Candidate Profile – Belleville Mayoral Candidate – Don Metzger | InQuinte.ca
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Candidate Profile – Belleville Mayoral Candidate – Don Metzger

By Paul Martin Oct 7, 2026 | 9:56 AM

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 Belleville Mayoral Candidate Don Metzger. Election day is October 26th.

  1. First and Last Name
    Don Metzger
  2. What position are you seeking in the upcoming municipal election on October 26?
    Mayor/Belleville
  3. Question 1 – Why are you running and what are your main priorities if elected/re-elected?
    It’s been a lifelong dream of mine become the mayor of the city I lived in. Running a business as well as being the caregiver of my late wife Cindy Ellen Metzger I felt I didn’t feel it was the right time to run. Now I feel I can devote 110 % to the position. My main priority is to keep the promises made to the residents of Marshall road, Bridge and Moira Street west etc. to not make them wait until 2037 for municipal water using government grants there is no reason it can’t be done now. I also want to find ways to decrease spending while maintaining most if not all services. Belleville is in a very complex situation with numerous other issues that need addressing. I am hopeful that the residents of Belleville both urban and rural will put in place candidates that can work together along with the mayor to make a cohesive team.
  4. Question 2 – How do you balance budgetary restraint with continuing increases in many areas of the municipal budget?
    We have to look at ways to decrease spending. Every single one of us he as to budget every penny just to make ends meet. I am also giving 20% of the mayor’s base salary after taxes to the community project (s) that need it. Ie gleaners, hospitals, homeless etc., All the decisions of course have to be made by council.
  5. 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?
    Most infrastructure as far as I now is mostly paid for by the developer. We can ask the developer to pay up front and then credit back when the services are completed. There again it’s up to how council wants to proceed.
  6. Question 4 – What measures can the municipality take to address the issues of affordability and housing security?
    Fast track building so homes can be built faster. I think we need to build smaller homes as the average lot cost is around 150k.Personally I would like to see the down payment moved to the end of the term and if the home was sold sooner, it would come off at point of sale. Of course there would have to be conditions applied.
  7. 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?
    Small tiny homes / transitional homes using some of the funds received by the casino. Only 20% received is government required bylaw
  8. Question 6 – What message do you want the voter to know about you and your campaign and your priorities for the next four years?
    With the help of council, we can serve the community with transparency, accountability. My door will always be open, and I will always listen to your concerns. With your support we can make Belleville a wonderful city to live, work and play.