A Dwight resident with decades of experience in manufacturing and the building supply industry is seeking election as the next Franklin Ward councillor in the Township of Lake of Bays.
Born in Huntsville and one of 15 children of Ken and Violet Earl, the candidate has lived in Dwight for the past five years and says a desire to help shape the township’s future motivated the decision to run for council.
“I decided to run for council because I care about the future of the Lake of Bays area,” Earl said.
After spending 26 years delivering building products throughout the township, Earl said the job provided an opportunity to speak with residents, contractors and seasonal property owners about the challenges they encounter with municipal departments.
Those conversations, combined with firsthand observations of local lakes and beaches, convinced Earl that it was time to bring community concerns to the council table.
Among the issues identified are the future of the Logging Chain parcel and the Dwight dock, along with protecting local lakes and beaches.
Professionally, Earl spent 20 years with a manufacturing company, much of that time as a supervisor responsible for training employees across Canada and the United States. Earl also worked 13 years each with Rona and Rolston Home Building Centre.
The experience, Earl said, has provided him with extensive knowledge of the township, its communities and the people who live and work there.
“I consider myself a down-to-earth person who speaks plainly and values clear communication that everyone can understand,” Earl said.
If elected, Earl says a career focused on workplace safety, leadership and efficiency would help guide decision-making at the council table.
“I bring a safety-first mindset and a sharp eye for efficiency,” Earl said, adding that years in manufacturing taught him the importance of identifying better ways to complete tasks while maintaining safety and questioning processes that do not make sense.
With retirement approaching, Earl said serving residents would become a top priority.
He said his campaign centres on listening to residents and improving communication between the Township and the public.
“My campaign is built on the philosophy that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason — so we can listen twice as much as we talk,” Earl said.
Key priorities include improving accessibility and communication with Franklin Ward residents, protecting local lakes and environmentally sensitive lands, addressing the future of the Logging Chain parcel, improving beach management, and working with fellow councillors to streamline municipal processes and strengthen the Township’s relationships with residents and contractors.
Earl also hopes to improve public perception of Township departments by making municipal services more user-friendly and responsive.
If elected, Earl said accessibility will remain a priority, with plans to host quarterly coffee meetings where residents can discuss concerns and receive updates on township issues.
“I believe in being approachable, and my phone line will always be open,” he said.
Earl is the second candidate to file for the position. Linda Boothby has also filed to run for Franklin Ward councillor.
More about the upcoming 2026 municipal election can be found HERE.
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