10/16/2026
Sorry this is long, but these candidates have given us some additional information.
David Sharpe Received 10/10/2026
Question 1 — Short-Term Rentals
I believe short-term rentals are an important part of HBM's economy. We see visitors here in both the summer and winter. They support our restaurants, stores and other local businesses. I've also seen people who first visited HBM as renters eventually purchase property here.
At the same time, I understand the concerns of neighboring property owners. People have a right to enjoy their property without excessive noise, disturbances or other by-law violations.
I've previously said that I would support exploring a simple STR registration system. This would give our by-law officer a record of where short-term rentals are operating, along with contact information for the owner or a local representative when problems arise.
It would also allow HBM to properly track complaints and identify properties where there are recurring problems.
I don't believe the Township needs to introduce additional occupancy limits or mandatory safety inspections specifically for short-term rentals. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their buildings and septic systems comply with applicable requirements, whether they're renting their property or using it themselves.
If existing building, septic, fire or municipal by-laws are being violated, those concerns should be addressed through the appropriate enforcement process.
Before introducing additional regulations, I believe we should make better use of our existing by-laws and penalties and ensure they're being enforced.
My goal is to protect the rights of residents while recognizing the important contribution responsible short-term rentals make to HBM's year-round economy.
Question 2 — Shoreline Preservation
I strongly support protecting the health of HBM's lakes, rivers and natural shorelines. At the same time, I believe strongly in private property rights. I don't believe we have to sacrifice one to achieve the other.
I'm not in favor of introducing a tree-cutting by-law in HBM. I believe property owners should have the right to manage their own properties responsibly.
My preference has always been to start with education, partnerships and incentives rather than introducing more regulations.
I'd like HBM to explore programs such as Watersheds Canada's Natural Edge program, which helps waterfront property owners restore natural shorelines using native plants. I also believe our lake associations can play an important role in educating property owners about the benefits of maintaining healthy shorelines.
I recognize the concerns about significant changes to land grading, increased runoff and excavation materials being deposited into our lakes. These are serious matters that deserve attention.
It's important to recognize that the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority already has jurisdiction over certain activities involving shoreline development, grading and filling within regulated areas. If existing environmental regulations or municipal by-laws are being violated, I believe they should be enforced.
With Crowe Valley scheduled to amalgamate with other conservation authorities in 2027, I also think we need to pay close attention to how these changes will affect HBM. We need to maintain a strong working relationship with the new regional conservation authority and ensure that the concerns of our local property owners and lake associations continue to be heard.
Before introducing additional municipal regulations, I'd want to understand what protections already exist, how effectively they're being enforced and whether there are gaps that need addressing.
For me, protecting our environment and respecting private property rights are both important. I believe we can maintain healthy lakes and shorelines while allowing people to reasonably enjoy and manage their own properties.
Question 3 — Municipal Spending and Property Taxes
I understand why waterfront property owners are concerned about rising property taxes, particularly when they pay privately for services such as drinking water, septic systems and the maintenance of private roads.
I believe every taxpayer in HBM deserves good value for their tax dollars, whether they live in the village, in our rural communities or along our lakes.
Responsible taxation is one of my six priorities. I believe the Council needs to look carefully at where our money is being spent and whether we're getting good value for the services we provide.
One area I'd like to examine is our municipal contracts and outside services. I would ask our CAO to bring Council a review of significant contracted services, particularly contracts costing more than $100,000 annually, to determine whether we're receiving good value and whether there are opportunities to reduce costs without compromising essential services.
I'd also like to see HBM do more benchmarking against comparable municipalities. Looking at what neighboring municipalities pay for similar services can help us identify areas where we may be able to operate more efficiently.
I believe we should also be looking for opportunities to share services and equipment with neighboring municipalities rather than automatically duplicating them.
Waterfront property owners contribute significantly to HBM's tax base, and they deserve to have a meaningful voice in how those tax dollars are spent.
When we're developing our Strategic Plan, updating our Economic Development and Tourism Strategy or establishing municipal committees, I want to make sure waterfront and seasonal residents have an opportunity to participate.
