Candidate Biographies

Councillor (Ridout Ward)

This page contains biographies for all candidates running for Councillor (Ridout Ward). It will be updated throughout the nomination period as information becomes available. For contact details and website links, please return to the List of Candidates page.

George Anderson

I have enjoyed representing the people of Ridout and the community of Lake of Bays for these past two terms. My family roots in Ridout go back some 90 plus years. I have had the opportunity to share this special place with my children and now with my grandchildren.

My career was in Outdoor Education. I was employed by the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, (formally the Muskoka Board of Education), for 32 years until my retirement in 2013.

I believe that the sustainability of the natural environment must be included in all discussions. Maintaining a healthy environment will ensure a sound economy and resilient future for the people of Lake of Bays.

I believe our priorities should be:

Environmental protection and lake health.
Thoughtful development guided by a revised Official Plan.
Positive collaboration with the Dorset community and with Algonquin Highlands.
Ongoing support for the Dorset Community Health Hub.
Logging Chain Park planning.
Attainable housing solutions.
Green energy initiatives.

Positive communication, research, collaboration and compromise have always guided me in decision-making. I can share my experience with a new Council and provide some continuity. I would appreciate another opportunity to represent the people of Ridout.

Mike Jefford

I've lived in Lake of Bays for 7 years and Muskoka for a total of 17 . I have been running a landscape construction business for two decades along with an adventure tourism business. In the winter I build, maintain and help promote two outdoor ice rinks in Bracebridge.

Many entrepreneurs in Dorset and Baysville give a big effort to remain open over the shoulder & winter seasons despite slower sales. I recognized a need and opportunity to help them, and to help residents have meaningful work opportunities in our communities.

I'd also like to ensure the municipality stays as simple, effective and efficient as possible. Governments must respect personal agency and property rights as much as possible, ensuring regulations are not just large blanket by-laws, but instead laser focused only to address the real problems they intend to solve.

I would also like to continue the previous administration's commitment to ensuring shoreline buffers along with the natural beauty and general peaceful enjoyment of the township and lakes are upheld.

Lastly, public engagement and communication through classic and modern channels is something I would do a good job at bringing to constituents of Ridout, along with problem solving and common sense.

For more info, I'm always a call, text, e-mail, Facebook message, drop-in visit or meeting away.