CATHERINE SCHOULAR
for Deputy Mayor
For Perth.
For our future.
Perth is at an inflection point.
We’re spending more than ever to keep the lights on, renew aging infrastructure, and provide basic services — while the cost of living here keeps climbing. The next Council’s job is to make sure every dollar has something to show for it, and that you can see results that will serve us now and into the future. That’s the work I aim to do for my town.
- Catherine Schoular, candidate for Deputy Mayor
Why I'm Running
After coming back home to Perth to set up life for our future family, I saw the hometown I love in a whole new light... Residents are feeling affordability pressures, while the Town is facing rising deficits, increasing capital costs and dealing with aging roads, water and sewer infrastructure. In 2026 alone, Council approved a 7% property-tax increase, an additional 1% capital levy and a 6% water and sewer rate increase. And that only accounts for one year of increase - over the last council term from 2022-2026, a resident faced a compounded nearly 24% increase on their tax bill and almost 30% on their water bill.
The Town’s own projections show reserves continuing to decline, with further tax and rate increases ahead if nothing changes. In the same period, Council also proposed an increase to its own remuneration and councillor expense policies. I don’t raise that to score points — I raise it because these are exactly the trade-offs residents deserve to see clearly, and to weigh against the value they get in return.
The bottom line is simple: it costs more to live, work, start a business or raise a family in Perth — and we owe it to each other to ask what we have to show for it.
Here’s what I believe. Perth doesn’t have to choose between protecting what makes it special and preparing for what’s next. We should expect real accountability for public dollars. We can invest responsibly in the infrastructure we genuinely need. We can work harder to attract employers and investment. And we can plan for growth without losing the character that makes Perth worth investing in.
We can - and must - do better. Our success depends on it. That means running the Town with the discipline any well-run business or organization uses: clear priorities, honest finances, strong partnerships, and results we actually measure and report. As a Director of business development, I have spent my career advising governments on how to make smarter investments, align diverse interests and get more from what they already have in preparation for the future. I want to bring that experience home, where it’s needed.
My commitment is straightforward — attract and create new opportunity to serve our citizens, get more from the investments we’ve already made, and make sure every one of your tax dollars delivers a result you can see.
Priorities for a Stronger Perth
-
If Council commits to something, you should be able to see whether it gets done - and recognize its benefit.
Goal: A more transparent, responsive, and results-driven Town Hall.
Set clear, measurable Council priorities and track progress in public.
Require a plain-language business case — cost, benefit, alternatives, and long-term impact — before any major investment.
Review Town programs regularly for performance and value, and report back to residents.
-
Know where your money goes — then make every dollar work harder.
Goal: Protect affordability while funding the infrastructure and services Perth needs.
Start every budget with a clear affordability target.
Commission an independent review of the Town’s finances — what comes in, what goes out, and where the value is.
Pursue grants and government funding more aggressively.
Expand shared services and joint purchasing with Lanark County and neighbouring municipalities.
Prioritize spending that lowers future costs or builds long-term value.
-
Growth shouldn’t just happen to Perth — we should pursue it, on our terms.
Goal: Don't wait for investment, but use Perth's strengths to create conditions for business, investment and jobs to succeed.
Build a focused strategy to attract employers, investment, and the right kind of development. Ensure development is dedicated to serving Perth's interest and preserving the quality of life for those who call it home.
Create a single, streamlined point of contact for businesses and investors.
Back the local businesses and entrepreneurs already here.
Measure success by results: investment attracted, businesses supported and jobs created.
-
Make decisions today that make Perth stronger in five, ten, and twenty years.
Goal: Thoughtful, evidence-based choices that position us for the long-term — change where it will have impact, not for its own sake.
Tie infrastructure spending to real economic opportunity.
Use new water and wastewater capacity strategically — for the right mix of homes, jobs, and business.
Grow the tax base, not just the number of taxpayers.
Protect the heritage, parks, and quality of life that are part of Perth’s advantage.
How to Vote
Perth votes online and by phone this election — there are no paper ballots.
Watch your mail.
A Voter Information Letter with your PIN arrives in early October.
Vote between October 19–26, 2026
by phone or online between
8:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
