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Election Information
Kenora Residents
The upcoming Municipal and School Board Election is an opportunity to help shape our community's future.
Learn about getting on the Voters' List, voting by phone or online, options for voting while away during the election period, and see the official candidate list.
Make sure you are on the Voters' List. Visit our Voters page to learn more.
Voting opens October 13. Don't miss your chance to have your say!
Learn about the candidates running in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections by reviewing their profiles.
Candidates are given the opportunity to provide a profile that shares their background and platform allowing you to make informed choices. The profile content is presented as submitted from the candidate, ensuring you have accurate and authentic information about each candidate.
Robert (Bob) Bernie has lived in Kenora for over 38 years. He came to Kenora in 1984 to work at the Kenora Jail, later joining the Kenora Police Service in 2000, and patched over to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 2009, when the two police forces amalgamated. Mr. Bernie received the OPP Accolade Award as Officer of the Year in 2011 for his role in adopting the Mobilization and Engagement Model of Community Policing into the community. This term will be his first on Council.
Mr. Bernie was born in Fort Frances and later moved to Rainy River and went to high school there. His father worked on the pipeline in Kenora and the surrounding area. When he was young, our family would spend the summer months staying in tourist camps to be with him. Kenora was always the most vibrant and exciting community, and he'll always have fond memories of those days.
Mr. Bernier returned to Kenora in 1985 to work at the Kenora Jail and made it his home. He became a police officer in 2000 when the Kenora Police Service (KPS) hired him. He worked extensively with the public and served as the Community Services Officer with the KPS. The Kenora Police Service amalgamated with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 2009, and he worked as the Community Mobilization Officer (CMO) from 2010 until he retired from full-time policing in 2020. Until recently, he worked on a casual, part-time policing contract with the OPP post-retirement. He had the unique opportunity as CMO working with community partners on a wide range of projects, including the Kenora Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, the Kenora Substance Abuse and Mental Health Task Force, the Kenora Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, Drug Treatment Court, and the RISK Table (situation table), as well as many other important initiatives. He believes this work has been informative and will enable him to work effectively as a member of council.
Mr. Bernie's wife, Tracey, is from Kenora and has worked as an English teacher for the Kenora Catholic School Board her entire career. They have two children, Emily and Jack. Emily is a speech pathologist at the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre and resides in Thunder Bay. Jack is attending school and pursuing an education degree in Kelowna, BC. He is also playing collegiate hockey there.
He says Kenora has been very good to him and his family. He considers it "the jewel of lake of the woods". He is committed to helping this community achieve its full potential.
Some of the skills I possess but not limited to are;
Knowledgeable of local issues
relentless
strong communication skills
team player
ability to make tough decisions
resilience
a strong voice
confident
integrity
strong values
Some of my priorities will be to make our City a Safer Community by working with the Police and other Health Care Service providers to get the costs to a more manageable level. I will strive to ensure that all infrastructure is maintained properly. My vision is to entice developers to come and set up and establish large new manufacturing plants and small business ventures here, New developers will help rebuild our LOST tax base we had prior to the Paper Mill and Saw Mills closing up shop.
I am hoping and will strongly advocate for more transparency with City Council decisions when practical, keeping my constituents informed as much as possible.
I will work collaboratively with the Mayor, fellow Councillors and City Staff to yield the best results for our future as your voice on Council.
For 29 years, my wife, Marion, and I have been proud to call Kenora home.
When we first came to Kenora, I was drawn here not only by the opportunity to work in the forestry industry, but also by the natural beauty and lifestyle that make this community special. The freshwater fishing and boating on Lake of the Woods, the beaches, outdoor recreation, local festivals and culture, the character of our community, and the welcoming spirit of its people all made Kenora a place where Marion and I wanted to settle and build our lives.
After more than 47 years in the forestry industry, including 20 years as manager of Kenora Forest Products, I have seen firsthand both the opportunities and challenges facing our region.
I managed Kenora Forest Products through some very difficult years, including the 2008 economic downturn, when the mill was forced into a multi-year shutdown and 105 people lost their jobs. In 2015, I worked directly with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and local First Nations leaders to secure Crown timber agreements that helped us modernize and restart the mill. Those experiences taught me that creating jobs and investment takes persistence, practical thinking, and a willingness to work with government, industry, and First Nations communities to find solutions.
I have also served as a Kenora City Councillor and represented Kenora—Rainy River as the Progressive Conservative candidate in the 2011 provincial election. Today, I remain involved in local business through my company, McKay Enterprises. I have also pursued innovative environmental solutions through Sc-Wrap Environmental Services, a company I started to develop an innovative way to recycle plastic wrap.
Why Kenora matters to me
Kenora still has so many of the qualities that attracted Marion and I here 29 years ago. We have an incredible natural environment, a strong outdoor lifestyle, a proud history, local businesses, dedicated community organizations, and people who care deeply about this city.
But I also believe we need to be honest about some of the challenges we face.
Issues involving homelessness, addiction, mental health, downtown safety, cleanliness, and the overall appearance of our community are affecting how residents experience Kenora and how visitors see us. These issues are tarnishing some of the qualities that make our city such a desirable place to live and visit. I don't believe we should simply accept these challenges as the new normal. They need to be addressed with practical solutions, cooperation, and accountability.
