Candidate Q&A Smith Ward: Mark Eakins
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 will be published from October 5-8, 2026, with candidates in each ward answering five questions.
The second in the series is Mark Eakins, who is running for Smith 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.
My name is Mark Eakins and I am a candidate for Smith Ward councillor. I have a background in economics and political science, University of Toronto and I’ve spent most of my life on capital projects across the country, including industrial research projects for the federal government.
What do you see as the biggest issue or priority facing Selwyn Township over the next four years, and how would you approach it?
I currently see the biggest issue facing Selwyn Township will be future growth! With two pending subdivisions one on the east end and one on the west end of the seventh line bringing with them a great deal of public concern and interest on future impact to current constituents day to day lives! I personally would like to see more public involvement with respect to final decision making on these matters! Also there is a great deal of concern regarding infrastructure, current and future with regards to expansion. As a council member I would like to address those concerns!
Mark Eakins is running for Smith Ward Councillor in Selwyn Township. (Photo submitted by Mark Eakins)
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?
Smith Ward encompasses a number of rural areas and communities, each with its own needs and priorities. What do you see as the most important priorities for Smith Ward over the next four years?
In regards to questions three and four it is very important that council become a bridge between taxpayer and decision-making! This includes but not with standing any hidden agenda that may arise in the decision making process. I view my position as future councillor to act as a bridge between constituent and council voicing any of these concerns that may affect future and present character and quality of life in Smith Ward and Selwyn Township as a whole.
How can Selwyn Township support local businesses, agriculture, and economic development while maintaining the rural character of Smith Ward?
As far as the subject of supporting local businesses, agriculture and economic development, a good start would be upgrades of infrastructure such as Ward Street in front of the plaza, a main artery for economic thoroughfare.We currently have an excellent public works department one of the best we’ve ever had but they need public support by way provincial backing where ever it applies such as Ward street! Also our agricultural partners need full consideration when making decisions on infrastructure, zoning, and current land use! As a future counsellor I would take all these matters into consideration.
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.