Questions & Answers | Laura Ippolito for Bonnechere Valley

Question 1

What are you doing to gain businesses and maintain current business?

Accepted Answer

I believe attracting new businesses starts with supporting the ones already here. I would like to hear directly from local business owners about the challenges they face and where the municipality can help. 
We can also work to encourage investment in vacant commercial spaces, promote our community and local tourism, and ensure municipal processes are clear and welcoming for those looking to invest in Bonnechere Valley.
I don't think Council should decide what businesses our community needs without first listening to the people already doing business here. I would want those conversations to be an important part of developing any economic development strategy.

Question 2

Can you show me three things from your life experience why I should vote for you?

Accepted Answer

1. I’ve served our country. My service with the Canadian Armed Forces taught me that leadership means showing up with honesty and integrity, doing the work beyond what is simply black and white, being accountable, and putting service before self. Although I am now retired from the military, my commitment to service did not end with the uniform.

2. My background in law shaped how I approach difficult decisions. It taught me to look carefully at the facts, ask questions, consider different perspectives, make informed decisions, and advocate ethically — even when the answer isn't necessarily the easiest or most popular one.

3. I’ve seen what can be built through community. Taking on Eganville Community Soccer has shown me firsthand what can happen when neighbours, families, businesses, and volunteers come together. My involvement with St. James Parent Council and volunteering through 4-H has further strengthened my connections within our community and, importantly, helped me understand needs and perspectives beyond those of my own family.

But perhaps most importantly, I’m raising my family here. As a mom of seven, the decisions made in this community aren't abstract to me. They affect the place my children are growing up and the opportunities they will have in the future.

I didn't grow up in Bonnechere Valley. Bonnechere Valley is where we chose to call home and put down roots. I care deeply about protecting what makes it special while helping build a strong future for the families amd individuals who will call it home next.

Question 3

What do you value most in our community?

Accepted Answer

What I value most is the sense of community. People still know their neighbours, step up when someone needs help, volunteer their time, support local businesses, and come together for their kids and their community.

I also deeply value our rural character — the natural beauty, agricultural roots, small communities, and slower pace of life that make Bonnechere Valley feel like home.

Most of all, I value the people. Buildings and services matter, but it's the people who make a community worth protecting and investing in.

Question 4

How does the town plan on having more things for families so they don't have to go out of town to do things as a family?

Accepted Answer

As a parent, this is something I would really like to see improved. We have some great facilities and community programs already, but I think there is room for more affordable, year-round activities that families can enjoy together without having to leave Bonnechere Valley. I’d like to see us engage families directly about what they would actually use, while also looking at partnerships with local organizations, businesses and volunteers to make those opportunities realistic and sustainable.

Question 5

What is your plan for our youth? Right now we are all going elsewhere for sports and activities.

Accepted Answer

Investing in our youth is one of my priorities. We have some great programs and facilities, but I agree that too many families still have to travel outside our community for sports, activities and opportunities.

I would like to start by asking our youth what they actually want. One idea I would like to explore is a Youth Council or advisory group that gives young people a direct voice in our community. From there, I’d like to work with our existing clubs, schools, volunteers and local organizations to expand affordable recreation and programming right here in Bonnechere Valley.

We may not be able to offer everything locally, but I believe we can offer more — and our youth should have a voice in deciding what that looks like.

Question 6

Do you really care about this community?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I really do. We chose Bonnechere Valley as the place to put down roots, raise our children, and build our life. Over the years, it has become much more than where we live — it has become home.
My involvement in this community didn't begin with deciding to run for Council. I was already volunteering, working with local families, organizing soccer, supporting our schools, and getting involved wherever I felt I could be useful. Not because I have endless free time or something to prove, but because being part of a community means contributing to it. I care about this community, and I care about the people in it.
That is ultimately why I'm running. I want to continue giving back to the community that my family and I chose to call home.

Question 7

Why were the very expensive black street lamps put up ?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for raising this. I actually looked into the Water Street lights further after receiving your question. My understanding is that this was a community fundraising initiative, undertaken with Council's approval, with individual light sponsorships set at $3,000. The broader plan was also to develop the area as a “Volunteer Avenue” recognizing people who have contributed to our community.

I do think your question raises an important point about communication and transparency. Even when a project is funded through donations or sponsorships rather than primarily through tax dollars, residents should be able to easily understand what is being done, why it is being done, how it is funded, and what costs—if any—the municipality will be responsible for going forward.

