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FOR PERTH MAYOR
ISABEL ANNE MCRAE
For Mayor
Meet
ISABEL ANNE MCRAE
I have been actively involved in serving Perth through volunteer leadership, community organizations, local business initiatives, and public service. I am committed to listening, working collaboratively, and taking meaningful action to address the issues that matter most—from affordable housing and economic development to a regional multi-use recreation complex, day care, responsible growth, and preserving the unique character of our town.
My Platform
Over the past four years as an active member of both the Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce involved in both strategic plans, it has heightened my awareness of the importance of collaboration, advocacy, education and communication.
We have many factors impacting our budget including: a provincially-negotiated OPP contract, labour contracts, inflation and escalating costs, an ageing infrastructure and continual provincial downloading.
We need to strike an economic advisory working group that will develop initiatives that attract investments, drive new business, support retention and attract economic opportunities to Perth. As your Mayor, I would strike an Economic Advisory Working Group to develop initiatives that attract investments, drive new business, support retention, and attract economic opportunities to Perth. We need to build economic prosperity by hiring an Economic Development Officer to support these efforts and secure other revenue streams, like sponsorship, possibly a municipal accommodation tax, naming, filming, historical tours, event fees, etc. I will be a strong voice on County Council and intend to run for a position on the Rural Ontario Municipal Association and/or Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Knowledge and data-driven initiatives are critical to successful decision-making.
With the development of Caivan, Perthmore, and North of Highway 7 - there is an urgent need to develop a concrete action plan to deal with traffic flow, speed, parking and roadway repair under the auspices of Lanark County and our Municipal Master Transportation Plan, and Asset Management Plan. Much more money in our budget needs to be set aside to deal with these pressures. People in rural communities deserve public transit. Not everyone can drive or own a car or truck (which seemingly rule).
I would advocate for increasing transportation services with Lanark Transportation, similar to the award-winning model launched in 2025 in the Municipality of North Grenville.
The need for Child Care throughout the County continues to grow. Lanark County's Child Care and Early Years Service Plan 2024-2029 previously reported a shortfall of 1,300 licensed childcare spaces throughout the County.
To attract young families to our community, Perth will be required to take a deep dive into securing sustainable, seamless, safe and enriching childcare options for young families.
In the Town of Perth both our pool and arena need to be replaced. The Town of Perth, in partnership with Lanark Highlands, Tay Valley and Drummond/North Elmsley Townships are announcing the release of a Regional Recreation Centre Feasibility Study. This proposal will investigate community needs, look at possible locations, governance models, various recreational services, municipal partnerships, funding sources and long term sustainability.
Together through collaboration with our municipal partners, we can create a future vision to meet meaningful recreational services in all our communities. Once we receive this report, we will be in a better position to develop an action plan. Our Multi-use Recreational Complex might be a great place for a Day Care.
I will continue to advocate for regular meaningful recreational programming for isolated seniors. Let's keep seniors in their homes as long as possible.
Families in our community with children 0-5 years of age have also expressed the need for purposeful play based programs.
While attending County Council at the Community Service Committee meeting in May 2026, Social Services Director, Emily Hollington stated homelessness in Lanark County has increased from 57 in January 2025 to 112 in January 2026.
The county will be applying for the Homeless Reduction Innovation Fund. The County has approved nearly 2.5 million for homeless prevention.
If elected Mayor, I will sit on County Council and hopefully sit on the Community Services Committee. I have some concrete suggestions on how to support the reduction in homeless people in our communities.
Having just recently joined the Perth Climate Change Advisory Panel it has become apparent how we must view and base decisions through a climate change lens. We need to continue to work with both Climate Network Lanark and the Lanark County Climate Action Work Group.
We must promote greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy, solar-ready rooftops, EV- charging stations, heat pumps, composting, recycling, Better Homes Lanark, etc. The Climate Change Advisory Panel will continue to promote educational programs like Trashure and Greening Events, Re-Use Centres, etc. and programs to engage children and youth.
As a proud member of Volunteer Lanark's Steering Committee and a dedicated volunteer, I am thrilled to affirm this organization's profound influence on our community. Many thanks to Anthony Valenti and his tireless efforts, and determination to spearhead this endeavour.
Perth continues to foster a culture rich in Volunteerism & Community Service and I will focus on the development of a Volunteer Service Data Bank specifically for Perth.
The Experience to
Lead
Lanark County is more than the place I call home—it's a community I have proudly served. Through my work in recreation, volunteer leadership, community development, local business advocacy, and municipal governance, I have built a reputation for bringing people together, finding practical solutions, and turning ideas into action.
As your Mayor, I will provide strong, collaborative leadership focused on responsible growth, affordable housing, economic development, recreation, volunteerism, and preserving the character that makes Perth such a special place to live, work, and visit. I believe the best results come from listening, working together, and putting the needs of our community first. With experience, dedication, and a proven record of service, I am ready to help lead Perth into its next chapter.
Below are some of the organizations I have been involved and engaged in working with over the past five years:
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Get in Touch!
Whether you'd like a lawn sign, attend an event, or simply stay informed, I'd love to hear from you.
Please fill out the form or contact me at: isabelannemcrae@gmail.com