Waterfront Protection
Our waterways are the foundation of life in Whitestone, and their long-term health can't be taken for granted. I'm committed to ensuring that health through responsible planning, development and environmental management supported by research and sound standards that respect what our lakes can carry, and targeted protection for genuinely sensitive areas like wetlands, fish habitat, and species-at-risk habitat. Protecting our waterways isn't optional. It's the foundation for everything else we want Whitestone to be.
Waterfront Experience
The quiet, independent lifestyle that draws people to Whitestone's waterfronts, forests, farms and lands isn't something to take for granted — it has to be protected deliberately, generation after generation. I'm committed to preserving that character: the pace, the privacy, and the connection to the land that make cottage life what it is. Protecting our local community character today is how we make sure our kids and grandkids get to know Whitestone the way we do.
Keeping taxes low
Whitestone needs to stay a place people can actually afford to live and cottage — full stop. I'm committed to fiscal responsibility: finding new and unique sources of revenue, scrutinizing spending, finding real efficiencies before reaching for tax increases, and making sure every dollar the municipality spends is spent well. Good stewardship of public money isn't about doing less for residents — it's about making sure what we do, we do efficiently, so Whitestone stays affordable for the people who call it home, year-round or seasonally.
Advocating for the preservation of Whitestone's natural heritage and the interests of our rural and waterfront residents.
My Approaches
Rural Landowners
Rural residents know their own land better than anyone, and they've earned the right to be trusted as its stewards. I'm committed to supporting the rights of rural residents to maintain their property and preserve the unique character of the Whitestone countryside — without unnecessary permits or red tape standing between landowners and the everyday decisions they've always made for themselves. That trust is part of what makes rural life what it is, and I intend to protect it.
Community Growth
Whitestone's natural beauty and heritage are exactly why people choose to live and cottage here — unplanned growth that puts that at risk isn't really growth at all. I'm committed to driving sustainable growth that balances responsible development with preserving what makes our community what it is. That means guiding decisions through the Official Plan review with real expertise, rather than letting unmanaged development pressure make those choices for us. Whitestone can grow without losing what makes it Whitestone.
Keeping you informed
Local government works best when residents know what's happening — not after the fact, but as decisions are being made. If elected, I'll publish a simple, plain-language newsletter to keep constituents up to date on council business and what's going on in Whitestone: upcoming decisions, what was discussed, and how it affects you. No jargon, no spin — just a clear, unbiased account so you can form your own opinion and have your say while it still matters.
The Whitestone Newsletter
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Advocating for Whitestone
WHY I'M RUNNING
"There are people who make things happen, people who
watch what happens, and people who wonder what
happened."
I've always tried to be in the first group. I've spent my
career where community interests, environmental
concerns, and government process meet — as the author of Ontario's water management planning system and species-at-risk
manager, and most recently as President and CEO of the Federation of
Ontario Cottagers' Associations.
Economic development is critical to rural Ontario
communities, which is why I championed a report on the
economic impacts of cottaging in Ontario. Understanding
the balance between economic interests, environmental
concerns, and social needs is central to good governance.
I value Whitestone as a community of cottagers, landowners, farmers, forest owners, business owners and full-time residents, and I want to apply my skills to help our community thrive. This isn't a new interest for me — it's
the work I've already been doing. I'm ready to bring it
inside council chambers.
- Whitestone has been my "happy place" for over 50 years
- Past President and CEO of FOCA, The Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations
- Senior Manager - Water Management, Species at Risk
- Certified mediator - I understand how to resolve conflict and bring people together
- Deep Knowledge of planning and best practices
- Commitment to Rural Land Preservation
- Past Member of the Whitestone Enviornmental Committee
Qualifications
A Legacy for Future Generations
Get in Touch
Email: Ianmcrawford@icloud.com
Phone: 249-287-2427