Question 8

Do you represent all genders, without bias?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. If elected, my responsibility is to represent all residents of Bonnechere Valley fairly and respectfully, regardless of gender, age, income or tax bracket, family status, or any other personal characteristic. Everyone deserves to be heard, treated with respect, and represented without bias.

Question 9

What is holding us back from thriving as other communities do?

Accepted Answer

I don't think there is one thing holding Bonnechere Valley back, and I also don't believe we need to become like other communities in order to thrive.

Bonnechere Valley has good bones. We have incredible strengths here, but there are areas where we can do better — supporting and attracting local businesses, creating more opportunities for youth and families, revitalizing vacant properties, and making sure municipal services evolve with the needs of residents.
I think one of our biggest opportunities is making better use of what we already have while being willing to explore new ideas. Growth should be thoughtful and sustainable, without losing the rural character and sense of community that make Bonnechere Valley somewhere people want to live in the first place.

Question 10

How will you stand up to billionaires if they want to buy us out?

Accepted Answer

Money should never buy someone a louder voice at the Council table. Whether someone is a billionaire, a small business owner, a farmer, or a resident struggling to make ends meet, municipal decisions should be based on what is legal, responsible, and in the best interests of Bonnechere Valley as a whole.
I would expect any major development or investment proposal to follow the same rules, planning processes, and public scrutiny as anyone else. I would not support compromising the long-term interests or character of our community simply because someone has deep pockets.

At the end of the day, Bonnechere Valley is not for sale. I have no problem putting my foot down when necessary, regardless of how much money or influence is on the other side of the table. This is something I stand behind as a candidate, and a resident.

Question 11

Stop using ai, support a local graphic designer, or take the 2 minutes to do it yourself. It looks like you have poor integrity when you use it, that you dont support local or the environment or farmers. I have great concerns for these steamrolled data centers throughout Canada and councillors with no backbone to stand up to them and hiding deals from their constituents.

Accepted Answer

I appreciate you raising your concerns, but I do want to clarify one assumption. I have personally created my campaign materials and graphics and have spent a significant amount of time doing so — an embarrassing amount, if I'm being frank! They've all been created in Canva, sometimes with the help of my design-savvy teenager. No local graphic designer, or any graphic designer for that matter, has been passed over in favour of AI.
My campaign is entirely self funded so although it would be much easier to hire a local designer, that does not fall within my personal budget, so I'm hoping by the end of my campaign, it will take me only 2 minutes to do it myself.

That said, I don't think concerns about large-scale data centres, their environmental impacts, agricultural land, infrastructure demands, or agreements being made without adequate public transparency should be dismissed. Those are legitimate questions for residents to ask.

I believe significant development proposals should be approached with transparency, proper public consultation, and a clear understanding of both the benefits and the long-term costs to the community. I would not support hiding significant decisions from residents or simply approving something because a large corporation has the resources to pursue it.

I care deeply about our community and its natural environment, and that isn't something that began with my campaign. From maintaining extensive gardens of my own, to volunteering with 4-H and working directly alongside members of our farming community, to the countless hours I've spent exploring our local waterways on my paddleboard — often coming home with debris and garbage I've collected along the way — these are things that are genuinely part of my life.

I hope that throughout this campaign, and if elected, my integrity will ultimately be judged by my actions, my willingness to answer difficult questions, and how I represent this community, not by an assumption about how I made a graphic.

Question 12

What will you do to encourage growth and revitalization?

Accepted Answer

I believe growth and revitalization should build on what we already have, not change the character of our community. I’d like to see us focus on bringing vacant and underused properties back to life, supporting the businesses already here, attracting responsible new investment, and making municipal processes as clear and practical as possible for people who want to invest in our community.

I’d also like to explore what tools and incentives are actually available to encourage redevelopment, while promoting Bonnechere Valley as a place to live, visit, work and build a business.

Question 13

What would you do to revitalize our town? How would you work FOR our community? How would you keep taxes down?

Accepted Answer

Revitalization: I want to see us make better use of what we already have. That means finding practical ways to encourage vacant and deteriorating properties to be brought back into productive use, supporting our existing businesses, attracting responsible new investment, and continuing to improve the appearance and functionality of our community. Revitalization doesn't have to mean changing who we are.

