GET TO KNOW JASON
I was raised in a military family, where service, integrity, accountability and helping others were core values. Those principles have guided my career and continue to shape my approach to public service.
In 2019, my wife Nancy, our daughter Avery and I made Bonfield our home. Nancy, who was born in Kiosk, has spent nearly 30 years caring for seniors as a nurse at Cassellholme. Avery is entering her fourth year in the Business program at Nipissing University. Bonfield is more than where we live—it is the community we are proud to call home.
For more than 20 years, I have held leadership roles in healthcare, government and the non-profit sector, building partnerships, managing public resources and improving services for the communities they serve. I have also continued my professional development through municipal administration training with AMCTO and public-sector procurement training through NECI.
Community service has remained central to my work. I have served as Chair of Low-Income People Involvement of Nipissing, a Director of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, a founding Board member of the North Bay Economic Development Corporation, and a Board member of YMCA Northeastern Ontario.
I was appointed to Bonfield Council in 2021, elected in 2022, and am honoured to serve as Deputy Mayor.
GET TO KNOW JASON
"I believe leadership is about listening, making informed decisions, treating people with respect, and always remembering that every tax dollar belongs to the people who earned it."
I was raised in a military family, where service, integrity, accountability and helping others were core values. Those principles have guided my career and continue to shape my approach to public service.
In 2019, my wife Nancy, our daughter Avery and I made Bonfield our home. Nancy, who was born in Kiosk, has spent nearly 30 years caring for seniors as a nurse at Cassellholme. Avery is entering her fourth year in the Business program at Nipissing University. Bonfield is more than where we live—it is the community we are proud to call home.
For more than 20 years, I have held leadership roles in healthcare, government and the non-profit sector, building partnerships, managing public resources and improving services for the communities they serve. I have also continued my professional development through municipal administration training with AMCTO and public-sector procurement training through NECI.
Community service has remained central to my work. I have served as Chair of Low-Income People Involvement of Nipissing, a Director of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, a founding Board member of the North Bay Economic Development Corporation, and a Board member of YMCA Northeastern Ontario.
I was appointed to Bonfield Council in 2021, elected in 2022, and am honoured to serve as Deputy Mayor.
Improved communication and transparency with residents.
Expanded physician recruitment and healthcare access.
Modernized bylaws to give residents more freedom while respecting neighbours.
Strengthened long-term financial planning using Asset Management Planning.
Completed more ditching, brushing and culvert replacements than in many previous years.
Transformed the Township's approach to gravel road rehabilitation through a dramatic increase in annual investment.
Invested more than $1.38 million in roads, bridges and municipal infrastructure.
proven results
This election isn't starting from zero.
Working together, Council has already:
Community Voices
THE VISION
Priorities for the next four years
Growing Bonfield Responsibly
Over the past four years, we have made meaningful progress by investing in roads and infrastructure, strengthening the Township’s finances, expanding healthcare access, modernizing policies and preparing Bonfield for future growth.
This election isn't starting from zero.
Working together, Council has already:
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Invested more than $1.38 million in roads, bridges and municipal infrastructure.
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Transformed the Township's approach to gravel road rehabilitation through a dramatic increase in annual investment.
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Completed more ditching, brushing and culvert replacements than in many previous years.
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Strengthened long-term financial planning using Asset Management Planning.
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Modernized bylaws to give residents more freedom while respecting neighbours.
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Expanded physician recruitment and healthcare access.
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Improved communication and transparency with residents.
There is still more to do.
If elected Mayor, I will build on this progress through positive leadership, responsible financial management, evidence-based decisions and a commitment to putting residents first.
Bonfield deserves respectful, constructive dialogue. We can disagree while treating one another with kindness, working together and taking pride in our community.
Together, we can focus on solutions, strengthen our community and keep Bonfield moving forward.
Better Roads Through Better Planning
Roads remain one of the Township's largest responsibilities.
Road decisions should be based on engineering data - not election promises.
By continuing to use our Roads Needs Study and Asset Management Plan, we can make evidence-based decisions that deliver the greatest long-term value for taxpayers.
Priorities include:
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Continue increasing investment in road rehabilitation.
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Protect roads before they fail.
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Improve drainage and ditching.
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Replace aging culverts.
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Maximize provincial and federal infrastructure funding.
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Invest where it provides the greatest long-term benefit.
Responsible Financial Leadership
Every budget requires balancing today's needs with tomorrow's responsibilities.
As Mayor I will continue to:
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Spend taxpayer dollars wisely and measure results to ensure every investment delivers value.
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Continue rebuilding Township reserves to prepare for future infrastructure needs.
