Casselman Mayor Geneviève Lajoie describes 2025 as a hands-on year marked by intensive advocacy, governance reform, and community-focused initiatives, while looking ahead to 2026 as a year focused on turning groundwork into concrete action.
One of the mayor’s primary areas of focus in 2025 was water and wastewater infrastructure. Lajoie prepared a detailed report outlining the municipality’s risks and long-term needs and personally delivered it to Premier Doug Ford. Following that meeting, the Premier’s Office initiated direct discussions with the municipality. While funding has not yet been finalized, Lajoie said the engagement represented a turning point that placed Casselman’s water challenges firmly on the provincial radar.
Protecting drinking water remained a priority throughout the year, particularly during the summer algae bloom threat. The mayor worked closely with the Emergency Management Team to maintain continuous monitoring and develop internal policies to ensure algae could not enter the drinking water system. She said the experience strengthened the municipality’s capacity to respond to future risks.
Governance was another major focus. Lajoie said she entered a council environment marked by tension and differing views on procedure and accountability. Throughout the year, she emphasized transparency, adherence to process, and professional conduct, noting that Casselman continues to rebuild public trust following governance failures under previous councils.
Community engagement also played a significant role in 2025. Through the creation of a Community Engagement Committee, the municipality supported initiatives such as the annual community barbecue and grassroots projects including neighbourhood mini pantries and a community garden developed in partnership with the public school and a local horticulture club.
At the regional level, Lajoie continued advocating to ensure Prescott and Russell are included in broader transportation and economic discussions. This included engagement with Alto regarding high-speed rail planning and collaboration with the Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation to assess the feasibility of an agri-food hub on municipal land.
Additional accomplishments included securing budget approval for a comprehensive Traffic Master Plan study and contributing to the United Counties’ 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, which now includes Habitat for Humanity as a regional strategy.
Looking ahead to 2026, Lajoie said her top priority remains securing long-term funding for water and wastewater infrastructure. She also plans to address council conduct by introducing an Elected Respect Pledge and advocating for higher standards of accountability.
Other priorities include continued advocacy around Bill 68, enhanced community engagement, seniors’ well-being, road safety initiatives, affordable housing, regional growth, and community-building events such as a second community carnival and a Homes for Heroes fundraiser.
“My goal for 2026 is clear,” Lajoie said. “Secure critical infrastructure funding, strengthen governance standards, continue advocating beyond municipal borders, and support residents in shaping a community that is safe, inclusive, and resilient.”