Working FOR our community: For me, that starts with being accessible and actually listening. I won't always have the answer residents want, but I will ask questions, do my homework, explain my decisions, and remember that Council works for the people who live here — not the other way around.

Taxes: I won't make the unrealistic promise that taxes will never increase. Costs increase and municipalities have services and infrastructure they are responsible for maintaining. What I can promise is that I will treat taxpayer dollars as exactly that — your money. I will question spending, look for grants and partnerships, consider long-term costs rather than just the initial price tag, and expect a clear benefit to residents from the money we spend.

Keeping Bonnechere Valley affordable while still investing in what our community needs requires balance, and I think residents deserve councillors willing to have those difficult conversations.

Question 14

Everyone wants everything, but when their tax bill goes up they aren't happy. Spend money on making roads better. Programs cost alot and when 5 to 10 people show up to events how is that expense fair to all residents. Bonnechere  twp is to small to accommodate Everything every one wants.  When pembroke and renfew is a 20to 30 min drive away.
Also,most municipal offices keep hiring more and more staff - then they all do less work.

Accepted Answer

I think you raise an important point. We can't have a conversation about adding services and programs without also having a conversation about what they cost and who ultimately pays for them.

Bonnechere Valley is a small municipality with limited resources, and we simply can't provide everything larger centres can. I think Council needs to distinguish between what would be nice to have and what residents actually need, while prioritizing core responsibilities like roads and infrastructure.

That doesn't mean we shouldn't explore new programs or opportunities, but participation, cost, partnerships, grants and long-term sustainability all need to be considered. If we're spending significant taxpayer dollars on something that consistently serves very few residents, I think it's reasonable to ask whether that money could be better used elsewhere.

I feel similarly about staffing. I wouldn't assume that having more staff automatically means less work is being done, but I do believe every position funded by taxpayers should have a clear purpose and provide value to the municipality. Before adding positions, I would want to understand the workload, the need, and whether there are more efficient alternatives.

Ultimately, I don't think responsible leadership is about saying yes to everything. Sometimes it means saying “that's a great idea, but we can't justify the cost right now.” We have to live within our means while still planning for the future.

Question 15

What's your plan to fill vacant commercial uses?

Accepted Answer

Vacant commercial properties are one of the areas I would really like to focus on. Empty storefronts don't just affect the property owner — they affect the appearance, economic activity, and overall vitality of our community.
My approach would be to first understand why these spaces are sitting vacant. From there, I would like to better promote and potentially expand existing programs like our Community Improvement Plan, look at what other incentives or municipal tools could encourage owners to invest in their properties, and actively promote available commercial spaces to people looking to start or relocate a business.
I also think we need to work directly with property owners and our existing business community. The goal shouldn't simply be to fill a storefront — it should be to create conditions where a new business has a realistic chance of staying there.
We have buildings with potential. I'd rather see them given a second life than continue to sit empty.

Question 16

The office of the Township of Bonnechere Valley is very much overstaffed. Possibly alleviate some duties that could be completed on a part-time basis and shared by the County of Renfrew. The Provincial Government can legally reassign duties between tiers.

Accepted Answer

I think shared services are absolutely worth exploring where they make financial and operational sense. If certain responsibilities can be delivered effectively through the County, neighbouring municipalities, or through part-time/shared positions at a lower cost to taxpayers, I would be open to considering that.

That said, I wouldn't want to label the Township as overstaffed without first reviewing the actual workload, responsibilities, service levels and costs associated with each position. If elected, that's the kind of information I would want to understand before recommending either adding or eliminating positions.

My priority would be ensuring we have the right staffing for the services residents need, while continually looking for opportunities to operate more efficiently and collaborate with other levels of municipal government.

Question 17

What is one specific items that you feel council should address and change from our current council/standpoint?

Accepted Answer

One specific area I would like Council to address is how we deliver by-law enforcement. I have heard concerns and experienced my own concerns about accessibility, response times, and whether the current model is adequately meeting the needs of our residents.

I would like to see Council review the current arrangement and seriously explore alternatives, including whether sharing a dedicated officer with a neighbouring municipality or another service model could provide better and more consistent service without placing an unreasonable cost on taxpayers.

