Five questions with Dena Comley, candidate for Carleton Place council in the 2026 municipal election

Editor’s note: To help voters to be better informed, Lanarkist will be asking the same five questions of all council candidates in Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, Perth and Mississippi Mills in advance of the municipal election, which will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Questions were sent to all candidates on Sept. 4, 2026. We will publish their responses as we receive them. Below are the responses from candidate Dena Comley.

For a full roundup of all the information you need to know before the election, visit Who’s running for mayor and council in Carleton Place’s 2026 municipal election? Here’s what you need to know.

1) Tell us a little bit about your professional background, including any prior municipal or other political participation, as well as about you, personally. What made you want to run for council?

My name is Dena Comley and I have been a small-business owner in Carleton Place for many years, operating The Granary, a natural health and bulk foods store in our downtown. That experience has given me a deep understanding of how municipal decisions affect local businesses, main street vitality, and the day-to-day lives of families who live and work here.

Professionally, I trained in environmental technical engineering and have worked in both geotechnical and environmental engineering consulting, giving me a strong understanding of technical reports, development processes, infrastructure, and environmental decision-making. Before serving on council, I was the founder and chair of the Carleton Place Environmental Advisory Committee (CPEAC), chair of both the CP Youth Centre and the Downtown BIA boards, and I have also sat on the Urban Forest Committee, Chamber of Commerce boards, and as a parent representative on school council. Many years of volunteer roles have grounded me in local issues from youth wellbeing to small-business health to environmental stewardship. I have listened to residents’ concerns about a wide range of issues at many tables, and this is what initially led to my desire to be on council in 2022.

In addition to my business and technical background, I currently serve as an elected representative on the Lanark County Police Services Board under Ontario’s new Community Safety and Policing Act, where I help review local detachment priorities and performance, and on the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), where I focus on protecting our watershed, improving flood resilience, and supporting the return of children’s education programming. These governance roles have taught me how to work within provincial frameworks while still advocating strongly for what matters locally. Regionally, I have been chosen by my peers to represent Carleton Place at the County level on both the Traffic Advisory Working Group and the newly formed Natural Heritage System Committee. I believe strongly in local and regional partnerships to tackle issues that cross municipal boundaries.

Personally, I’m a long-time resident, a parent of three, and someone who believes that strong communities are built through everyday acts of service. I decided to run for council again because the good work that started in 2022 should be continued. I see both the opportunities and the pressure that growth is creating for Carleton Place, and I want to bring my practical, hands-on experience and a collaborative, problem-solving approach to the table so we can manage that growth in a way that keeps our town livable, resilient, and welcoming.

2) How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation?

I would describe myself as a pragmatic, fiscally conservative and community-focused. I approach decisions through a sustainability lens, balancing environmental responsibility with the real-world needs of residents and businesses. My decisions are driven by data and evidence, grounded in fiscal responsibility, and always aimed at delivering clear value for residents. My focus is on collaborative, respectful discussion – listening carefully, weighing all options, asking questions and always striving to make the best possible choice for the majority while being transparent about trade-offs and impacts.

3) What are the three most common issues voters bring up to you as you campaign?

The campaign is just getting starting and I am looking forward to hearing more from residents as the conversations continue. The three concerns I have heard about repeatedly in the past few years include:

• Managing growth and development: Residents are concerned about the pace of growth, the impact on traffic, parking, and infrastructure, and the need to protect established neighbourhoods, green spaces, and the character of our beloved town.

• Affordability and property taxes: People are feeling the pressure of rising costs and want to see council carefully balancing needed investments with the impact on tax bills, and making sure growth pays its fair share.

• Community safety and wellbeing: From road safety and policing to mental health, addictions, and homelessness, residents want a coordinated, compassionate, and effective approach that keeps our community safe while supporting vulnerable people.

4) What three issues are most pressing/important to address locally in your opinion?

From my perspective, the three most pressing local priorities are:

• Smart, sustainable growth: Ensuring that new development is well-planned, supported by infrastructure, and integrated with active transit, quality services, and green space, so growth enhances our quality of life rather than undermining it.

• Improved access and communication: Making it easier for residents and businesses to interact with the Town through clear, accessible communication and seamless online tools for bill payments, bookings, registrations, and feedback. We’ve made important progress here, but the work is not yet done.

• Resilience and quality of life: Investing in the things that make Carleton Place a great place to live long-term—recreation and parks, community events, safety planning, and partnerships that expand local health and social supports, protect our heritage, and prepare us for the future.

5) What do you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

What sets me apart is experienced, consistent leadership. With years of hands-on community service and dedication I have proven my commitment to this community. A commitment that started long before I was elected and will continue long after my political service ends. I bring a collaborative, solutions-focused style to the council table. I’ve run a local business, served a full term on council, and worked alongside residents, community groups, and regional partners to turn ideas into practical, balanced decisions that respect different views while keeping Carleton Place moving forward.