Ward 5 candidate Mark Doble says a talent pipeline needed to fuel local economy

Mark Doble says one of the most important roles a city councillor can play is that of “a de facto economic development officer.”

The Ward 5 councillor, who is running for re-election, said part of his job is to be an advocate for attracting business and industry to Kawartha Lakes.

While Ward 5, which occupies the northern half of Lindsay, is geographically the smallest of Kawartha Lakes’ eight wards, it’s the fastest growing in population, Doble said.

That growth means the city has a responsibility to ensure residents have access to employment, resources and the infrastructure needed to support it.

“You need to be doing those things that are going to attract new business and industry into our community, and we also have to be doing things that support and encourage our existing commercial base,” Doble told Kawartha Lakes Weekly.

“We have to do those things as a council that are going to make the city a place where businesses are looking to locate to, a place where (their) employees are going to want to live, work and play.”

Along with supporting business and industrial growth, Doble said the city needs to ensure its infrastructure is up to par.

“Building a robust and responsible infrastructure and service delivery – that has to be a top priority,” he said.

“That means good roads, safe streets, good equipment for emergency services, a vibrant arts and cultural community, and parks and recreational facilities for all ages to enjoy. … But at the same time, we have to keep our tax rates competitive.”

If elected, Doble also said he would continue advocating for local educational opportunities that keep youth in Kawartha Lakes and provide a talent pipeline that feeds the local economy.

Doble noted there have been “concerning” program cuts at Fleming College’s Frost Campus in recent years, and added he has been an advocate for the campus.

“I spent a good part of last year meeting with professors, meeting with staff, talking with students … to find out what we can do to support and encourage the long-term viability of the Frost Campus in our community,” he said.

“If I am re-elected, it will be my intention to continue that.”

Doble, who has lived in Kawartha Lakes with his wife, Terry, for 45 years, is retired after a career in the municipal sector. He was elected Ward 5 councillor in an April 10, 2025, byelection.

Since then, he has immersed himself in civic politics, serving on several of the city’s boards and committees, including the Downtown Lindsay Business Improvement Area, Lindsay Ops Landfill, the Roads Task Force and the Active Transportation Advisory Committee.

His community involvement includes volunteering with Kawartha Lakes Public Library and the Lindsay Concert Foundation, as well as coaching minor sports. In 2021, he co-authored and published a biography of Canadian musician Domenic Troiano, who played in several notable bands, including The Guess Who.

Fifteen months after being elected Ward 5 councillor, Doble said working with his colleagues on council and serving constituents has cemented his desire to continue in the role.

“I’ve really enjoyed my first year on council, so I think I’m ready to make a commitment for a full term,” he said.

Kawartha Lakes’ municipal election will be held Oct. 26. At publishing time, Doble was running unopposed in Ward 5.