Perth mayoral candidate Isabel Anne McRae seeks to achieve economic prosperity with purpose

1 October 2026 Sarah Burtch

*Perth mayoral candidate Isabel Anne McRae*

Editor’s note: To help voters to be better informed, Lanarkist profiling all mayoral and council candidates in Perth in advance of the municipal election, which will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Below is our interview with candidate Isabel Anne McRae. View a full roundup of all our Perth municipal coverage here.

Perth resident Isabel Anne McRae says she’s entering the race for mayor because she believes she brings a combination of professional and community experience that is directly relevant to Perth’s needs and the responsibilities.

In an interview with Lanarkist, McRae discussed her background, priorities and vision for Perth as a the municipal election draws nearer.

Q: Can you tell readers a little about yourself and your background and your connection to Perth?

I was one of seven children raised on a 1,000-acre dairy farm in Lanark County. My McRae family roots reach back to Scotland, and my ancestors came to Canada in the early 1800s. The clan has a longstanding connection with Eilean Donan Castle in the western highlands.

My grandmother’s family were Cavers. The bridge in Stewart Park was named after my uncle, Doug Cavers, who operated Cavers Jewellers and Mills China and Gift Shop in Perth. I have spent most of my life in Lanark County. More than 10 years ago, my late husband and I moved to Perth from the Lanark Highlands.

My agricultural upbringing taught me the value of hard work and practical problem-solving. My post secondary studies included recreation leadership, aquatic administration and recreation facility management at Algonquin and Fleming colleges. While working full-time, I continued studying during evenings and weekends, completing programs in volunteer administration and radio and television broadcasting. Later, I completed business entrepreneurial training and foot care training through the North
American School of Podology in Toronto. I believe strongly in lifelong learning.

Q: What do you love most about living in Perth, and what gives you hope for the town’s future?

The people are at the heart of this community. They are resourceful, hardworking, determined and generous.

As I campaign and speak with residents, I hear a strong desire to help find solutions to the challenges we face. That willingness to contribute gives me hope. Our people, historic buildings, lively downtown, small town charm and beautiful green spaces make Perth a special place to call home. Protecting those qualities matters to me.

Q: What inspired you to run for mayor in 2026?

Perth needs strong leadership, a clear vision and a concrete plan. That is what I intend to bring to the role of
mayor.

Residents ask me how we reached a point where our pool and arena need major attention, roads and sidewalks require repairs, and rising taxes place increasing pressure on households. These are serious concerns, and residents deserve clear answers about priorities, costs and the way forward. In my view, these challenges have developed over many years and require sustained planning and investment.

My focus is economic prosperity with purpose: attracting investment, developing additional revenue sources,
reducing avoidable costs and managing expenses more effectively. I want a council that encourages initiative, takes responsibility and maintains careful oversight of the budget. That means sound fiscal management and accountability.

Q: What experiences have prepared you to become mayor?

I bring a combination of professional and community experience that is directly relevant to Perth’s needs and the responsibilities of a mayor.

Accessible childcare is essential if we want to attract and support young families. I managed three recreation facilities, each with a different childcare model. I worked with the ministry on licensing, staffing and funding, and collaborated with service providers. While working for Lanark Community Programs, I applied for Early Years funding and distributed it to childcare providers throughout Lanark County.

I worked for the City of Ottawa’s Recreation Department throughout high school and college. Later, as aquatic director and recreation supervisor for the City of Peterborough, I managed two recreation facilities offering a range of programs. I also contributed to Peterborough’s Recreation Master Plan in conjunction with Trent University. This education and experience would help me support the planning of a regional recreation centre.

I bring twenty years of healthcare experience in long-term care and the Day Hospital Program at Almonte General Hospital and Fairview Manor, where I worked as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. As volunteer coordinator, I was responsible for recruiting, supervising and retaining 250 volunteers and 50 junior volunteers. This background would be valuable in working with the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital and supporting local healthcare priorities.