Question 18

Would you stand with residents if you have to vote against mayor or council when we need safety improved in a rural area?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I am not running for Council to simply agree with the Mayor or the other members of Council. I am running to represent the residents of Bonnechere Valley.

If residents raise a legitimate safety concern, particularly in our rural areas where access to services can already be challenging, I will listen, investigate the issue, ask the difficult questions, and advocate for practical solutions.

I hope to have a respectful and collaborative relationship with the Mayor and fellow councillors, but collaboration does not mean always agreeing. If the facts lead me to a different conclusion, I will have no problem voting differently and explaining publicly why I made that decision.

My vote will belong to the community I was elected to represent — not to the Mayor or any other member of Council.

Question 19

Is there a way to find out how many times the baseball field (fully enclosed one) was used for baseball games in the last five years?

Accepted Answer

I believe this is something the Recreation Department would be able to answer. As I am only a council candidate, I don't have direct access to that information. If elected, I would support ensuring information like this is available to residents so decisions about our recreational facilities can be based on accurate data.

Question 20

Why can’t we use the baseball field for dogs out of season?

Accepted Answer

That's a great question. I don't know the reason behind the current policy, so I wouldn't want to speculate. If elected, I'd be happy to ask staff why the baseball field isn't available for dog use during the off-season and whether there are liability, maintenance, or insurance considerations. If there aren't significant barriers, I think it's certainly a conversation worth having.

Question 21

What is the plan for the vacant large yellow building downtown Eganville?

Accepted Answer

At this point, I don't know if there is a formal plan for that building. As a council candidate, I don't have access to discussions that may be taking place behind the scenes or with the property owner.

The building is privately owned, making Council's role is generally limited unless the owner submits a development proposal or requests approvals. If elected, I'd certainly be interested in understanding whether there are opportunities to see that prominent downtown property put back into productive use, as vibrant downtown buildings benefit the whole community.

Question 22

Do you support undrip?

Accepted Answer

I support respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and the importance of reconciliation. My family is Mi'kmaq, so this is a topic I hold close to my heart.

As for UNDRIP, I believe it's important to understand how its principles apply within Canada's legal framework and the responsibilities of municipalities.

Municipal councils have limited authority in this area, as UNDRIP is primarily implemented through the federal and provincial governments. If elected, I would ensure that Bonnechere Valley fulfills its legal obligations, respects Indigenous rights, and works collaboratively with Indigenous communities where appropriate.

Question 23

I hope we will never allow data centres in our community.

Accepted Answer

That's an important statement. Based on what I know today, I have significant concerns about large-scale data centres in a rural municipality like Bonnechere Valley. They can require substantial power and infrastructure and may not align with our community's character or long-term priorities.

Question 24

Motivation for running?

Accepted Answer

My motivation for running is simple: I care deeply about the future of Bonnechere Valley.
After serving my country in the Canadian Armed Forces, service has remained an important part of who I am. I want to continue serving by helping ensure our community remains a safe, welcoming, and fiscally responsible place to live.

I believe good decisions start with listening. That's why I've been asking residents what they value, what challenges they face, and what they want Council to prioritize. My goal isn't change for the sake of change—it's to protect what makes Bonnechere Valley special while addressing the issues that matter most to our community, with transparency, respect, and common sense.

Any proposal would need to be evaluated on its specific merits, with careful consideration of environmental impacts, infrastructure demands, costs to taxpayers, and meaningful public consultation before any decision is made. Based on what I know today, this is not something I would support for our community.

Question 25

When will the focus shift from senior living and accommodations to families, youth, what we can provide and how to keep families living and coming here?

Accepted Answer

I think it's important that we support residents of all ages. Seniors are a valued part of our community and deserve our continued support, but we also need to ensure we're creating opportunities for families and young people to put down roots here.
As a mom of seven and someone who runs the Eganville Community Soccer program, I see firsthand the need for more opportunities for children, youth, and families. Whether it's recreation, community programming, volunteer opportunities, or creating an environment where young families want to stay and new families want to move here, I believe these should be priorities.

A healthy community isn't built by focusing on one generation—it's built by supporting every generation. I want to help make Bonnechere Valley a place where families can thrive while continuing to value and support our seniors.

Question 26

Do you actually think you can change anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do. I wouldn't be putting my name forward if I didn't believe I could make a difference.

