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PETER
VALIQUETTE
-FOR MAYOR OF TWEED
Experience
Community Focused
Transparent
Success depends on community working together. When we approach challenges with cooperation and respect, we make real progress.
Meet Peter
I’m running to be the Mayor of the Municipality because I believe our community deserves leadership that remains transparent, accountable, and committed to the public — leadership that can also successfully leverage the benefits of diplomacy in these challenging times.
Why Valiquette for Mayor
I believe that my life experience, including spending the majority of my career in leadership roles, gives me the ability to guide us in making decisions that are best for our community. I began with over 31 years in the provincial government with the OPP spending the last 16 years as the local Detachment Commander, followed by 10 years in private sector at Moira Place Long Term Care Home as the Environmental Services Supervisor, and finally a demanding term in municipal government as Councillor since 2022.
Throughout this campaign, I’ll be knocking on doors. I’ll see you at the grocery store, the gas station, at one of our restaurants or a local event. You’re always welcome to ask questions. I want to give you the opportunity to get to know me better, even though I’ve been a fixture in this community for over 27 years.
The role of Mayor is one of the most challenging in any community, and ours is no different. Our future success hinges on our ability to demonstrate to upper levels of government that we are working toward self-sufficiency, meeting legislated goals such as asset management directives, and making tough decisions as we move forward. All of this must be paired with the ability to use diplomacy to leverage success.
From Vision to Action - Good intentions are not enough.
The following six priorities outline the practical steps I will take to strengthen Tweed, manage costs responsibly, and build a more sustainable future for our community.
01
priorities
I’ll be focusing on affordability, infrastructure replacement and sustainability, the development of relationships locally, regionally, provincially and federally. I will work with fellow Councillors and the broader municipal team through our CAO, as we develop a plan that allows us to understand where we need to be, what it will cost, and how we can mitigate those costs moving forward. Leadership requires creative and flexible thinking and it is my intention to be the catalyst that will make that happen.
02
timelines
03
fleet management plan
04
cost benefit analysis
05
housing development
06
collaborative efforts
Testimonials
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Peter J. Valiquette is highly commended for his professionalism and dedication to ensuring that the OPP provided a safe and effective policing response to Canada’s worst natural disaster
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On behalf of the residents of the Township of North Grenville (Kemptville) I would like to congratulate you on your recent promotion. This … is our loss and their gain as you have provided exemplary service during your tenure here. … Your strength of character and professionalism is a tribute to both yourself and the Ontario Provincial Police
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...during his career with the OPP, he faithfully discharged his assigned duties in an exemplary manner
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…Hastings County wishes to acknowledge … your dedication and professional work during your career with the Ontario Provincial Police and for your tireless efforts in acting as a liaison within our communities
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Peter has been instrumental in bringing together a group of community members (PEEPS 25) to raise money for community initiatives. He began the initiative a year and a half ago and we’ve donated almost $12,000 as result. For his leadership in this group and for many other reasons, I am proud to support Peter for Mayor of the Municipality of Tweed.
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As a fellow member of the BISB I find that Peter comes well prepared and contributes to the discussion with professionalism and clarity
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I started a mental health coalition for municipalities in south Hastings County in June of 2023 and when I reached out to Peter Valiquette to join the group he immediately said yes. After dozens of meetings of collaborative research and dialogue we came up with a proposal with Gateway Community Health Centre. Last year at our AMO conference in Ottawa Peter made the Presentation to the Deputy Minister of Health. The delegation represented south Hastings County and included mayors’, councillors and staff from all our municipalities. We are presently waiting to hear how we can move forward to address this issue in Mental Health Services.
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Peter Valiquette has been a dedicated leader and part of the senior management team in Tweed for AON for over 10 years. His professionalism in dealing with complex situations has been invaluable. Peters’ dedication to people remains a significant trait of his abilities and the effort he puts into everything remains highly appreciated. We see no better Candidate for Mayor in Tweed than Peter Valiquette and provide our full support.
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Councilor Valiquette’s experience as a retired OPP Detachment Commander proved especially valuable during our meeting with Solicitor General Kurshner. The discussion focused on rising OPP costs and our Temporary OPP Cost Repatriation Proposal. His frontline perspective helped frame the issue in both operational and financial terms before we presented our proposed solution. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Solicitor General acknowledged that Tweed brings not only concerns, but practical solutions."
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Peter continues to excel in his role … at Moira Place. He has put several systems in place and runs a tight ship. He meets regularly with staff and does an excellent job in communicating with them … we regularly receive comments on how clean and well maintained the home is, considering that it’s in its 15th year of operation now which is a testament to how Peter manages his department
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… on the occasion of your retirement … Council and I thank you for your dedication …
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"I will focus on responsible spending, strong local services, and accountable leadership. My goal is to invest wisely in infrastructure, support economic growth and ensure transparency."
Read the latest news below
Schedule a meeting with Peter
Just click here. It will take you to an email page where you can send me a message. From there, we can decide whether you’d like to meet in person or online.
Your Questions, Answered
Questions about the future of Tweed?
Explore answers to some of the most common questions from residents.
