Donna Kearney

2026 Municipal Election Candidate, Town of Bracebridge – Macaulay Ward

Donna’s Story:

1. What first sparked your interest in becoming involved in municipal politics, and what led you to where you are today?

My mom set an example of what an engaged citizen looked like and she encouraged us to speak up and contribute to our community in any way we felt added value. Her role modelling inspired me to stay connected to my community throughout life. As a result, I have found valuable ways to contribute; both professionally and personally.

When I moved to Muskoka, my career took me on a path I needed to create for myself. I was a pioneering Nurse Practitioner and needed to learn how to interact with and influence the local and provincial political systems to gain funding for each of the roles I’ve held. Through countless deputations, proposals and conversations over 2 decades I was able to get public and political support… and funding for the Rosseau Nursing Station, five rural Health Hubs and for Hospice Muskoka-Andy’s House. As I retire from the healthcare system, I still wish to impact local decision making and advocate for the people. Running for Council for the Town of Bracebridge is an excellent opportunity to continue to do that.

2. Were there particular experiences, people or moments along the way that helped shape your decision to run for municipal office?

I had always thought I’d like to run for Municipal Office at some point and it just so happened that this election cycle coincided with my planned retirement from Hospice Muskoka. My family supported my decision to run and so did every councillor I spoke with, which gave me the nudge I needed to jump into the race. I see the skills I used throughout my career in healthcare being very transferrable to municipal politics; both require listening, decision-making, attention to detail, consideration of multiple perspectives, innovation, compassion and team work.

The experiences that impacted my interest in local politics came largely from efforts to bring health services to people living in rural areas of Muskoka. I saw the impact that one idea can have on the quality of life for others. The key for me was to always listen to what the people were asking for and then package it for government in a way that made it a priority. The path to success is always the same: ask for the right reasons, provide the right evidence to support the ‘ask’, outline a realistic plan, identify the projected results and timelines and request a reasonable amount of funding. These steps will likely build a reputation of credibility and lead to success more often than not.

3. What does being part of the Muskoka community mean to you personally?

Muskoka has been my home for the past 35 years. My children were born and raised here, I bought my first house here, my career as a Nurse Practitioner was launched and blossomed here and I hope to age here. Muskoka is where I feel welcomed, connected and relaxed; it is a place I feel proud to be a part of and very lucky to live in.

The people I have come to know and whom I have cared for throughout my time in Muskoka are ’salt of the earth’, as is true of many rural people. They work hard, they care deeply about their families, their neighbours and their community. They have history here and are passionate about preserving that history for future generations. Finally, the beauty of Muskoka’s forests, rivers and lakes is magical. I have spent a lot of time hiking in our forests, cycling around our lakes, rowing on the Muskoka river and cross-country skiing at the Bracebridge Resource Centre. The natural environment amazes me every single day….it must be protected fiercely because our unique environment is what sets Muskoka apart from other places.

4. What do you find most rewarding about contributing to your community, and what motivates you to continue doing so?

I like talking with people to hear what truly matters to them and then work on a strategy that aligns. I think it is important to stay connected to the people I serve because I know opinions and priorities change over time. It will be my intention, if elected to council, to hold public engagement opportunities in Macaulay Ward so I am easily accessible. I also understand the value of following through on something because once the trust of the people you serve is lost, you will no longer be effective in your role.

I have found that discussions with many partners helps to understand different perspectives on any issue and tends to produce win-win results at the end of the day. Most of us tend to see things from only our vantage point but when we learn to look at it from different points of view we can understand the complexity of the decisions that need to be made. This is why voting is so important; you must choose a person who will explore the issue and invite opposing opinions. This will ensure that informed decision making happens at Council tables.

There will be times when I cannot deliver the results that people wish for. In those instances, I will help people understand the reasons we could not align. I have found this simple courtesy often helps preserve the relationships that had been built.

5. Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you, your journey, or the experiences that have shaped who you are today?

I grew up on a farm in rural Ontario with a single mom and 3 siblings. We lived a simple life, had daily chores and learned skills that set us up to thrive in life. My children grew up in similar circumstances in Bracebridge. My hope is that future generations of children will also enjoy the simple pleasures of rural living while benefitting from adult role models so they too can feel safe, capable and prepared to succeed in this world. We all have a role to play in that future and we must work together to achieve it.

To connect with Donna Kearney or learn more about her campaign, contact her at: electdonna2026@outlook.com