I also understand that one councillor can't change everything, and meaningful change often takes time, collaboration, and the support of the rest of Council. But I believe a councillor's responsibility is to ask questions, listen to residents, bring forward ideas, challenge decisions when necessary, and advocate for the community.

I'm not running because I think I have all the answers. I'm running because I'm willing to listen, learn, speak up, and do the work. I believe one person can make a difference—and sometimes change starts simply with someone being willing to ask, "Why are we doing it this way?"

Question 27

Could we start a green bin program for organic waste?

Accepted Answer

I would absolutely be open to exploring a green bin program for organic waste.

I think reducing the amount of waste we send to landfill is a worthwhile goal, but any program we introduce also has to make sense for a rural municipality like Bonnechere Valley. I would want to understand the cost of collection and processing, how many residents would realistically participate, and whether there are opportunities to partner with neighbouring municipalities to make a program more affordable.

I’d also be interested in looking at alternatives or complementary options, such as encouraging and supporting backyard composting for residents who are able to do it.

It’s a great example of something I think is worth investigating: environmentally responsible, but with the costs and practical realities considered before committing taxpayers to a new service.

Question 28

How are you going to keep taxes down so people can afford to stay in there homes?

Accepted Answer

Keeping Bonnechere Valley affordable is extremely important to me. I don’t think it would be responsible for me to promise that taxes will never increase, especially as the cost of maintaining roads, infrastructure and essential services continues to rise. What I can promise is that I will treat taxpayers’ money with the same care I would expect someone to treat my own.  That means looking closely at spending before asking residents for more, prioritizing essential services and infrastructure, pursuing grants and other funding wherever possible, and looking for opportunities to share services or resources with neighbouring municipalities when it can save money without reducing service.
I also believe we need to look at the long-term picture. Growing our commercial tax base, bringing vacant properties back into productive use, and encouraging responsible development can help distribute the tax burden rather than continually asking existing homeowners to carry more of it.

For many residents, particularly seniors and families, even a modest increase matters. Every spending decision should come with the question: is this necessary, is there a more cost-effective way to accomplish it, and is the benefit worth what we are asking residents to pay?

Question 29

If you could action one niche during your time on council what do you want it to be?

Accepted Answer

If I could make meaningful progress in one specific area during my time on Council, it would be creating more opportunities for youth and young families in Bonnechere Valley.
We talk a lot about attracting families to rural communities, but attracting them is only part of the equation — we also need to give them reasons to stay.

I’d like to see us build stronger opportunities for recreation, youth involvement, volunteering and community connection, particularly for older children and teenagers. I’m especially interested in exploring a Youth Council or another way of giving young people a voice in their community and introducing them to municipal government.

This doesn’t necessarily mean creating expensive new programs or facilities. Sometimes it means making better use of what we already have, supporting the volunteers and organizations already doing the work, and finding partnerships that can bring opportunities here without placing the entire cost on taxpayers.

If, at the end of my term, more young people felt that Bonnechere Valley was a community they could participate in, contribute to, and eventually choose to build their own lives in, I would consider that a meaningful accomplishment.

Question 30

In what ways could we draw young families to our community? What programs/opportunities can we initiate for teens?

Accepted Answer

If we want to draw young families to Bonnechere Valley, we have to think beyond simply getting them here — we need to give them reasons to stay.
As a mom of seven and someone who runs a local youth sports program, this is an area I care deeply about. I see both how much our community already offers families and where some of the gaps are, particularly as children get older.

Affordable recreation, parks and outdoor spaces, community events, reliable municipal services, local businesses and employment opportunities all contribute to whether a community feels like a good place to raise a family. I also think revitalizing vacant buildings and supporting responsible residential and commercial growth can play a role in creating a more vibrant community for families without losing the rural character that makes Bonnechere Valley special.

For teens specifically, I would like to explore a Youth Council or advisory group that gives young people a genuine voice in their municipality. I’d also like to see more partnerships with existing organizations, businesses, service clubs and community groups to create volunteer opportunities, recreation, workshops, mentorship and community events geared toward teenagers.

We don't necessarily need the municipality to create and fund every program itself. Sometimes Council's role can be bringing people together, helping organizations access space or funding, promoting opportunities, and removing barriers for volunteers who are willing to make something happen.

If we want young people to eventually choose Bonnechere Valley as the place where they build their own lives, we need to make sure they feel like they are part of this community while they're growing up here.

Your questions, answered.

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