Hi, I'm Doug Buckwald

And I would like to thank you for your support in returning me to the Council table for another four years. I will do my best to serve the community that I call home.

Congratulations to the new 2026-2030 North Algona Wilberforce Council. Your new Council consists of Mayor Harold Weckworth, Councillors Doug Buckwald, Kevin Clarke, Paul Hamilton and Janet Reiche-Schoenfeldt.

Thanks to all the candidates for their effort and willingness to serve.

Promises, Promises, Promises

The campaign is over but my promises remain:

I WILL BE ACCESSIBLE TO YOU
I am open to your thoughts, comments, concerns, questions, opinions and issues at all times. You can reach out to me by email, mail, telephone, in person or even by Fax. I will do my best to respond to you within one business day.

I WILL USE COMMON SENSE
Sometimes a little common sense goes a long way. If there is a way to make something simpler, I will support it. If a process or procedure doesn't make sense, I will be open to ideas to improve it.

I WILL SUPPORT DECISIONS THAT ARE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE TOWNSHIP AS A WHOLE
This can be one of the most challenging things for a Member of Council. We have seen in the past where "the squeaky wheel" gets the attention. As an example, road repair priorities get changed instead of following an established, Township wide plan. One area gets their road fixed, another area gets delayed and the plan goes out the window affecting future work plans and financial planning. Sometimes "Not In My Backyard" may oppose a project that would be beneficial to the Township. These types of issues require someone who will look at the big picture, consider all the positions and make a decision that is in the best interest of the larger community.

What Do I Bring To The Table?

Respect: I respect the contributions of all perspectives on any given issue. I believe that every person has value and deserves respect, even when we disagree on a matter. Good discussions lead to good decisions.

Knowledge: I am knowledgeable of Provincial legislation as well as Township bylaws, policies and procedures and the roles of Council and staff.

Dedication: This community is my home and I have a deep interest in serving to preserve, promote and improve the Township.

Transferable Skills: I have developed significant management, communication, leadership, mediation and teambuilding skills throughout my varied work and volunteer positions.

Honesty: I may not always be able to tell you what you want to hear, but you can count on my answers being honest and factual.

Who Am I?

With the exception of my college years I’ve pretty much lived my whole life here. I’m married to my high school sweetheart and have two adult children.

Since 1992 I’ve been a Correctional Officer, at the Pembroke Jail and now at the Ottawa Carleton Detention Center. For much of that time I have also been a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, helping staff members after serious incidents. In addition to my regular duties I also spent several years as a dispute mediator for staff, helping staff across the province find ways to work through interpersonal conflicts. I am also an associate instructor and a master instructor trainer. After a long career I am looking forward to retiring from this position in 2027!

I have also worked in the hospitality industry, first in restaurant management and later in the hotel industry.
I’ve also been a private investigator and a security supervisor.
I also served several years as vice-president of my church council.

I also have over twenty-five years of community service in our volunteer fire department, currently serving as a captain and from 2002-2018 I was the Township’s Community Emergency Management Coordinator.

Last, and certainly not least, I have served as a Councillor for North Algona Wilberforce
Township for fourteen years. most recently from 2018-2026 and earlier from 2000-2006.

I am looking forward to serving you for another four years.

I really do want to hear from you.
Questions, comments and concerns are welcome.
Here's how to reach me!

Phone / Text

613-635-3579

Email

doug@dougbuckwald.com

Address

Box 130, GOLDEN LAKE, ON K0J 1X0

Fax

833-899-5505