Five questions with Kory Earle, 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 Kory Earle. You can view a roundup of all our Carleton Place municipal coverage here.

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?

I am Kory Earle, and I am a candidate for the position of Carleton Place councillor for the 2026–2030 term. Carleton Place is my hometown; I was born and raised here. I own a residence in town, where I also serve as the president of our condominium board. I live with my spouse and our three cats.

Professionally, I am a proud personal support worker (PSW), a role I find deeply fulfilling. Every day, I have the privilege of building genuine connections with residents and providing them with comfort, dignity and care. Knowing that my presence brings security or a smile to someone’s face makes every challenge worth it.

In addition to my work as a PSW, I do contract work for People First of Canada (PFoC), a national non-profit organization representing individuals labeled with an intellectual disability. My leadership journey with PFoC includes serving on the board of directors: three years as first vice president, and two consecutive terms as president spanning seven years.

In 2019, I was appointed to a five-year term on the board of directors for the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization (CASDO), a federal entity under Employment and Social Development Canada dedicated to creating national accessibility standards.

My commitment to public service and political engagement is firmly established in our community. Motivated by the same enthusiasm I possess today, I participated in the last municipal election.

I am a member of Carleton Place’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, where I have held the position of chair. Additionally, I am an active participant in the Carleton and District Civitan Club, and throughout the years, I have initiated projects that unite our town – such as founding the annual free Community Christmas Dinner, which serves hundreds of residents every Dec. 25, and launching the Bunny Run, which operated in town for more than 12 years.

The reason I am seeking a position on council is that Carleton Place has provided me with numerous opportunities, and my motivation stems from a commitment to service, inclusion and accountability. My experiences as a PSW on the front lines, my advocacy work on national boards, and my active participation in the community have shown me the importance of listening to individuals and collaborating to address challenges. I aim to bring that same grassroots commitment, powerful voice, and community-oriented leadership to the council to guarantee that Carleton Place continues to be a welcoming, accessible, and lively home for all.

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

I am not affiliated with any political party. My commitment is solely to the residents of Carleton Place. I will evaluate every issue, motion and budget proposal strictly on its merits. I will focus on listening directly to neighbours and local business owners, weighing all options, asking the right questions and always striving to make the best possible choice for our town.

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

Although the campaign is just starting, some concerns I have heard recently and over the years are:

Affordability, managed growth and infrastructure

With our rapidly growing community, can the town’s infrastructure keep pace? People want smart, managed growth paired with strong infrastructure that meets the needs of today while preparing us for tomorrow. Balancing local expansion with municipal affordability – ensuring taxpayers get real value for their dollars – is essential to keeping Carleton Place an accessible place to live for families, seniors and long-time residents alike.

Community Safety

Safety is top of mind for families, people and business owners across town. Residents want to ensure our streets, neighbourhoods, parks, and trails remain safe, welcoming spaces for everyone. Addressing community safety means working collaboratively with law enforcement and emergency services.

Meaningful public engagement

Communication from town hall often feels like a one-way street. Engagement should not just happen a couple of times a year or right before an election. Residents want genuine, transparent dialogue. I am committed to holding regular town hall meetings and creating ongoing opportunities for public input, ensuring the community is directly involved in the decisions that shape Carleton Place.

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

My top priorities for Carleton Place are focused on three core pillars: affordable housing, transparent governance and community safety.

Affordable Housing

As our community grows, keeping living options accessible for seniors, low-income residents and young families is crucial. I will advocate across all levels of government – municipal, provincial and federal – for sustainable housing solutions, low-income support options, and smart zoning regulations that encourage diverse, affordable development within vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods.

Transparent Governance

Local government works best when it is open, responsive, and directly connected to the people it serves. To promote true transparency, I am prioritizing open communication, active public feedback and clear fiscal accountability. I will host regular town hall meetings throughout the term—not just during election years—so residents always have a seat at the table and a direct voice in municipal decisions.

Community safety

Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, neighbourhood, parks and public spaces. I support community-led safety initiatives and proactive partnerships with local law enforcement to address safety concerns before they escalate. Strong, collaborative relationships between municipal leadership, emergency services, and community members build safer, more connected neighbourhoods for everyone.

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

What sets me apart is a long-standing, proven record of service that goes far beyond any election cycle. My commitment to Carleton Place is not something that starts when a campaign begins. It is a lifelong dedication to the people and causes in our community.