Candidate for Ward 2 councillor

Local roots.
Fresh perspective.

I’m Kent Wallace. My family has been part of Stanhope for four generations. I grew up on Boshkung Lake and live here today.

I’m running independently, and my only agenda is giving back to the community I love. I’d bring practical business experience, energy, new ideas and a willingness to listen to the people I’d represent.

Have a question or something you think I should know? I’m happy to listen.

Kent Wallace in a plaid shirt outdoors beside a lake
Kent Wallace · Candidate for Ward 2 councillor
A little about me

Local roots.
Practical experience.

4generations of
family roots in Stanhope
25+years of business
and management experience

I bring more than 25 years of business and leadership experience. I spent 14 years as a vice-president, with responsibilities across accounting, operations and customer service, and later worked as a director of business development and a consultant in environmental services.

I started my property maintenance company 11 years ago alongside my corporate work. It continues to operate here in Stanhope, with good people around me who give me the time to give back to this community.

My connection to our lakes goes back to growing up on Boshkung. Protecting them is personal to me. They’re a big part of why so many of us are here.

I’ll bring my business and management experience to council, listen to residents and staff, and ask questions so I can make informed decisions on behalf of the public.

What I want to work on

The things that matter day to day.

01 / SPENDING & SERVICES

Take a careful look at spending.

I want to use my management experience to review costs, look for savings, and plan ahead for roads, equipment and essential services. When we propose new spending, we should explain how we’ll pay for it.

02 / OUR LAKES

Make lake health a priority.

I support septic reinspections and protecting natural shorelines. I want to work with lake associations and residents to find practical ways to improve lake health, with clear rules and a fair process for individual properties.

03 / BUSINESS & REVENUE

Help local businesses and year-round jobs.

I want to meet with local businesses, understand what’s holding them back and work with the County’s economic development officer on opportunities for growth and year-round jobs. I’d also explore new sources of township and County revenue, with realistic costs and sound business cases behind them.

04 / STANHOPE AIRPORT

Look at the airport’s future.

I want to explore a practical business development plan for the airport, including opportunities for clean, light industry and local jobs. Any proposal needs a clear business case, realistic costs and consideration of nearby residents and the environment.

05 / LONG-TERM HOUSING

Make room for people to build a life here.

I want to review unnecessary planning barriers and explore secondary units and other long-term rental options. Housing needs to work with our rural realities: private wells and septic systems, transportation and access to jobs and services. Where appropriate, I’d work with Kawartha Lakes as our housing service manager and with other housing partners.

06 / COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

Prepare our infrastructure and support our firefighters.

I want to review drainage, roads and culverts for extreme weather, including larger culverts where needed. I’d also work with our fire department to understand recruitment and retention challenges, and review training, equipment, compensation and mental health supports.

Questions from the community

Your questions. My answers.

What is your business and leadership background?

I started a property maintenance company 11 years ago and ran it alongside my corporate work. It continues to operate here in Stanhope. I also own and manage a 100-acre farm off Nu-Ne Lane. My corporate experience includes 14 years as a vice-president, with responsibilities across accounting, operations and customer service, followed by work in business development and environmental services. That experience taught me to understand costs, solve problems and find opportunities to grow revenue.

What is your environmental background, and how would you protect our lakes?

For seven years, I worked in waste consulting and business development in the waste management and environmental services industry, helping businesses manage waste and costs. My connection to lake health is also personal: I grew up on Boshkung Lake and live here today. I support septic reinspections, natural shoreline buffers and practical steps to reduce erosion and runoff. I want clear guidance for property owners, consistent enforcement and continued work with lake associations.

Would you support more public docks at boat launches?

Yes. I know the Walkers Line boat launch well and have used it in the past. I’d love to see more public docks at launches with adequate space and suitable shoreline conditions. We would need to assess safe access, environmental impacts, approvals, installation and maintenance costs before deciding which sites are suitable.

How would you approach long-term housing in a rural township?

I want to review unnecessary planning barriers and explore secondary units and other long-term rental options. We need to account for private wells and septic systems, transportation and access to jobs and services. I’d work with township staff and housing partners, including Kawartha Lakes in its role as our housing service manager where appropriate. Any proposal needs to be safe, practical and suited to its location.

How would you handle a conflict of interest?

I would follow Ontario’s Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. Where a financial interest creates a conflict under the Act, I would disclose it, provide the required written declaration, step aside from discussion and voting, and avoid influencing the decision. If I were unsure, I would seek written advice from the Integrity Commissioner.

What are your thoughts on amalgamation?

After looking further into the County’s governance options, I’m leaning toward amalgamation if it can deliver better value while protecting local services and representation. I’m open to sharing more services too. I want to understand the savings, transition costs and effect on residents before making a final decision.

How would you stay connected to residents?

My phone number and email are right here. I want people to feel comfortable asking questions, raising a concern or offering an idea. I’ll help residents understand what’s happening at council and explain the reasons behind my decisions.

Read more: kawarthaNOW’s candidate introductions ↗

I’m happy to
make time for a chat.

Ask me a question. Tell me what’s working, or what needs a closer look. You don’t need to agree with me to get in touch.