Gerald Tracey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Eganville Leader

Killaloe – Dave Mayville has officially announced he will seek a second term as mayor of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards Township in October stating that while significant progress has been made over the last three years, there is still important work ahead.

“The decision ultimately came down to one simple point: the work is not finished,” he said.

A first-time mayor who stepped into the role following more than three decades of previous leadership, Mayor Mayville framed his re-election campaign around the themes of modernization, financial accountability and long-term sustainability.

He plans to officially file his nomination papers on May 22, as it marks the 50th anniversary for he and his wife, Maria.

“That makes the decision especially meaningful to our family,” he said. “The decision followed a great deal of reflection and discussion with both my family, the community, and my campaign team.

“Serving this community continues to be one of the greatest honours of my life. I have always respected the residents and ratepayers who contact me with ideas, concerns, and questions. People know they can reach out to me and receive a response.”

From the beginning, he said, his goal was to help move the municipality forward.

“We’ve made progress, but there is still important work ahead,” he said. “This municipality needs stronger financial planning, clearer governance, better transparency, and a long-term approach to growth, infrastructure, reserves, and water and wastewater sustainability.”

He said these issues matter to residents because they have called, emailed and stopped him in public to discuss them. 

Mayor Mayville said his first term brought significant change and important opportunities to modernize how the municipality operates.

He said stepping into the role as a first-time mayor after more than 30 years under one mayor required a fresh approach and a strong focus on moving the municipality forward. 

“At the same time, the municipality was welcoming new leadership and new perspectives at both the administrative and council levels,” he said.

He said his focus was on addressing long-standing issues and building a stronger foundation for the future which included improving financial planning, strengthening property standards, increasing transparency at meetings, and encouraging greater public engagement in municipal decision-making.

Some of the accomplishments by this current council include:

· initiating a comprehensive wage review process for municipal employees for the first time in about 25 years, and completing the Provincial Comprehensive Zoning By-law process, a major provincial requirement that had been underway for years.

Over the past three years, he said residents have seen his commitment to improving how the municipality operates through accountable and transparent governance, noting that work hasn’t always been easy, but was necessary.

He said his term has also included important discussions about governance, transparency, and the implementation of Ontario’s Strong Mayor framework — conversations that are helping define how the municipality moves forward under changing provincial legislation.

“The role of mayor is clearly defined in provincial legislation,” he remarked. “As head of council under the Municipal Act, 2001, I take that responsibility seriously because residents expect their municipality to operate fairly, responsibly, and within the law.

“The role also includes an oversight and Chief Executive Officer function under the Municipal Act — supporting good governance, ensuring the administration operates within the framework established by council and provincial legislation, representing the municipality, and helping set long-term direction.”

He said this is not about managing day-to-day operations or directing staff outside the authority provided by legislation, but rather about leadership, accountability, oversight, and ensuring the municipality operates responsibly and transparently.

“Being the mayor means listening, making decisions, and being accountable for the outcome,” he said. “That’s the approach I’ve taken and will continue to take moving forward. I point to a record residents can measure:

• Working      to bring responsible budgets forward focused on disciplined spending,      protecting reserves, and keeping tax increases under control. 
• Infrastructure      planning based on real needs, not short-term priorities.
• Ongoing      efforts to improve transparency and public access to information 
• Consistent      focus on grounding decisions in the Municipal Act. 

“Those challenges created opportunities to strengthen governance, improve consistency, and build a stronger municipality for the future,” he said.

The Path Ahead

Looking toward a potential second term, Mayor Mayville’s platform focuses on managing the township’s $7 million budget with a disciplined, long-term approach, ensuring that long-term growth and development continue to strengthen the tax base and support municipal sustainability.

His priorities include:

• Strengthening multi-year financial      planning and protecting reserves.
• Prioritizing infrastructure based on real      needs rather than short-term fixes.
• Ensuring the sustainability of water and      wastewater systems.
• Growing the tax base through responsible      development.

Experience matters when it is paired with leadership, decision-making, and measurable results, Mayor Mayville said.

“The role of mayor requires leadership, accountability, and the ability to make responsible long-term decisions that bring people together and move the municipality forward,” he stated. “Residents have an opportunity to choose continued progress, accountability, responsible planning, and leadership focused on long-term results.”

He said he has learned a great deal over the past three plus years, adding experience matters, but so does the willingness to adapt, listen, and continue building a stronger municipality.

The community has been home to his family for many years, and he cares deeply about protecting what makes the area special while making sure the municipality remains financially stable and sustainable for future generations.

“I’m running again because I believe this municipality deserves steady leadership, responsible decision-making, and a clear focus on long-term results,” he said. “I believe this municipality has enormous potential. We are a community with strong people, strong values, and an outstanding quality of life. With responsible leadership and long-term planning, we can protect what residents value while continuing to build a stronger future for families, businesses, seniors, and the next generation.”

At the county level, Mayor Mayville serves as vice chair of the Renfrew County Corporate Services Committee, responsible for finance and corporate oversight.

“I was selected for this role by the warden based on my track record in responsible budgeting and financial oversight,” he said. “That role reflects trust and brings a broader perspective that directly benefits our municipality.

His role at county includes regular participation in two meetings each month, along with ongoing committee responsibilities. 

“I represent Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards while contributing to decisions that impact the broader region and balancing local priorities with a wider perspective,” he said. “That broader view matters when making decisions that affect our community long-term.”

Two members of the current council announced in recent weeks their intentions to seek the position. First term councillor, Bil Smith was the first out of the gate followed by long-time councillor, Brian Pecoskie.

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