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Pursue every available provincial and federal funding opportunity.
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Reduce costly emergency repairs through preventative maintenance.
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Make long-term financial decisions, not short-term political ones.
Strong finances protect services while helping keep taxes affordable.
Growth helps keep taxes sustainable.
More families.
More businesses.
More jobs.
More assessment.
I support responsible residential, commercial and industrial growth while protecting the rural character that makes Bonfield such a special place to call home.
Growth should strengthen our community - not overwhelm it.
Supporting Young Families
Bonfield is a wonderful place to raise a family, and together we need to ensure it stays that way.
With the new 18-lot residential subdivision planned for Rutherglen, we have an opportunity to welcome new families and continue growing our community. That means investing not only in roads and infrastructure, but also in the parks, recreation facilities, and gathering spaces that make Bonfield an even better place to live.
I will continue supporting improvements to Rutherglen Park, enhancements to our outdoor rink and recreation facilities, and expanded opportunities for youth and families.
Strong communities are built around places where neighbours gather.
Bonfield is a community with enormous potential.
Healthcare
Access to healthcare remains one of our community's top priorities.
I'm proud to have helped support the successful recruitment of two family physicians to Bonfield, helping ensure more residents have access to primary healthcare close to home.
As Mayor, I will continue working alongside healthcare partners to:
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Support physician recruitment and retention.
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Advocate for expanded allied healthcare services here in our community.
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Pursue new opportunities that improve healthcare close to home.
Community Safety
Residents deserve to feel safe in every neighbourhood.
My priorities include:
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Continuing to invest in a strong volunteer fire department.
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Planning for replacement of our aging fire apparatus.
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Supporting emergency preparedness.
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Maintaining property standards that protect public safety and neighbourhoods.
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Strengthening relationships with emergency service partners.
Property standards aren't about telling people how to live - they're about ensuring unsafe buildings, dangerous debris and neglected properties don't negatively affect neighbouring homes, public safety or community pride.
I believe strongly in property rights.
People should have the freedom to enjoy and use their property.
That's why this Council has modernized several bylaws, including permitting:
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Shipping containers as storage sheds.
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Hunt camps.
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Up to three dwelling units on eligible properties.
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Seasonal RV occupancy on your vacant land in rural zones.
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Earlier open-air burning.
But freedom also comes with responsibility.
Most of us want the freedom to do what we like on our own property - right up until something happening next door begins affecting our own family's enjoyment, safety or property value.
My approach is simple:
Protect personal freedom while maintaining reasonable standards that preserve community pride and respect for neighbours.
Transparency & Accountability
Residents deserve to know:
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What Council is doing.
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Why decisions are being made.
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How tax dollars are being spent.
Residents shouldn't have to wait until election time to hear from their Mayor.
As your Mayor, I will:
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Provide regular updates.
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Remain accessible by phone, email and social media.
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Listen respectfully to every resident.
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Make evidence-based decisions.
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Lead with honesty and transparency.
Property Rights & Community Pride
a stronger financial future
We've Put In The Work. Now Let's Keep Taxes Reasonable.
We hear it all the time: property taxes in Bonfield are too high.
As a Bonfield taxpayer myself, I agree.
But simply promising lower taxes is easy. Responsible leadership means understanding what it actually takes to keep them under control over the long term.
It's a balance between keeping taxes affordable, maintaining the services residents rely on, investing in our roads and infrastructure, and putting enough aside so tomorrow's taxpayers aren't left paying for decisions we should be making today.
Four years ago, Bonfield wasn't in the financial position it needed to be.
Our reserves were relatively low. We were taking money from savings to help fund annual operations. Infrastructure had been underfunded for years. And we needed better long-term planning for what was coming.
We've spent the last four years changing that.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Total reserves increased by more than $1 million — 62%.
These aren't campaign estimates. They're numbers that can be verified through the Township's financial documents and audited financial statements.
That's Not “Extra Money”
If our taxes are too high, why does the Township have $2.84 million in reserves?
Because that money isn't sitting there without a purpose.
We have roads that need rehabilitation, bridges and culverts that need attention, aging municipal buildings and equipment, and significant Fire Department investments that need to be made to ensure our firefighters have the equipment they need to safely protect our community.
Unexpected costs will also happen.
We have a choice: plan and prepare for these expenses, or wait until they become emergencies and send the bill to taxpayers through sudden tax increases or additional borrowing.
Township financial documents previously identified Bonfield as being at the “lower end of infrastructure renewal and reserve amounts per household.”
That's why rebuilding our financial capacity was necessary.
And importantly, we didn't build those reserves by stopping investment in Bonfield.
