Candidate Q&A Lakefield Ward: Nadine Robinson
Discover Lakefield has invited each candidate running in the 2026 municipal election in Selwyn Township to participate in a written Q&A. The candidate Q&As are being published from October 5-8, 2026, with candidates in each ward answering five questions.
The third in the series is Nadine Robinson, who is running for Lakefield Ward Councillor.
Responses are published as submitted, with only minor edits for spelling or grammar if necessary.
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to run for Selwyn Township Council.
I am a policy expert, program manager and lawyer with significant experience in environment and sustainability issues across government and the private sector. Living in Lakefield and raising my children here, I want to ensure Lakefield remains a vibrant, prosperous, sustainable and welcoming community for generations to come. I would like to give back to my community and a great way to do that is by bringing my sustainability, policy and regulatory expertise to Council. I would like to ensure decisions made at Council reflect the views and best interests of our community and balance economic, social and environmental considerations.
What do you see as the biggest issue or priority facing Selwyn Township over the next four years, and how would you approach it?
Lakefield has been identified as a priority growth settlement area within Peterborough County’s Official Plan. With approval of 910 residential units in Ray’s Creek (i.e. Lakefield South) we will face a critical period of decision-making and planning. We need to ensure that we will continue to have effective and efficient services and infrastructure to support our evolving and growing community. My approach will be collaborative and evidence-based and focused on ensuring value for money. It will also entail weighing evidence on matters that come before Council and considering alignment with Selwyn Township’s policies, plans and studies, and relevant regulations.
Nadine Robinson is running for Lakefield Ward Councillor in Selwyn Township. (Photo submitted by Nadine Robinson)
Selwyn Township is expected to experience considerable growth over the coming years. How should the Township prepare for and manage this growth while maintaining the community’s character and quality of life?
The Council and Township administration should collaborate in preparing for and managing growth, e.g. with growth as an agenda item for council meetings. As issues arise and decisions are taken, community character and quality of life should feature in these decisions. The Township should encourage community members to participate in planning for growth and provide opportunities for meaningful, public consultation. It should support local businesses, initiatives and groups. It should ensure the natural resources on which our local economy and recreation depend are conserved and managed. It should identify and preserve our local historic assets and maintain our village charm.
What do you see as the most important priorities for Lakefield Ward over the next four years, and what would you like to see accomplished in the community?
Against the backdrop of considerable growth, the most important priority is ensuring the sustainable development of our community. As stated above, we need to ensure that our infrastructure and services keep pace. Tailored local economic development plans for Lakefield specifically not just Selwyn will be key. The decisions we make today need to also work for the future. This entails considering economic, social and environmental dimensions in decision-making and adopting short, medium and long-term time horizons. I would like to see robust decision-making that fully considers these dimensions. Environmental sustainability and planning for a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy are also important.
What can Selwyn Township do to support a vibrant Lakefield community for people of all ages, including young families, while continuing to support seniors and long-time residents?
Selwyn Township can foster a diverse, inclusive and vibrant community by recognising the needs and perspectives of different groups and individuals and considering their needs when making decisions. The Township may wish to work with Youth Unlimited to explore the idea of having a Youth Advisory Committee. The Township could engage with a broad-based multi-generational cross-section of the community e.g. to see how existing places in Lakefield support the community coming together. It will be important to assess whether we have adequate public hall, recreational and sporting fields/facilities, and performing arts venues as our community grows and the demographic expands.
Selwyn Township will offer internet and telephone voting for the 2026 municipal Election. Voting in Selwyn Township opens on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00 a.m. and runs until Monday, October 26 at 8:00 p.m. Prior to the election, eligible electors will receive a personalized Voter Information Letter (VIL), which will include the website address and toll-free phone number for voting, a unique personal identification number (PIN), and instructions for casting a ballot.
For more information on voting in the Selwyn Township municipal election, visit www.selwyntownship.ca/2026election.
Editorial Note: This article is published by Discover Lakefield to inform the community about the 2026 Selwyn Township municipal election. Discover Lakefield does not endorse or oppose any candidate. Election coverage is intended to be factual, impartial, and in the public interest.