Paula Banks Running for Mayor

Paula Banks. Photo Provided.

Paula Banks grew up on a family farm in Rideau Lakes. Her parents were Ivan and Neoma Nichols. Her father operated Ivan Nichols Plumbing & Electric, and her mother grew up in Portland. Banks attended Rideau District High School and continued her education through St. Lawrence College, along with studies in inventory management and quality improvement.

“Most of my working life was spent in manufacturing, procurement, inventory, warehousing and supply-chain management,” said Paula Banks. “I later became a warehouse supervisor and supervised unionized and non-unionized employees working together in the same department. My job involved negotiating contracts and coordinating employees, management, suppliers, shipping and receiving. People did not always agree. I learned to ask questions, listen to the people involved and find a solution they could work with. I use that same experience at the council table and when dealing with outside organizations such as ALTO.”

Banks was elected to represent Bastard and South Burgess in the May 2023 by-election. During this term, she also served for six months as deputy mayor.

Her committee work has included the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, Lower Beverley Lake Park Management Board, Delta CEC and Economic Development Committee. She also helped with Doors Open Rideau Lakes.

One issue that matters a great deal to Banks is helping seniors remain safely in their homes and communities when that is what they want.

“One of the ideas I brought forward was waiving planning and building permit fees for accessible additional residential units. If a family is trying to create accessible living space for a senior or a person with a disability, I believe the Township should be helping rather than adding another expense,” said Banks.

A great deal of her time this term has also been spent opposing ALTO while continuing to support better passenger rail.

On June 10, 2026, she was invited to speak at Parliament Hill with Pierre Poilievre, other federal MPs and representatives from Ontario and Quebec. She spoke about what the proposed corridor and fencing could mean for the farms, homes, businesses and rural communities of Rideau Lakes.

“I am running for mayor because the next council has some very large decisions to make,” said Banks. “My priorities are stopping ALTO, getting our staff a reasonable office, resolving the future of Lower Beverley Lake Park, keeping municipal taxes affordable and helping seniors age in place when that is their wish. Those are my priorities, but I also want to hear what other people believe the next council needs to address.”