Longtime public servant, educator and former paramedic John Crowley says a commitment to community service is what motivated him to enter the race for District Councillor as representative for Franklin/Sinclair Ward in Lake of Bays.
Crowley officially filed his nomination papers on May 20, 2026. He described his decision to run as one made with strong support from both his family and the broader community.
“My decision to run for council was not done lightly,” Crowley said. “I believe we all have a responsibility to our communities, whether it be operating a local business, volunteering, helping a neighbour, or being involved in local council.”
Crowley said he brings a wide-ranging background in public service and business to the campaign. He said in an email that he previously worked as a paramedic with Metro Toronto Ambulance before becoming an elementary school teacher. Although retired from teaching, he currently works remotely as a medical logistics coordinator for a large air ambulance company.
In addition to his emergency services and education experience, Crowley and his wife of more than 35 years owned and operated a family farm in Grey County for two decades, while also running a wholesale produce business.
Crowley says those experiences have helped shape his approach to leadership and community involvement.
“As District Councillor, you serve a dual role, representing local constituents on the township level and at the district,” he said. “I am fully prepared to make that commitment to our community members.”
His campaign platform emphasizes what he describes as a “common-sense” and proactive approach to local government, with priorities including infrastructure, environmental stewardship, responsible development, emergency services and fiscal responsibility.
Crowley said many of the issues regularly discussed during election campaigns should instead be ongoing priorities for council and the community.
“We need to be proactive rather than reactive regarding situations that occur in the community,” he said. “We need to complete many Lake of Bays current projects and have a clear vision of where we are going and what it’s going to look like for our community.”
He also stressed the importance of supporting local businesses and ensuring residents feel heard throughout the decision-making process.
“Lake of Bays has an incredible wealth of resources, experience, knowledge, skills and vision within the community,” Crowley said. “We should be tapping into this amazing resource.”
Protecting the township’s character and heritage is another key theme of his campaign. Crowley described Lake of Bays as “a unique community of natural character and beauty with a long local history,” adding that preserving that identity is essential to maintaining the area’s appeal for both residents and visitors.
“If we are to continue to flourish as a community, we need to work and promote the idea of community first in what we do and how we talk,” he said.
You can find more information about the upcoming October municipal and school board election in your region, HERE.
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I think John Crowly would be great for our community.