My focus for Kenora
I believe Kenora needs to focus on growing its economy and its tax base. We need to be serious about attracting industry, larger businesses, and investment while making it easier for businesses to start, expand, and operate here.
That means looking honestly at municipal processes, permits, licences, and other barriers that can discourage development. A stronger tax base can create more opportunities for jobs and investment while helping reduce pressure on existing taxpayers.
I also believe we need to take a practical approach to managing the city. Municipal government is a large organization and should be managed with clear objectives, sound financial principles, and accountability. Council and the Mayor need to work together as a cohesive team, with a clear plan for the four-year term and decisions based on facts, responsible financial management, and the long-term interests of the community.
A safer, cleaner downtown
Our downtown should be a place where residents feel comfortable, safe and visitors want to spend time. I want to see continued work on cleanliness, community safety, and the appearance of our downtown, while recognizing that homelessness, addiction, and mental-health challenges require more than municipal enforcement.
Kenora needs to work closely with First Nations leadership, including the Chief’s Advisory, as well as provincial and federal partners, to develop practical solutions. That should include exploring permanent treatment, recovery, and mental-health facilities so people can access the help and support they need. Reducing the demand for policing services also means addressing some of the underlying issues that generate repeated calls for service. By working to reduce these underlying issues, we can also work toward reducing the demand for policing and associated costs.
Growing tourism and Kenora's lifestyle
Kenora's natural environment is one of our greatest assets. Fishing, boating, camping, beaches, festivals, and four-season recreation are all part of the lifestyle that attracted Marion and I here. I want to see us build on those strengths by growing tourism, supporting summer and winter events, encouraging the growth of new and existing businesses, and making our community more welcoming to visitors.
We should be proud to invite people into a clean, safe, and vibrant Kenora.
Working with other levels of government
Not every issue facing Kenora is a municipal responsibility, and local taxpayers should not automatically be expected to carry those costs.
I believe we need to advocate strongly with provincial and federal governments for their share of responsibility, particularly when it comes to infrastructure replacement, mental-health services, housing, and other areas that extend beyond municipal jurisdiction.
Respecting Our Seniors and Taxpayers
Kenora needs to remain a community where people can afford to live, work, and retire safely. Every tax dollar matters. City Council has a responsibility to be transparent about how money is spent and to ensure that municipal programs, staffing, and processes are providing value.
That includes a meaningful review of City positions and responsibilities to ensure that every role contributes effectively to the delivery of municipal services.
Why I am involved
My working life has been about solving problems, managing through difficult circumstances, creating opportunities, and finding ways to keep people working.
After 29 years of calling Kenora home, I care deeply about what happens here. I know what makes this community special because Marion and I chose it as our home.
I also know that the issues tarnishing Kenora's image will not fix themselves. They require leadership, cooperation, sound management, and a willingness to make difficult decisions.
I want to bring my experience in business, industry, and municipal government to the table and focus on the fundamentals: economic opportunity, responsible financial management, community safety, infrastructure, tourism, and a strong quality of life.
Kenora has tremendous strengths. I believe our job is to protect what makes this community special, address the challenges that are holding us back, and work toward restoring economic prosperity and community pride.
Born and raised in Kenora, I spent 20 years in Calgary and four years in Montreal before returning home more than 20 years ago. Coming back to Kenora has given me the opportunity to reconnect with the community that shaped me and to contribute to its future.
Over the years, I've watched Kenora grow and evolve. We've seen many positive changes and opportunities for growth, but we also face significant challenges. Like communities across Canada, we are working to address issues such as community safety, crime, addiction, housing, and economic development. While these challenges are not unique, the solutions must reflect the needs of our community, informed by ideas and successes from other municipalities.
After graduating from the University of Manitoba, I began my career as a Engineer with the City of Calgary Electric System (now ENMAX Corporation). In that role, I managed engineering projects, led teams, and contributed to city-wide initiatives involving Council, senior administration, and community stakeholders. This experience gave me valuable insight into how municipalities operate and how thoughtful planning and collaboration lead to better outcomes.
I later transitioned into the investment industry with Richardson Greenshields and BMO Nesbitt Burns before founding Cliff Lake Capital Ltd. Through my work in business development, investor relations, government relations, and strategic planning, I have built strong relationships and gained extensive experience helping organizations grow and succeed. Today, I continue this work through Cliff Lake Entrepreneur Advisors.
Community service has always been an important part of my life. Since returning to Kenora, I have served as President of the Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce and continue to serve on its Board of Directors. These experiences have given me firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing local businesses and reinforced the importance of economic growth, community safety, and a vibrant local economy.
I am also a Past President and active member of the Rotary Club of Kenora, an organization that has made a lasting difference in our community through service and volunteerism. In addition, I serve on the Board of the Kenora Hospitality Alliance, where we advocate for a strong tourism and hospitality sector that supports local businesses and showcases everything Kenora has to offer.
