Five questions with Peter Hallam, candidate for Perth 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 Peter Gardner Hallam. View a full roundup of all our Perth 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 recently retired after 25 years as general manager of a Canadian-owned and operated manufacturing company. My career involved managing people, budgets, operations, planning and problem-solving—often requiring difficult decisions and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

I do not come from a political background, and I consider that a strength. My private sector experience taught me to identify inefficiencies, question unnecessary spending and look for practical solutions.

I also believe taxpayers deserve clear, respectful and transparent communication from their elected representatives. Council is elected to serve the community, and residents should feel that their questions and concerns are heard and taken seriously.

Personally, I am a father of four and grandfather of four—so far! I love the outdoors, including camping, canoeing, hiking and cycling. I believe Perth needs continued investment in recreation, trails, gathering places and activities for young people. If we want to attract and retain young families, we need a community that is active and welcoming beyond traditional business hours.

What made me decide to run –

I attended several council meetings and came away believing that our decision making processes could be more efficient, constructive and focused on outcomes.

I was also encouraged by my neighbour Gary J. Smith, a respected Canadian diplomat and public servant. He recognized my growing interest in municipal affairs and encouraged me to put that interest into action. His advice helped convince me that rather than simply commenting from the sidelines, I should step forward and contribute.

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

At the municipal level, I believe good government should be practical, fiscally responsible, transparent and accountable.

Municipal representatives should reflect and speak for the people they serve. Residents deserve representatives who listen, ask questions, explain decisions and remain respectful when challenged.

I am not running on a partisan ideology. My focus is on good governance, responsible spending and making decisions that serve Perth’s long-term interests.

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

1. The proposed expansion of the Operations Garage on Sunset Boulevard

Residents have raised concerns with me about the location, cost and long-term implications of expanding the Operations Garage near the Tay River and Perth’s drinking-water system.

Any major investment of this kind needs to consider environmental risk, changing flood conditions, climate projections and the long-term suitability of the site. When millions of taxpayer dollars are involved, residents deserve to know that all reasonable alternatives have been thoroughly considered.

Temporary operating costs also deserve scrutiny. Every expense, large or small, should be evaluated with the same care we would use in managing our own businesses or households.

2. Property taxes and infrastructure

Property taxes are becoming increasingly difficult for many residents to absorb.

At the same time, Perth faces significant infrastructure demands involving roads, water, sewer and other municipal assets. Simply increasing property taxes year after year is not a sustainable long-term solution.

Council needs to examine spending carefully, establish clear priorities and ensure taxpayers understand where their money is going and what results they are receiving in return.

3. Economic growth and expanding the tax base

Perth needs growth, but it needs thoughtful, well-planned growth.

Residential development will increase assessment and tax revenue over time, but new development also creates demands for infrastructure and municipal services. The financial benefits do not necessarily appear immediately.

That means Perth also needs a shorter-term economic strategy focused on attracting investment, supporting local businesses and making better use of available commercial and industrial opportunities.

We should not stand in the way of progress. We should define it, manage it and pursue it with a clear vision of what we want Perth to become.

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

My three priorities are:

Fiscal responsibility and infrastructure.

Perth needs a realistic long-term plan for maintaining and replacing its infrastructure without relying on continually increasing taxes.

Economic development and tax-base growth.

We need to actively attract businesses, investment and appropriate development that will strengthen Perth’s finances and create opportunities for residents.

Accountable and transparent decision-making.

Major decisions should be based on clear evidence, thorough analysis and meaningful public communication. Residents should understand not only what council decides, but why.

These issues are closely connected. Strong financial management gives us the ability to invest in infrastructure, recreation, services and the future of the community.

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

I bring 25 years of senior business-management experience and no political baggage.

I understand budgets, operations, staffing, accountability and the importance of making difficult decisions when circumstances change. Canada and Ontario are facing economic challenges, and municipalities will need leaders who are prepared to adjust priorities rather than simply continue doing things the way they have always been done.

I will not make promises simply to win votes. I would rather be straightforward about what is achievable, what it will cost and what trade-offs may be required.

I am also encouraged by the number of people who have put their names forward to serve Perth. We should celebrate that level of community engagement.

At the same time, I believe voters are looking for a different approach to municipal governance—one that is respectful, practical, financially responsible and focused on results.

That is the approach I would bring to Perth Town Council.