I built a post-construction cleaning business from the ground up and operated it for twenty years, serving clients throughout Eastern Ontario. I secured contracts, ordered supplies, trained and supervised staff, and worked with developers, tradespeople and building inspectors. I wore a hard hat, carried shop vacuums up five flights of stairs and worked into the early morning to ensure buildings were ready for occupancy. Over the past four years, I have also supported our BIA and Chamber of Commerce. This experience has given me a practical understanding of business and the development process.

I first became involved in elected office as a trustee with the Upper Canada District School Board, which oversees 77 schools, approximately 28,000 students and 4,500 staff. I served on its Special Education and Audit committees, gaining experience with a school system whose budget exceeded $400 million.

Over the past four years, my work as a councillor has extended beyond Town Hall and into the community. I care deeply about the agencies, service groups and nonprofit organizations that support vulnerable residents and enrich our lives. Municipal decisions affect people’s wellbeing, and my involvement in
charitable and community organizations keeps that responsibility close to me.

My community work has included helping raise more than $40,000 for The Table and more than $23,000 through Waves for Hospice, a Hospice Hub fundraiser that brought Vicki Keith to Perth. I have donated to local causes and supported retail businesses through Fashion Icon, including more than $1,000 for photoshoots. I have also coordinated and sponsored the Junior Entrepreneurial Program, helped revive and coordinate the Re-Use Centre, and represented Perth at the National Women’s Show.

My community work has included helping raise more than $40,000 for The Table and more than $23,000
through Waves for Hospice, a Hospice Hub fundraiser that brought Vicki Keith to Perth. I have donated to
local causes and supported retail businesses through Fashion Icon, including more than $1,000 for photo shoots. I have also coordinated and sponsored the Junior Entrepreneurial Program, helped revive and coordinate the Re-Use Centre, and represented Perth at the National Women’s Show.

Q: What is your vision for Perth over the next four years?

My involvement with the BIA and Perth and District Chamber of Commerce, including their strategic planning, has reinforced the importance of collaboration, advocacy, education and clear communication. Our budget faces pressures from OPP policing costs, labour agreements, inflation, aging infrastructure and
responsibilities downloaded by the province.

As mayor, I would propose an Economic Advisory Working Group to identify opportunities for investment, new businesses and business retention. I would also support hiring an Economic Development Officer to help advance this work and pursue additional revenue sources, such as sponsorships, naming opportunities, filming, historical tours, event fees and a possible municipal accommodation tax.

I would advocate for Perth at County Council and seek a role with the Rural Ontario Municipal Association and/or the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Council also needs thorough onboarding and continuing education to support informed decisions.

Q: What do you see as Perth’s biggest challenges and opportunities?

I respect Perth’s heritage and small-town charm while recognizing the need to prepare for future generations. Council must anticipate change and guide it thoughtfully. Provincial pressure to accelerate housing development must be balanced with protection of floodplains, wildlife habitat and Indigenous rights, as well as the capacity of local infrastructure. I would support a coordinated Municipal Development Master Plan that works with our Official Plan and our economic, transportation and infrastructure plans. Perth needs to clearly establish its growth priorities and expectations for development.

Young families need accessible childcare, recreation, schools and healthcare. A regional multi-use recreation complex and climate adaptation initiatives are also important to our future. Some of these services fall outside municipal jurisdiction, but the Town can support partnerships and advocate for progress. If elected, I
would work with council and our partners to move these priorities forward.

Development at Caivan, Perthmore and north of Highway 7 increases the need for coordinated planning for traffic flow, speed, parking and road repairs. I would work with Lanark County and council to advance a Transportation Master Plan aligned with our Asset Management Plan, and ensure these pressures are
considered in budget decisions.

People in rural communities need practical transportation options. Not everyone can drive or afford a vehicle. I would advocate for expanded services with Lanark Transportation and examine models such as the service launched in North Grenville in 2024. My aim is leadership that builds trust through collaboration, thoughtful planning and follow-through.

