Five questions with Bev Holmes, candidate for Mississippi Mills 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 Bev Holmes. You can view a roundup of all our Mississippi Mills 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 have been a Ramsay Ward council member for the past eight years and am now seeking to serve Mississippi Mills residents for a third term. I ran for council initially in 2018 because I was not satisfied with the decisions council was making. I felt my experience gained from careers in nursing, nursing administration and farming would be beneficial, and are still beneficial, when making decisions at the council table.

I was raised on a dairy farm and continued to farm most of my adult life. Although I am now retired from my nursing career, I am still actively engaged in farming. With help from my family, I run a medium sized cow/calf operation of Simmental Cattle. I am currently a board member of the Lanark Federation of Agriculture.

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

My ideology best fits into the category of a moderate who avoids extremes of both the left and right. I look for practical solutions by considering ideas from both sides of an issue, but always base my decisions on what is best for the majority of residents who might be affected.

Resident consultation, via online surveys, is an important communication tool; results are regularly provided to councillors and I read those comments. I also listen to informal concerns of residents and seek out accurate information ranging from staff advice, peer reviewed research, local experts and outside agencies such as the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. I have no political party affiliations.

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

Key concerns raised by Ramsay residents include road conditions and tax affordability. For residents, the poor condition of roads and road allowances, particularly gravel roads, is their main complaint. Speeding and other road-safety concerns are also common in rural areas. On the other hand, residents are genuinely concerned about tax increases and wonder whether the municipality’s long-term infrastructure plans are affordable. I agree with them. We can’t afford to build major infrastructure projects without support from higher levels of government. These interconnected issues require council to balance affordable property taxes with the cost of capital projects. What should council prioritize?

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

Improving Ramsay roads and road allowances, in particular gravel roads, is at the top of my priority list. Gravel roads were not included in the Asset Management Plan, and their maintenance has fallen behind the paved roads program. This problem must be addressed by the next council, beginning with an inventory that identifies current conditions and proposed levels of service and the development of a clear financial plan to support the necessary work.

My second personal priority is advocating for expanded ways to support the agricultural community. The emphasis on local food sustainability, along with our already healthy tourist industry and proximity to Ottawa, can provide expanded opportunities for the Mississippi Mills Agriculture Community. Council recently passed a by-law updating secondary activities allowed on farms – from bakeries to farm stalls, restaurants, vineyards, cideries and grain drying. New rules for additional residential units in rural properties have also been adopted. As well, council has approved the Economic Development Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2031 and beyond. Agriculture is a key economic driver in Mississippi Mills and needs to be supported within this strategy so it can continue to thrive and excel.

Another ongoing issue for me is the right of all residents in Mississippi Mills to have access to accessible and safe public transportation. At present, there are major service gaps, which negatively impact rural residents, seniors, and other residents who do not have access to public transportation or ride sharing programs. I will continue to advocate for expanded access to transportation at every opportunity.

I have long been a champion for the Tait MacKenzie/ James Naismith Museum at the Mill of Kintail (MoK). Last July, the MVCA agreed to turn over the collections and lease the building to Mississippi Mills, beginning in 2028. This presents an exciting opportunity; I want to be involved in the rebranding of the MoK as a major heritage/cultural/tourism attraction and I look forward to being involved with the many community members who also recognize our two native sons as national treasures.

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

I believe in applying the principles of respectful debate, cooperation and consensus to reach solutions that are beneficial to the community at large. I respect my constituents and my council colleagues. If I am re-elected, I’ll carry that commitment into the next four years.