We've strengthened our reserves while increasing our investment in roads and infrastructure and putting long-term plans in place to guide where taxpayers' dollars are invested.
My Commitment: Keep the Municipal Levy at or Below Inflation
Because of the work we've done over the last four years, I believe we're now in a position to set a clear target for the next four.
If elected Mayor, my goal will be to keep annual increases in the portion of the municipal tax levy that Bonfield Council controls at or below the rate of inflation.
That's a commitment residents can measure.
There may be exceptional circumstances — an emergency, a major unforeseen expense, or an investment that is clearly in Bonfield's long-term interest. If I ever support exceeding that target, I will explain publicly why it is necessary, what the additional money will be used for, and what alternatives were considered.
Before asking taxpayers for more, I believe every budget should ask:
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Can we find an efficiency?
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Can another level of government help pay for it?
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Can we do it differently without reducing essential services?
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Does this expenditure provide real value to residents?
There are also portions of your overall property tax bill that Bonfield Council does not control, including costs from outside agencies and changes resulting from property assessment.
But for the dollars Council does control, taxpayers should expect discipline.
What Does This Mean for the Next Four Years?
The last four years were about catching up and strengthening Bonfield's financial foundation.
The next four should be about protecting those gains, continuing the infrastructure work we've started, making the necessary investments in our Fire Department, finding efficiencies, and keeping taxes under control.
This election isn't about going back to the way things were.
It's about taking the stronger foundation we've built and using it to deliver the next phase of progress.
Reasonable taxes. Responsible spending. Continued investment. Long-term planning.
We've spent four years getting Bonfield into a better position. Now let's use that position to deliver for taxpayers and keep Bonfield moving forward.
Community FAQ
Why is this FAQ being published?
Residents deserve clear answers to reasonable questions. Some recent discussions have started with incomplete information or assumptions about how municipal services and decisions work.
Where can I find the source documents?
Council agendas, minutes, by-laws, budgets, studies and reports are public records.
Planning and property rights
Has this Council expanded what people can do on their property?
Yes. Council has made several changes that provide residents with more flexibility while still protecting safety, water quality and neighbouring properties. These include allowing qualifying seasonal trailers on vacant rural properties, allowing hunt camps in rural areas, allowing shipping containers for personal storage and supporting up to three residential units on eligible properties.
If Council has allowed more, why do some people say rights have been taken away?
Some concerns arise because long-standing by-laws are being applied more consistently. That can be an adjustment for people who may have been used to a rule not being enforced in the past. However, it is only fair that the same rules apply to everyone. One resident should not be required to follow a by-law while another is permitted to ignore it.
If a by-law no longer makes sense or should be changed, that is a fair conversation for Council and the community to have. Until then, the Township has a responsibility to apply it consistently. Council has been clear that enforcement should begin with education and an opportunity for voluntary compliance wherever possible.
Why are there rules for private property at all?
Property rights matter. Reasonable standards also protect neighbours, public safety, water quality and the long-term value of our community. The Township's role is to set clear, fair rules and, wherever possible, begin with education and voluntary compliance.
I believe people should be able to do what they want on their own property, right up until it negatively affects a neighbour's enjoyment of their property or its value. That is why reasonable rules exist in an organized township: to balance individual freedom with fairness to everyone around us.
Taxes
What is the approach to municipal tax increases?
The commitment is to manage the portion of the municipal tax levy Council controls responsibly and keep annual increases at or below inflation, while still protecting essential services and planned infrastructure work.
Does Council control every part of my tax bill?
No. 40% of residential tax dollars go to education and other required outside costs, including the OPP, Cassellholme, social services and the Conservation Authority. Council must budget responsibly for the portion it controls, but it does not control every cost shown on a property tax bill.
Has investing in equipment reduced the Township's reliance on contractors?
Yes. Council has invested in equipment, including a backhoe/excavator, so more work can be completed by Township staff instead of being contracted out.
Based on the identified outsourced work invoices, annual spending on listed contracted work averaged about $27,100 per year from 2021 to 2023. From 2024 to 2026, it averaged about $7,800 per year, a reduction of 71%.
Having the right equipment and trained staff allows the Township to complete more work in-house, reduce recurring contractor costs and plan for the long term. Specialized work will still be contracted when needed.
Why is Bonfield's residential tax rate so high?
As a Bonfield taxpayer myself, I would also like to pay less in property taxes. However, Bonfield is not far above several nearby municipalities when the comparison using the same assessed value.
