In an effort to promote discussion on key issues during the current election period, we are giving candidates the opportunity to answer a number of questions that may be of interest to local voters.
Everyone receives the same questions, and their answers are presented with minimal editing for format purposes only.
Here is the candidate profile for Prince Edward County Council Candidate in Ameliasburg (Ward 4) – Doug Villeneuve.
Election day is October 26th.
First and Last Name
Doug Villeneuve
What position are you seeking in the upcoming municipal election on October 26?
Councillor Ward 4 Ameliasburg
Question 1 – Why are you running and what are your main priorities if elected/re-elected?
I am running because Prince Edward County needs Change. We need to cut the waste . We need to get the county back on track. Hard decisions need to be made on how the tax dollars are spent and what areas can be re evaluated to cut costs.
Question 2 – How do you balance budgetary restraint with continuing increases in many areas of the municipal budget?
Balancing a municipal budget amid escalating, uncontrollable costs requires a shift from passive spending cuts to strategic financial management and revenue optimization. We need to look at our current spending and take a more conservative approach to our discretionary spending. It is time to to tighten the purse strings on spending. We need to an organizational overview of our current staff.
Question 3 – Infrastructure projects are a huge strain on local budgets, especially when it comes to water/wastewater. How can we address/reduce these costs moving forward and mitigate the impact for ratepayers/taxpayers?
We need to look at different options available. MAINTENANCE is a big issue to prolong our infrastructure. I have been a water/wastewater operator for almost 24 years. I hold tickets in water, wastewater, collection and distribution. I feel I could benefit the council with my knowledge and experience in this. Our current councillors, with the exception of Brad Neiman, do not have the knowledge or experience in this field. With a population of 25,000 there are roughly 5,000 people who will be heavily impacted by the cost increase. We have to protect these people. The debts incurred will also affect all other ratepayers. We should not have to pay for poor decisions by our municipality.
Question 4 – What measures can the municipality take to address the issues of affordability and housing security?
Make it easier and streamline applications allowing add on suites, basement apartments and garden homes such as tiny homes. We could also require a certain percentage of units in all new multi family dwelling builds to be affordable housing.
Question 5 – Homelessness has become a major issue for most local communities. What would you do to address this issue and what needs to happen to have a meaningful impact?
I love this question. I have personally donated blankets, jackets and food to some of the people I meet. I think we could look at repurposing some buildings that are vacant. We could maybe look at tiny homes on County owned land as temporary transitional housing. Homelessness is not always a choice. The current economic climate has caused some of the issues. Most people live paycheck to paycheck. If You lose your job or become ill you could be the next person on the streets. I am an advocate for the homeless.
Question 6 – What message do you want the voter to know about you and your campaign and your priorities for the next four years?
My priorities are to cut the waste. We need to reduce costs and stop relying on the taxpayers to pay for poor decisions made by the people they elect to represent them. I realize I am only one voice, but I am a loud and passionate voice. Prince Edward County is in bad shape and it is time to bring it back to the community we grew up with. Our community needs to become a community again not divided. October 26, 2026 is going to be a big day in Prince Edward County. Do you want the status quo or do you want change. If you want change, you need to vote for the strong voices who will make the change happen.
