Casselman Mayor Geneviève Lajoie is seeking another term as Casselman’s mayor. (Photo provided)

Casselman Mayor Geneviève Lajoie is seeking another term in the 2026 municipal election, saying the work started during her first four years in office is not yet complete.

Lajoie, who was first elected mayor in 2022, said she decided to run again because several important files have moved forward but still require continued attention, including water infrastructure, community engagement, regional transportation and economic development.

“The work I started isn’t finished yet,” she said.

Among her priorities is continuing efforts to find a long-term solution to Casselman’s water needs, including a potential connection to Clarence-Rockland’s water infrastructure. Lajoie said she has worked to bring the issue to the provincial government’s attention, including by sending a 14-page report directly to Premier Doug Ford.

She said that effort resulted in connections with provincial leaders who can help advance the file. She also highlighted the relationship she has developed with Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma as an important part of her work.

“I need to continue building on the momentum,” Lajoie said, adding that changing mayors would mean having to rebuild some of those relationships and partnerships.

Empowering residents

Lajoie said one of the most important lessons she has learned during her first term is the value of listening directly to residents.

Through the Community Engagement Committee she created, as well as meetings with different community groups, she said she has gained a better understanding of Casselman’s strengths and needs.

She wants residents to have more opportunities to influence municipal decisions, particularly as the community continues to grow.

“People know what they want, and I just need to give them the tools and the resources,” she said.

Lajoie said growth is inevitable and that the municipality must respond to provincial growth requirements, but she wants residents to have a meaningful role in deciding what that growth looks like in their community.

She also plans to continue working on traffic safety. A traffic master plan is being developed, and she said residents will have opportunities to provide input on issues such as crosswalks and safe routes for children.

Budget decisions are another area where she wants residents’ priorities to be reflected. Rather than waiting until the final stages of the municipal budget process, Lajoie said she wants community priorities to be incorporated throughout the year.

Preserving Casselman’s character

Balancing growth with Casselman’s small-community character will remain another priority if Lajoie is re-elected.

She pointed to several initiatives that she says originated directly from residents, including efforts to develop a skate park, a horticulture club, a knitting club, a community garden and a mini food pantry.

She recalled meeting with a young resident and his father after the youth expressed interest in having a skate park.

ajoie helped him prepare a delegation to council, and the request was incorporated into the municipality’s park master plan. Municipal staff are now working on the project.

For Lajoie, that approach demonstrates how community input can shape development while preserving Casselman’s identity.

She also highlighted the municipality’s annual community heritage barbecue carnival as a way to celebrate Casselman’s Francophone roots while welcoming new residents and demographics.

“Our Francophone roots can help guide this new growth,” she said.

A different approach to leadership

Lajoie describes her leadership philosophy as a “bottom-up” approach rather than a traditional top-down model.

She said she does not seek political power or control, but instead sees her role as advocating for residents and giving them the tools to participate in municipal government.

“I’m more of an advocate than a politician,” she said.

Lajoie believes residents should have the opportunity to challenge their municipal leaders, ask questions and influence decisions affecting their community.

Looking toward another term, she said she wants to continue breaking down barriers between residents and local government while creating more opportunities for community participation.

“There’s a huge potential and strength in our people in Casselman,” she said.

Her campaign slogan is “Ensemble Casselman Strong.”