For a home assessed at $200,000, Bonfield's 2026 property tax is about $3,094. That is $12 more than Powassan, $110 more than Chisholm and $175 more than Callander. It is $200 less than Calvin, $527 less than North Bay and $1,265 less than Mattawa. **These figures reflect property taxes only. In municipalities that provide water, wastewater or curbside garbage collection, those services are charged separately and are not included in these numbers.
Bonfield has a large rural road network, limited commercial assessment and significant required outside costs. The focus must be on managing the portion Council controls responsibly, making long-term investments that save money and continuing to find efficiencies.
What has changed financially during this term of Council?
Township reserves increased from about $1.75 million in 2022 to $2.84 million in 2025, an increase of more than $1 million, or 62%.
These reserves are not extra money without a purpose. They help the Township prepare for major road, bridge, culvert, building, and fire equipment costs without having to rely as heavily on sudden tax increases or borrowing.
Roads and infrastructure
How are road projects chosen?
With an estimated $5 million infrastructure deficit, there is no shortage of roads that need attention. The question is how to prioritize the work fairly and responsibly.
The Road Needs Study, Asset Management Plan and long-term capital plan help Council assess road condition, drainage needs, lifecycle costs and the timing of major repairs or reconstruction. That evidence-based approach guided decisions during this term of Council and should continue moving forward.
Why is work done on one road before another?
Every road cannot be rebuilt at once. Projects are prioritized by condition, safety, drainage, traffic, cost and the value of doing work before a road fails completely. Routine grading, ditching, brushing and gravel are also part of maintaining roads between major projects.
Landfill waste and recycling
Why are some landfill cleanup loads free but other items charged?
The free cleanup loads are intended for ordinary household waste. Materials that cost more to handle, such as construction and demolition material, mattresses and certain special wastes, have separate fees so one unusually costly load is not paid for by everyone else. Limits also help protect the remaining life of the landfill.
What is normally not included in a free cleanup load?
Typically excluded items include construction and renovation waste, shingles, large quantities of demolition material, mattresses and box springs, tires, appliances, and hazardous or special wastes.
Why can’t people take items back out of the landfill?
The landfill operates under provincial environmental requirements and its approved operating conditions. Once waste is placed at the site, allowing people to remove or scavenge material creates safety, environmental and liability concerns. The Township must operate the facility within those rules.
Why are recycling containers arranged differently?
Ontario has changed how recycling is managed across the province. The Township no longer controls all parts of the recycling program, including how materials are collected and which materials are accepted. Residents should follow the current recycling instructions at the landfill.
Why not provide curbside garbage and recycling collection?
Curbside collection would be convenient, but it would create a significant annual cost. Before adding a service, Council needs to be clear about the cost, the impact on taxes or user fees, and whether it is the best use of limited municipal dollars compared with roads, fire protection and other priorities.
The estimated annual cost is $250,000 to $300,000. Based on the Township's budget, that would equal roughly a 6.25% to 7.5% tax increase if it were funded entirely through the municipal levy.
By-law enforcement and accountability
Does the Administrative Monetary Penalty system create new rules or new offences?
No. An Administrative Monetary Penalty system is a different way to enforce designated municipal by-laws that could otherwise proceed through Provincial Offences Court. It is intended to make the process more timely and less cumbersome and costly for both the Township and the resident, while retaining a fair review process.
Can a by-law officer issue a penalty without evidence?
No. An officer must have grounds to believe a designated by-law was contravened. Education and voluntary compliance should come first where appropriate. If a penalty is issued, the notice identifies the alleged contravention and the Township must be able to support it through its enforcement file.
Is there an independent review of an Administrative Monetary Penalty?
Yes. A resident can request screening and, where applicable, a hearing. Hearing officers are required to be licensed paralegals regulated by the Law Society of Ontario. That professional requirement helps support a fair, accountable and impartial process.
Community services and growth
What does responsible growth in Bonfield mean?
Responsible growth means welcoming new residents, families and businesses while protecting the rural character that makes Bonfield a great place to live.
My goal is to grow Bonfield's population by a few hundred residents, toward approximately 2,500 people. That is not growth for the sake of growth. It is about building a larger customer base that can support more local business models and amenities, such as a grocery store, gas station, restaurant, gym and other services people currently must leave town to access.
Growth also helps broaden the tax base, which can reduce pressure on existing residential taxpayers over time. It needs to be planned carefully, supported by infrastructure and done in a way that respects existing residents and our community's character.
IN THE NEWS
June 26, 2025 interview with
North Bay Echo Essentials Podcast
June 1, 2026 article in BayToday
April 19, 2024 article in BayToday
GET INVOLVED
Jason Corbett
Deputy Mayor of the Township of Bonfield
Email: jasoncorbett40@icloud.com
Phone: 705-840-0379
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