Steve Weir launches Rideau Lakes mayoral campaign
Longtime Rideau Lakes resident Steve Weir is running for mayor in the 2026 municipal election, saying the township needs respectful leadership, a council that can work together and a clearer long-term plan for its finances, infrastructure and future growth.
Weir, 59, has lived in Rideau Lakes for more than 50 years. He grew up in Chantry and now lives with his family near Newboro.
He said he would bring a different kind of experience to the mayor’s role, developed through more than three decades of work in public service, tourism, conservation, management and regional economic development. Weir has not previously held elected office or served on municipal council.
“I know there will be things to learn, as there are for every new member of council,” Weir said. “I also know how to listen, work with people who have different perspectives and build partnerships around shared goals. Those are skills I would bring to the mayor’s office.”
Weir said Rideau Lakes is at an important point in its development.
One of his priorities would be restoring respectful, professional governance at the council table.
“Residents deserve a council that can debate difficult issues, make decisions and move forward professionally,” Weir said. “Disagreement is part of democracy, but personal conflict should not prevent council from doing the work residents elected it to do.”
Weir said he is seeking the mayor’s position to help set the tone at the council table, encourage productive debate and keep council focused on decisions that serve the entire township.
“The mayor’s job is to bring people together, listen to different perspectives and help council remain focused on the work that needs to be done,” he said.
His campaign will centre on respectful and effective governance; responsible financial and infrastructure planning; and sustainable growth that protects the township’s rural communities, agricultural lands, waterways and natural environment.
“My goal is not to change Rideau Lakes into something it isn’t,” Weir said. “My goal is to make sure Rideau Lakes is prepared for what comes next.”
Weir brings more than three decades of experience in public service, tourism, marketing, conservation and regional economic development.
He spent 25 years with Parks Canada in positions that included lock operator, maintenance foreman, resource conservation permitting officer and visitor services manager at Thousand Islands National Park. He later worked as marketing co-ordinator and promotions officer for Parks Canada’s Eastern Ontario Field Unit.
In 2007, Weir served as a Canadian delegate when the Rideau Canal was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
He later spent five years as tourism manager for the City of Brockville. He currently works as senior marketing manager for Regional Tourism Organization 9, promoting South Eastern Ontario.
Weir said his work has involved collaborating with municipalities, businesses, tourism operators, community organizations and different levels of government throughout Eastern Ontario.
That experience has also shaped his approach to the relationship between council and municipal staff.
“Council’s responsibility is to establish direction, priorities and policy and to hold the municipality accountable,” Weir said. “Municipal staff are professionals with expertise in their respective fields. Good leadership means providing clear direction, listening to their advice and allowing them to do the jobs they were hired to do.”
During the campaign, Weir plans to meet with residents, farmers, business owners, community organizations and volunteers across Rideau Lakes. More detailed positions on municipal finances, infrastructure, economic development, services and governance will be released as the campaign progresses.
“A mayor represents everyone, not only the people who voted for them or those who agree with them,” Weir said. “I want to listen to residents across Rideau Lakes, earn their confidence and provide the steady, respectful leadership our township needs.”
To learn more about Weir’s platform, priorities and positions on issues facing Rideau Lakes, visit weirformayor.ca. Find him on Facebook and Instagram.
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