different opinions. I will absolutely, if elected as your Councillor, work with the Mayor and the other Councillors of Limerick Township as a team. I believe in our community. But I will take a stand for those who feel that they been ignored and have no voice. Everyone in the community has a right to be heard.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online?

For any questions, please contact me at my email address: g.locke.township.on.ca

 I hope this questionnaire helps you understand some of my platform. I'm an experienced, honest, trustworthy, transparent, professional person. Thank you

Janice MacKillican — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

• I feel very strongly about both seasonal and permanent residents as I have been both – we need each other. 

 I was born and raised here and my heart is here.  My parents made their living here.  I left to go to school and work but have always remained a part of the community. We now make the family cottage our home six to seven months of the year. 

I will provide fair representation for both permanent and seasonal residents if re-elected.  

• Small townships like ours need capable people to be on council – to ensure we run our business sustainably and responsibly.  We need to ensure we are capable of fully understanding outside requests and their long-term impacts so we can make decisions to maintain the essence of our wonderful place.   

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality and how would you go about solving them?

• Ensuring we are in touch with our constituency base so that we make decisions that best support their needs and our future as a township.  

• As a small township, we need to be able to attract and retain high-quality staff.  We do this by executing an effective hiring process, affording development for individuals to increase their skills over time, and by providing a good working environment that allows individuals to grow and flourish.  

• Looking for and supporting economically and environmentally sound development.  Development that hopefully would provide local employment and that would be culturally appropriate for this area.  

• Working with the appropriate provincial ministries to gain sufficient funding for small, rural townships such as ours.  

3. What makes you best suited for the role?

• I have the business acumen to understand the business side of a township: budgeting, assessment management, procurement and lobbying of ministries as appropriate. I have a “Master of Business” degree. I have also had a long and successful business career: seven years at Loyalist College, 25 years at Procter and Gamble and 10 years with my own consulting business.

• At P&G, I coached plants worldwide on leadership, human resources and organizational design. I also did this in my own business for small to medium, local companies.  

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online? 

People can email me at jan@leaditteams.com of text me at: 613-922-4940  

Shawn Pack — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

To strive for the betterment of my community. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of serving the constituents of Limerick Township over the last four years. I believe that we have made some great improvements for our ratepayers. 

1. Continuous improvements to our roads 

2. Continued investment in our fire department helping to ensure our residents are safe 

3. Have held our property tax increases to a responsible level far below the average of other municipalities in Hastings County while maintaining our reserves and investing in our capital management fund. I am looking forward to this next term on council to continue the great work we have started.

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality and how would you go about solving them?

As a municipality we need to look for for additional revenue streams to ensure the residents of the township can continue to afford to live here. Provincial cutbacks to funding have put strain on the municipalites. We need to promote local business while looking for ways to attract future investment here in Limerick.

3. What makes you best suited for the role?

I am very grateful to live here in Limerick Township, I take my role as councillor very seriously and I believe that running a municipality like a business is how we will sustain ourselves for the future.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online? 

Please reach out to me personally on my cell phone at 613-243-5550.