Q: Housing affordability remains a major issue across Ontario. What role should Perth play?

Perth faces three related housing challenges:

Availability: Are there enough homes?

Affordability: Can local households afford them?

Suitability and location: Do the homes meet the needs of seniors, families, people living alone and workers?

Each challenge requires a different response.Affordability must be a central part of that response

Q: How should Perth address homelessness, mental health and addictions?

I would support a Housing Action Plan with the following priorities:

Establish the facts – Develop an inventory that distinguishes genuinely vacant homes from seasonal properties, homes undergoing renovation, properties for sale, short-term rentals and uninhabitable buildings.
Bring suitable vacant homes back into use – Explore measures that encourage owners to sell, rent or rehabilitate vacant properties. Any consideration of a vacant home tax should include a review of legal authority, local need, exemptions and administration costs.
Remove barriers – Review zoning, permitting, parking and other requirements that affect small-scale housing.
Help homeowners create housing – Explore a secondary-suite assistance program.
Identify suitable land – Assess municipally owned land, including potential sites north of Highway 7, for affordable housing.
Build partnerships – Bring the Town, County, housing providers, developers and community organizations together around specific projects.
Encourage apartments above and behind businesses – Consider smaller homes that suit local household needs. In Perth, 43% of households were one-person households and another 28.9% were couples without children.

These actions should form a five-year framework with clear responsibilities, milestones and regular progress reviews.

These overlapping challenges require coordinated support across housing, healthcare and social services. Young people moving into adulthood need particular attention so that they do not lose access to support as they move between service systems.

In a rural community, effective coordination among the Town, County and local organizations is essential. Housing and homelessness supports Cornerstone Landing Youth Services is an important partner in supporting young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

People experiencing homelessness should be connected with Lanark County’s homelessness response services for assessment and help accessing available housing and support programs. Appropriate referrals should reflect each person’s needs and the eligibility requirements of the service. Supportive and transitional housing, including services associated with Lanark County Mental Health, may also help people who need ongoing mental health support.

Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth provides mental health counselling and support for children, youth and families, with an office in Perth. ConnectWell Community Health provides community health and support services. YAK Youth Services helps young people connect with supports related to mental health, housing, employment and other needs. Addictions and Mental Health Services in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville is another important partner in crisis response, community mental health and addiction support.

My work with Boys and Girls Clubs in Ontario included supporting young people at risk, including those living on the streets of downtown Toronto. Programs included after-school recreation, youth justice and diversion, mentoring, mental health support, job readiness and food security. That experience taught me the
importance of accessible, coordinated services.

Geographic isolation and limited public transportation make it difficult for people across Lanark County to reach health, housing and social services. Improving access must be part of the response. I would work with local organizations and advocate for sustained County, provincial and federal support. The Town has an important role in bringing partners together and identifying gaps in service.

Q: What qualities would make you an effective mayor?

Actions speak louder than words. My education, work experience, elected service and community involvement reflect how I approach responsibility. When I say I will be a full-time mayor, I mean it. I am retired and have the time and energy to devote to Perth. I will be available, listen carefully and follow through.

Growing up on a dairy farm, my parents gave us lists of chores. Hard work, initiative and resilience were part of everyday life. I remember preparing a list for my father of chores I thought we should add. His response was, “Well, what’s wrong with you? Just get busy and get them done.”

That can-do attitude has served me throughout my life. I would bring it to the role of mayor. I hope residents remember the opportunities I created for open conversation at my meet-and-greet events, where they could speak, ask questions and be heard. I also invited other candidates to attend and speak. Perth needs a team of hardworking, informed and conscientious leaders. Open discussion helps residents make that choice.

Lanarkist will continue to share profiles for mayoral, deputy mayoral, and council candidates in Lanark County as the municipal election approaches on October 26, 2026.