Running for municipal Councillor in the upcoming Hawkesbury municipal elections, Stephen Leighton presents his collaborative vision at the core of his campaign slogan: «Community First».

For Stephen Leighton, the October 26th election represents an opportunity to bring decades of community involvement and leadership skills to local public administration.

A retired physical education teacher of 35 years, he holds a degree in physical education from McGill University, a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Administration, and real estate credentials completed in 2007. Leighton relies on his experience chairing multiple educational committees and teaching youth leadership programs to shape his approach grounded in active listening and community building.

Leadership and intergenerational connections
For Stephen Leighton, municipal involvement is a natural continuation of his personal and professional journey. «I’ve always had a keen interest in local politics,» notes the candidate, whose earlier political experience includes a run for municipal council in the Greater Montreal area.

«My background in education and working with young people taught me how to manage complex environments and motivate groups. When you develop that ability to listen, building bridges with youth, adults, families, and seniors becomes second nature,» he said.

Locally, Leighton put his recreational background into practice as a public skating supervisor at the municipal recreation complex.

«I did it to ensure our citizens and seniors had access to the ice and opportunities to stay active,» he explains, noting that this role allowed him to forge direct connections with residents from all walks of life.
His commitment to seniors is also rooted in his personal life having served as the primary caregiver for his parents during the final 15 years of their lives, in addition to working as a driver for local retirement residences.

Three Pillars of Municipal Action
Leighton’s «Community First» platform centers on three key areas:
Infrastructure and Essential Services: Leighton advocates shifting from reactive road maintenance to a smart, long-term paving and drainage strategy designed to save taxpayer dollars over time. In addition to championing modernized water and waste management utilities to support both current residents and future generations, he also emphasizes dependable winter maintenance, committing to clear, safe streets and sidewalks for everyone, from daily commuters to seniors and individuals with reduced mobility.

Responsible Growth and Local Economy: The candidate supports easing and modernizing local bylaws to cut red tape, making it easier for Main Street small businesses to launch, remain open, and thrive. He calls for balanced residential development that supports new, affordable housing projects while safeguarding the town’s distinct small-town feel against over-expansion. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of retaining youth and families by actively investing in local parks, outdoor rinks, and community centers so residents have welcoming local spaces to grow and stay.

Transparent Leadership and Fiscal Accountability: Pledging an accessible open-door policy, Leighton commits to being a visible councillor who is available at local cafés, over the phone, or at community events rather than remaining behind a desk. On town finances, he promises line-by-line accountability and regular public progress updates on major capital projects, ensuring tax dollars are directed strictly to local priorities.

Prioritizing the Common Good on Council
Asked about the approach he intends to take at the council table, Stephen Leighton emphasizes consensus-building and respect for the public mandate.

«I want to see an atmosphere of cooperation focused on common goals, where elected officials concentrate on what is truly beneficial for Hawkesbury,» Leighton asserts. «If a project serves the greater good and addresses tangible needs, it deserves our support».

The candidate concludes by highlighting the impact of every ballot cast on October 26.

«In a community like ours, every vote carries significant weight. Neighborhoods aren’t built by committees; they are built by the citizens who get involved, » he said.