For me, responsible taxation means making informed decisions, controlling costs wherever possible and putting taxpayers first.
I want residents to have confidence that the Council is spending their money carefully and delivering good value for the taxes they pay.
Question 3(a) — Old Town Hall Restoration
I don't support introducing a special tax on Village Ward residents to pay for the Old Town Hall.
Although the building is located in the village, it's a community facility enjoyed by residents throughout Havelock-Belmont-Methuen. I don't believe the responsibility for maintaining it should fall solely on village taxpayers.
I also believe it's important that the Council follows the direction established in HBM's Strategic Plan and Asset Management Plan.
Our Strategic Plan helps establish our community's priorities, while our Asset Management Plan helps us understand the condition of municipal infrastructure, plan for maintenance and repairs, and manage the costs of looking after the facilities we already own.
The Old Town Hall reopened in March 2026 following repairs. I recognize that the October 2025 report identified significant additional restoration costs, and I believe any further work should be evaluated carefully against our other municipal priorities and available funding.
This also brings me back to something I've mentioned in my previous answers: waterfront property owners need to have a seat at the table when HBM establishes its priorities.
I would encourage the HBMLA and our other lake associations to become more involved in the strategic planning process. Their knowledge and perspective are valuable, and I want residents from every part of HBM to have an opportunity to help shape the direction of our municipality.
For me, responsible spending means following our plans, involving residents in setting priorities and making sure we're getting good value for taxpayers' money.
Bill Seabrook Received 10/12/2026
#1. STR
I understand that the lack of a dedicated municipal policy for STR raises important questions about how these properties should be managed and how concerns from neighbouring residents can be addressed.
If elected to Council I would support a thorough review of this issue including input from Lake Associations, permanent residents, seasonal property owners and STR operators.
I believe cottage owners should have the ability to rent their properties if they choose to do so. For some owners rental income may be an important way to help cover the cost of maintaining and keeping their property. However with that ability comes responsibility. Owners should carefully screen potential renters and make sure they understand the expectations around noise, garbage, occupancy limits and respect for neighbouring properties.
Input and experiences of Lake Association members would be valuable in assessing what measures may be needed and how the Township could move this forward whether it be with a registration or licensing system. The approach would need to be practical, fair and enforceable.
#2. Shoreline Preservation
I agree that public awareness is important but is not enough when activities can cause significant environmental damage. If elected to Council I would definitely support Shoreline Preservation by-laws with consequences for non-compliance. I would ask council to work with Kawartha Conservation, Lake Associations and Peterborough County to develop a Township wide lake protection strategy protecting the lakes while respecting property owners and responsible development. I would propose that council develop clear rules requiring the retention of healthy mature trees and natural vegetation within the shoreline setback and shoreline alteration. Property owners should remain responsible for work that is carried out on their property done by them or anyone else.
You should be able to enjoy and improve your waterfront property but we also have a responsibility to make sure today's decisions don't damage the lake that belongs to the whole community.
#3. Property Taxes
Waterfront property owners are an important part of our township. They make a significant contribution to the residential tax base. I recognise that they have some different needs and expectations from municipal government than town and rural residents.
I would not support imposing a special tax on village property owners to fund a renovation of this magnitude. While I appreciate the historical significance of the old Town Hall an estimated repair cost of $1,974,692.02 is a substantial investment and I believe we must carefully consider whether that investment is reasonable and provides the best value for taxpayers.
The old Town Hall is a building that could potentially be enjoyed by residents throughout the township so I believe the financial responsibility should not be placed solely on village property owners. At the same time I question whether investing this amount of money in an aging building is the most practical use of public funds. In my view the building may have served it purpose and we need be realistic about the cost of maintaining it.
Beverly Flagler Received 10/13/2026
1. Currently we have very few issues with short term rentals.
2. It is extremely important to preserve our shore lines, so Yes, I would support Shoreline Preservation.
3. To ensure every department is accountable for their spending.
The town hall repairs are needed for all our Committee’s and volunteer groups. The Town Hall is for all residents including seasonal.