1. How would you work towards increased affordability for seniors in the municipality?
To support our aging population, I am proposing a Senior Property Tax Deferral Program tailored for our municipality. Eligible homeowners over the age of 70 who meet specific low-income thresholds and occupy their home as their primary residence would be able to defer a portion of their annual property taxes - up to a maximum of $100 per month. Because our property tax bills include both local and County levies, the successful implementation of this initiative will require a coordinated partnership with the County Council to adjust their bylaws and facilitate the inclusion of the County’s portion of the tax bill in the deferral. The deferred amount would be registered as a lien against the property, to be repaid only when the home is sold, the title is transferred, the property is refinanced, or it is no longer the owner's primary residence
2. How would you ensure that housing and development remain a priority in the Municipality of Tweed?
To ensure housing and development remain priorities, I would stay actively involved in the local Building Inspection Board, lobby to sit on the County Planning Committee, and continue serving on the local municipal planning committee as I do now. I would continue advocating for streamlined processes within the municipality and with our partners at the County and Quinte Conservation, working to eliminate burdensome additional steps for individual builders and developers. After year two of the term starting in 2027, I would review our current planning and development by-laws to ensure they continue to meet the needs of those wishing to develop in our community.
3. What would you do to strengthen food security in the Municipality of Tweed?
Our participation has been led by our current Mayor, and I would continue to sit on and strongly advocate within the committees he currently serves on. Although the municipality’s financial impact is limited, it is still important for council and the community to understand that food insecurity affects school children, families, and seniors. Leadership, influence, and direction from community representatives can have a significant impact and help build broad support.
4. How would you help deal with mental health issues in the Municipality of Tweed?
During this term of council, I have been involved with the Coalition for Improved Mental Health in Central Hastings. I was fortunate to present to the Deputy Minister of Health at AMO, and although our submission was well received, we have not yet received a government response. I would continue advocating through these channels and work to engage other Mayors for stronger, more vocal support. I would also ensure our partnership with the Gateway Community Health Centre remains strong and mutually supportive.
5. How would you collaborate with other levels of government?
From a peer-to-peer perspective, I would, early in the term, establish a Mayors’ Group that includes all Mayors in central Hastings County. This group could advocate collectively for improved resource allocation from the County, provincial, and federal governments. I would also immediately reach out to our local MPP to foster a positive relationship, as well as doing the same with our MP at the federal level.
6. What is your position on alternate energy source creation or storage in the Municipality of Tweed?
As a small rural municipality, we recognize that alternative energy generation and storage technologies continue to evolve. While the community may not always be positioned to fully evaluate the longterm advantages or disadvantages of every proposal, as Mayor I would ensure we remain open to hearing new ideas and learning about emerging opportunities rather than adopting a blanket policy of acceptance or rejection. The municipality must be willing to listen to developers, innovators, and stakeholders as proposals arise, allowing each opportunity to be considered on its own merits and in light of the technology, information, and community needs that exist at that time.
7. What is your position on ALTO?
I do not support the ALTO HighSpeed Rail project in its current form. My concerns relate primarily to its high cost, the potential division of family properties, and the impact it could have on local infrastructure by cutting off or disrupting existing roads and emergency response routes. I am also concerned about possible negative impacts on wildlife and natural habitats. From the perspective of the Municipality of Tweed, the economic benefits appear limited and largely temporary, occurring mainly during the construction phase. Once completed, the train would pass through our community at high speed without stopping, providing little to no lasting economic benefit for residents or businesses. For these reasons, I do not believe the project offers sufficient value to offset its costs and impacts on our community.
8. What political party are you?
I am not affiliated with any political party, nor do I subscribe blindly to any single ideology. My commitment is to people, not party lines. I believe effective leadership requires collaboration across the political spectrum, recognizing that different perspectives can contribute valuable solutions to complex challenges. While I consider myself socially liberal and fiscally conservative, I approach each issue on its own merits rather than through a partisan lens. My focus is on practical, responsible government and governance that brings people together, respects diverse viewpoints, and delivers results for the community I serve.
9. Taxes have gone up considerably over the last term of council. What, if anything, will you do to mitigate that?
Taxes have become something the provincial government has pushed municipalities to
address aggressively in order to maintain infrastructure, especially with rising
cost of living pressures. Taxes cannot remain flat when roads, bridges, water systems,
and emergency services cost more every year. However, residents deserve value for
every dollar. I will focus on three things:
- Controlling operating costs
- Aggressively pursuing provincial and federal grants
- Ensuring major capital projects are prioritized based on need, not politics
Roads are one of the most visible services residents rely on. I would support a longterm
rehabilitation plan that is transparent and published annually so residents know which
roads are being addressed and why. We need to stop reacting to failures and start
planning for them.
10. What would a successful term look like after four years?
A successful four year term would deliver tangible results for residents:
- Better infrastructure planning
- Well managed operating expenses supported by a robust budgeting process
- Fact based capital planning
- Responsible financial decisions
- Strengthened reserve funds to support future infrastructure
- More housing options
- Strong support for local businesses
- A municipal government that remains transparent and responsive
If residents feel their tax dollars are being managed wisely and that Tweed is moving forward while maintaining its small town character, then we will have succeeded.
Still have a question?
Email me anytime at peter@valiquetteformayor.ca
How to Vote
To vote in the Municipality of Tweed election, you must:
• Be a Canadian citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Live in, own property in, or rent property within the Municipality of Tweed
• Bring valid identification when voting
For official voting dates, voter information, and election updates, visit the Municipality of Tweed website.
Where to Vote
Voting locations and election details will be announced as the election approaches.
Information will be provided on:
• Polling station locations
• Advance voting opportunities
• Ballot drop boxes
• Election day procedures
For official voting locations, voter information, and election updates, visit the Municipality of Tweed website.
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