A lifelong Huntsville resident, Rylind Davis, said a desire to give back to the community that shaped his life is behind his decision to seek election as Huntsville and Chaffey Ward Councillor.
Davis said he believes Huntsville’s “best days are still ahead” and wants to bring a fresh perspective to Town council while ensuring residents have a strong voice on issues ranging from public safety to parks, accessibility and responsible growth.
“I’ve always believed that public service is about giving back and helping build a stronger community for everyone,” he said.
His interest in municipal politics stems from years of volunteer service, including work on both the Huntsville and District accessibility advisory committees. Although currently on leave during the election campaign, he said those experiences have given him valuable insight into municipal decision-making and the importance of ensuring all residents have a voice.
“I want to represent people who may not always see themselves reflected in local government and be a strong advocate for the residents of Huntsville and Chaffey Ward,” he said.
A graduate of Saint Mary Catholic Elementary School and Saint Dominic Catholic Secondary School, he said he’s currently studying History and Criminology at Lakehead University and hopes to become a high school teacher.
Outside the classroom, he helps manage his family’s farm and bed and breakfast while volunteering as a public speaker and mentor for youth in Ontario’s youth correctional centres. In his spare time, he said he enjoys reading, kayaking and skating.
Rylind said those experiences have reinforced the values of hard work, responsibility and community service.
Public safety is one of his top campaign priorities.
He said Huntsville’s police and fire services should have the resources and equipment needed to keep residents safe, including maintaining a visible police presence in the downtown core and ensuring policing priorities evolve alongside the community’s changing needs.
He also said the Town must continue investing in its fire department as Huntsville transitions following the dissolution of the shared Huntsville-Lake of Bays Fire Department agreement.
The candidate also identified parks, recreation and access to natural spaces as key priorities.
He said Huntsville’s parks, trails, waterfronts and recreational facilities are central to residents’ quality of life and should continue to expand as the community grows. He supports investing in family-friendly parks, improving public water access and ensuring long-term planning keeps pace with future demand.
With the Town expected to consider its Parks Master Plan during the next term of council, he said he wants to ensure Huntsville/Chaffey Ward residents are well represented throughout the planning process.
Accessibility and transportation are also central to his platform.
Drawing on his experience with accessibility advisory committees, he said creating an inclusive community means removing barriers and improving transportation options for residents of all ages and abilities.
His priorities include expanding transit services, improving accessible transportation, strengthening regional transit connections and investing in infrastructure that makes public transit easier to use.
He also pointed to the anticipated return of Ontario’s Northlander passenger rail service later this year as an opportunity to improve regional transportation, saying local transit connections will be essential to ensuring residents can take full advantage of the service.
Although he has not previously served on Town council, he said his work with municipal advisory committees has provided practical experience reviewing policies, projects and accessibility initiatives alongside council members and staff.
He said he hopes to bring that experience, along with a collaborative approach and a willingness to listen, to the council table.
“I’m committed to approaching every issue with an open mind, asking questions, and making decisions that are in the best interests of the entire community,” he added.
“I’d encourage people to check out my website for a more in-depth look at my campaign pillars. rylinddavis4huntsvillechaffey.ca “
Find out more about the upcoming 2026 municipal election, HERE.
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