Hart Webb Received 10/13/2026
1. STR's - While we don't have any bylaws currently that regulate the usage around STR's it is an issue that the township has discussed in recent years. Looking into the future I am almost certain you will see some sort of regulation around STR's. What that regulation looks in terms of monitoring and enforcement is something that will need to be decided. Rental capacity restrictions would be near, if not at the top of the list of regulations that could be introduced. Currently, our by-law officer deals with any complaints around STR's.
2. Shoreline Preservation - As a fellow cottager, I definitely support shoreline preservation. While many of these issues are regulated through Crowe Valley Conservation Authority, our building department has been examining strengthening our municipal by-laws around shoreline preservation and proper drainage.
3. Spending - While we are always looking for ways to cut municipal spending, it is getting harder to find efficiencies as we move forward. We have tried to monitor this closely and have maintained a low tax rate for our residents, especially when compared to neighboring municipalities. Policing currently accounts for 17% of the HBM budget which is something that we have tried to make the OPP and the provincial government aware is unsustainable moving forward. At this date, I don't think that we need to area-rate the village for expenses to the town hall. I don't want to get into a tit-for-tat situation where we start to area-rate everything in the municipality. I understand cottagers would like more for their tax dollars but I feel there are better ways to achieve it such as through grant programs and examining expanding services to lakefront owners.
From Paul Wood Received 10/14/2026
1. Short Term Rentals STR;
Short term rentals, whether they be private or Air B and B controlled, should conform to existing Bylaws. If existing bylaws are not adequate, then stricter bylaws need to be put in place and enforced. A stand a lone licensing program should be considered.
Current bylaws in place include:
Noise bylaw (2025-056)
Clean yards and property standards (2024-025 and 2024-026)
Parking regulations (2024-033)
In order to strictly enforce these by-laws, there may be a need to increase our number of bylaw officers and equip them with better tools.
Other property owners should not have to deal with noise, parking, fire safety, garbage dumping, septic and occupancy limits.
Everyone should be able to enjoy their property without dealing with these issues.
I would Look into the adoption of a Municipal Accommodation Tax(MAT) which the province permits to offset tourism initiatives . Over 70 municipalities have enacted this tax.
The tax ranges between 4 and 6 Percent. The rate is set by the municipality. We could contact municipalities such as City of Peterborough and Kawartha lakes to get their feedback as they presently have this in place.
Let's determine if this is a good fit for HBM
In this system the renter pays the provider or platform and they in turn submit the funds to the municipality. It is permitted by the municipality to use part of this tax to improve by-law enforcement, infrastructure projects like roads and waste handling.
We should also consider:
Mandatory on-call Property Managers
Mandatory Licensing to operate
Demerit point system
Use of AMPs (Administrative Monetary Penalties) program.
Other municipalities such as Trent Lakes and Kawartha Lakes have put in place a stand alone licensing program. I would research this idea and determine if is viable for HBM.
2. Shoreline Preservation.
a) After inspection of the Property to confirm a violation, yes I would support Shoreline Preservation By-laws
b) If an inspection of a qualified expert is preformed and it is found the property owner is in violation then yes I would support this type of By-law.
3.Property taxes
The water front owners do pay a larger amount in taxes if you look at the bottom line. The tax rate is the same or lower than the village. The reason for the bottom line being higher is the property assessment from MPAC. The council has no control over how MPAC conducts their assessments.
The village home owners pay an extra tax to cover street lights, garbage pick up, snow removal etc.
Where are there areas where municipal spending could be improved or reduced?
Shared resources with other municipalities
Provide tax assistance or structural grants to property owners along Highway 7. Create more opportunities for residential development thus more tax revenue.
Create more business growth.
Monthly Project Monitoring.
Prioritize infill over Expansion.
3a, Town Hall
I don’t perceive the Old Town Hall building as a Village only asset. The facility is available for all residences of HBM to use. I would not be in favor of a special tax to cover renovations.
