Lifelong Huntsville resident and local business owner Dan Caswell has officially entered the race for Mayor of Huntsville, filing his nomination on the first day, May 1. He welcomes a competitive campaign and is looking forward to talking to Huntsville residents about their issues.
Caswell says people have been asking why someone from the private sector would step forward to run. For him, the answer is simple.
“When you’ve lived in Huntsville most of your life, you care about where it’s headed,” he says. “I want to make sure that Huntsville can be the best place to work, raise your family and enjoy life. That’s my goal for my family and for yours.”
Caswell wants to focus on the town’s financial direction, making sure that core services such as fire, emergency and policing are kept front and centre. He points to community safety, roads, trails, and waterfront access points as areas that need renewed attention. He also believes Huntsville needs a stronger, clearer voice at the District level to make sure Huntsville’s priorities aren’t overlooked.
Dan Caswell’s roots in Huntsville go back generations. His grandparents moved here from Kirkland Lake in 1945, and his family has been part of the community ever since. His father, along with Dan and his two brothers, were all raised here. His mother, Leslie Caswell, served three terms on Huntsville council. Huntsville is where Dan and wife Pam chose to raise their children.
Over the years, Caswell has worked in construction, built and operated businesses, and gained experience in both municipal and private-sector facilities. Having co-owned Hutcheson, Reynolds and Caswell Insurance Brokers, a business established in 1910, Dan specialized in helping local businesses and families in Huntsville, Bracebridge, Port Carling and Collingwood. Through that work, he’s developed practical experience in budgeting, planning, leadership, and risk management.
Caswell has always been involved in the community—serving on Town committees, volunteering as a board member and coach for minor sports and contributing to local economic development as a board member with Muskoka Futures.
“It wasn’t until I really looked back on my experience that I realized I’ve been working toward something like this for a long time,” he says. “I want to take what I’ve learned to keep Huntsville thriving.”
Caswell says his approach will be steady, thoughtful, and accountable, with a focus on keeping Huntsville a place people are proud to call home—while making sure it grows in a responsible way.
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Should anyone have a problem with fast food, just give it a pass. We have a variety of local restaurants who deliver a good meal. Some of the ‘food trucks’ provide a tasty treat. But the chain fast-foods leave me in ‘choke and puke’ mode. Remember the expression? Sometimes referred to as ‘gag and wretch’.
Some of us can remember the first ‘harvey’s’ in downtown TO. What a burger! Lots of evenings on return trips from St. Kitts or south, we would stop for ‘chicken in a basket’ actually cooked on site and not boil-in-a-bag. Huntsville’s south entrance at one time had ‘tuckey fried’ My father and father-in-law were both partial. The Tasty Cream was noted by anyone who ever attended a lacrosse game or just went for fries, dogs, burgers or shakes. How about Boley’s. Lunches and pastries and ‘shakes. Ever tried betting a seat in ‘Louie’s’ on a Friday evening?
Years ago ( back in the late 80’s?)I went fast food to get a couple of burgers. To save us having to cook right after work. When they brought out the offering, I refused it.
“That’s not what I ordered”. The thing was eating its’ way through the package.
“Yes it is. ” Quite snippy.
“Nope! Look up there. That’s what I ordered.” The picture looked tasty.
“This is what you ordered. That’s just a picture.” People were watching now.
” Like the picture and I would eat it. But not that.” Pointing and in no way wanting to touch the thing.
An official was called and we rehashed my refusal of the …..whatever!. He suggested the authorities could be brought in.
“Good idea. And some media.”
“Media! Why?”
“Patron refuses crap burger! Looks like a good headline to me.”
Then I was invited to leave and not return.
” Not return? Hell! I thought that was a given.
Have never bought there again.
So, I am no fan of fast food. The ‘fast part is okay, but the ‘food’ part is taking liberties with the language. We can wax nostalgic about what we had. ‘Menus’ can be extensive but mostly involve stuff ground up and unrecognizable or just more unspeakable acts perpetrated upon chickens.
I can’t see any politico getting even a little involved with private enterprise. I will miss Dan on CKAR for a few months and wish him well. I guess we will have to wait to see an actual platform. Just as long as it’s one that has an opinion and is willing to fight for that opinion. Lord knows having and defending actual opinion doesn’t happen often in our council chamber. Generally involves hiring a consultant. It would be nice to see someone in charge who has the good of our town in mind.
We can all see what land developers can and are doing to the land. This man claims to not be an “in it for me” one of those.
Bonus!
Mr. Fairley- I’m all for free enterprise, and I think the market will ultimately decide what succeeds. In a time when margins are thin and parents and guardians are constantly balancing work with getting kids to sports or dance, sometimes it’s just easier to hit a fast food location. I’m a strong supporter of local facade regulation. I think if those outlets were built with a more local feel to the exterior, they would blend in better with our community’s character.
First, thank you for responding to Paul’s post. I strongly believe that the doppler, and those who comment here are the true representation of our community. Local news. Local folk.
I was wondering, if you find this comment, what your opinion is on all of the new franchised fast food and restaurants coming into our community lately is. Up the hill by the new freshco, by the walmart, etc.
To he honest, I’m not a fan. I think all it puts excessive pressure on our locally owned businesses, and puts a damper on Huntsville’s unique character. But I’m keen to hear your thoughts. I know I don’t know everything, but corporate chains really don’t sit well with me.
Thanks.
Jon
I agree that we need to have a longterm community member who hopefully understands the TRUE vision for Huntsville and Muskoka. While I would support someone who can manage rge financials but we also we stronly need a leader who can protect the vision, character nd cultural of Huntsville and Muskoka. Our current mayor has made a mess of HUntsvikke and our current Muskoka Chair wants to creat another squaller city as he did in Barrie. I also am concerned about any conflict of issues fiancially and with local developers.
Mr. Whillans, – To provide full transparency for the community: I do not own any real estate—residential or commercial—within the Town of Huntsville, other than my primary residence.
I do own a commercial property in Port Carling. While a Mayor also serves at the District level, this holding does not create a conflict regarding Huntsville’s local policies. In addition as a commercial property, it is not part of the residential Short-Term Rental (STR) stock that is currently a focus of public debate.
Mr Caswell: Do you derive any income from real estate? Specifically, do you own multiple properties, rental properties (STR or long term) or are you or anyone in your immediate family in the real estate business.
Nothing personal; I will be asking all council members these questions to identify clear conflict of interest with the Town’s housing and planning business.