I believe my experience in municipal operations, engineering, business, economic development, and community leadership has prepared me to make a meaningful contribution to City Council. I am committed to listening, working collaboratively, and making thoughtful, informed decisions that strengthen our community and help build a safer, more prosperous Kenora.
If elected, I will serve with integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the people of Kenora. I will work hard every day to earn your trust and to help build a stronger future for our community.
I have lived in Kenora all of my life. I have raised my family here and have had the blessing that they too want to raise their family in Kenora. I have two sons, a great daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
I have spent 25 years serving on the Keewatin Patricia District School Board (KPDSB). I have worked on government committees on Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA). I have sat as vice-chair for 15 years and chair of the KPDSB for 8 years.
My three pillars that I believe in are:
Community safety
Building a stronger community
Being accountable an accessible to the people of Kenora
Being a team player is the key driver in bringing the voice of the community to the table.
I have been a year-round resident of Kenora for 27 years, and a seasonal resident for a lifetime. I grew up on Lake of the Woods and have been a property owner on Coney Island for over 35 years. My family arrived in Kenora in the early 1900's. Through numerous generations we have contributed in many ways. My family roots include a community founder, railroader, Geologist, QC lawyer, Museum board chair, business owners, teachers, nurses and administrators. We have service in our DNA.
This is the foundation of why I am running for Council. I have contributed to several organizations throughout my career in several industries and volunteer organizations. I have been a member of the Lake of the Woods Investment Corporation (LOWBIC) Board of Directors and Timmins Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. I volunteered as an executive member of Professional Engineers Ontario, Lake of the Woods Chapter and as a result was named a Fellow of Engineers Canada.
I was appointed to the Lake of the Woods Control Board as a director and served for two terms. I contributed to the Common Ground Initiative resulting in the transfer of the Tunnel Island and Old Fort Island properties to a combination of 3 local First Nations and the City of Kenora. I was also a founding member of the Coney Island Music Festival over its first 15 years.
I currently work as an Engineering Consultant to a number of companies operating in Northern Ontario primarily in mineral development, I hold a board position on a publicly traded mineral development company and provide assistance to the Kenogamisis Investment Corporation, a First Nations corporation I helped form to maximize economic benefit from the Greenstone Gold Mine in Geraldton.
I have assisted in funding, permitting, planning and construction of many multi million-dollar projects in the Mining, Lumber, and Pulp and Paper industries, as well as several Industrial, Commercial and Institutional developments for a multitude of clients. I believe in collaboration where contribution is respected and expected.
While I have a skillset in demand throughout North America, I work exclusively in Northern Ontario to develop this economy and want to offer this expertise to the electorate of Kenora. I am a husband to Cheryl, a father to two boys, a son and a brother to many siblings. My lifelong activities include hockey, hunting, fishing and playing in a classic rock band.
My priorities are
Economic Development
We are in changing times that require experienced, sound judgement. Changing workforce demographics and lack of workforce housing keep the City from growing. A clear plan to address these items is required.
City Infrastructure
The City has accumulated an infrastructure deficit that needs addressing. Road conditions, bridge repairs, and water and sewer systems all need continued maintenance and replacement. Review of current plans and priorities to address the most critical is required.
Service Delivery
The cost to deliver city services continues to increase. I will work with fellow council members to optimize the cost of operation and ensure future increase are minimized.
I was born in Kenora and grew up in this community. I made the choice early in life to make Kenora my home.
I was disappointed that only one candidate initially submitted their name for election to the Keewatin Patricia District School Board (KPDSB). Parents, students, and ratepayers deserve a full slate of trustees to ensure their views and concerns are listened to and addressed. Although the Ministry of Education’s Bill 101 limits the role of school board trustees, its impact on students and staff makes it essential that the Board have the resources needed to support student achievement. I will strongly advocate along with my fellow trustees pursuing these services.
I am and always have been enthusiastic about education. I attended and graduated from Beaver Brae Secondary School here in Kenora, Confederation College Social Services Diploma program, and later in life went on to complete an Honours degree in Social Work from Lakehead University and continued to receive a Graduate Degree in Social Work from the University of Manitoba.
The positions I have held during my career combined with time serving on both the School Board and Municipal Council have provided me with the opportunity to hold various and progressive roles in management and governance that includes program supervision, planning, community development, relationship building with indigenous communities and individuals and, frontline service delivery.
The opportunity to sit on and chair community boards and committees of both council and school board has allowed me to demonstrate my ability to function as an effective board member, decision maker, team player and leader. I do believe in giving back to our community and volunteering upon request for a variety of community events and services on an annual basis.
The role of the school board is complex re the understanding and application of legislation and policies addressing decision making, responsibilities to fellow trustees, parents, students, and ratepayers.
With this recent term on the KPDSB, along with 28 years on Kenora City Council, I will have dedicated 32 years to public service. Through my work in both the public and private sectors, I have travelled throughout the Kenora District and developed a clear understanding of the necessity to advocate strongly for services to address identified needs.
I look forward to collaborating with my fellow trustees, staff, parents, students, and community partners to build an inclusive educational community for all KPDSB students. This will be my primary focus, and I make the commitment required to serve on the Keewatin Patricia District School Board as a Trustee.
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