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The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is recognizing the municipal leaders who have decided not to seek re-election this fall, while thanking all new and returning candidates who have put their names forward to serve their communities.
Serving on a municipal council requires a significant commitment of time and energy. Municipal leaders are often called upon to make difficult decisions that directly affect their neighbours, local businesses and the future of their communities.
“On behalf of FONOM and our 110 member municipalities, I want to sincerely thank every mayor, councillor and municipal leader who has decided not to seek another term,” said FONOM President Dave Plourde. “Whether they served one term or several, each of them stepped forward because they cared about their community. Their contributions deserve to be recognized and appreciated.”
FONOM also recognizes three members of its Board of Directors who will be stepping away from municipal office this year: Councillor Sandra Hollingsworth (Sault Ste. Marie), Deputy Mayor Renée Carrier (French River), and Deputy Mayor Danny Whalen (Temiskaming Shores). “Sandra, Renée and Danny have each brought a strong community voice and a valuable Northern perspective to the FONOM Board,” Plourde said. “Their knowledge, commitment and willingness to speak up for Northern Ontario have made FONOM a stronger organization. We thank them for their service to their municipalities, to FONOM and to communities throughout the North.”
Plourde also thanked the entire FONOM Board for its hard work during the current four-year municipal term, including Maggie Horsfield (City of North Bay), Lynn Watson (Echo Bay), Al MacNevin (NEMI), Lynda Carleton (Township of Machar), Terry Kelly (Township of East Ferris), Lorne Feldman (City of Timmins), Paul Lefebvre and alternate Mark Signoretti (Greater City of Sudbury).
“FONOM’s advocacy is a team effort,” said Plourde. “Our Board members bring forward the priorities of their communities and work together to develop practical Northern solutions. I am proud of the respectful and determined way our Board has represented our 110 member municipalities over the past four years.”
During the current term, the FONOM Board has advanced several major Northern Ontario priorities. While progress has been made, there is still much more advocacy work ahead, and FONOM will continue pressing for action on the following issues:
- Improving the safety and capacity of Highways 11, 17 and 69;
- Seeking a dedicated Northern Ontario Policing Grant to address rising municipal policing costs;
- Calling for changes to Ontario’s Mental Health Act to provide compassionate intervention for individuals experiencing severe substance use disorders;
- Supporting Northern Ontario’s forestry and natural resource sectors;
- Advocating for fair and predictable municipal infrastructure funding;
- Addressing Northern housing, homelessness and community infrastructure needs;
- Supporting improvements to Northern air, rail and transportation services; and
- Working with regional partners to identify municipal workforce, recruitment and retention challenges.
“These files require persistence, partnerships and a strong, united Northern voice,” Plourde said. “Every member of the FONOM Board has contributed to that work, and I thank them for their commitment.”
FONOM also recognizes those who have put their names forward as new or returning candidates in the 2026 municipal election.
“Running for municipal office takes courage,” Plourde added. “It means putting your ideas, your experience and yourself before the public. We thank every new and returning candidate who is willing to take on that responsibility and contribute to the future of their community.”
FONOM supports the goals of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s Healthy Democracy Project, including encouraging greater participation in local democracy, attracting candidates with different backgrounds and perspectives, promoting respect for those involved in the democratic process, and increasing awareness of the important role municipal governments play in people’s daily lives.
“Healthy local democracy depends on people being willing to run, residents being engaged and everyone participating in a respectful way,” Plourde said. “We encourage candidates to focus on the issues, listen to their residents and treat one another with respect throughout the campaign.”
FONOM also encourages Northern Ontario residents to learn about their local candidates and participate in the municipal election.
“Regardless of the final results, everyone who allows their name to appear on a municipal ballot is making a contribution to local democracy,” Plourde concluded. “We wish all candidates well, thank those who have served and look forward to working with the municipal councils elected across Northern Ontario.”
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