Focus on school safety, community engagement and policy over politics

LAURIE WEIR

Rideau Lakes Township officially welcomed Dustin Bulloch to council following his decisive win in the Ward 3 byelection on June 26.

With 283 votes, Bulloch secured more than half the ballots cast, surpassing candidates Jordan DeLong (114), Rob Hennessy (65), and Jonathan Carr (43) in the four-way race to fill the vacant council seat left by Joan Delaney, who resigned on March 3.

“I feel pretty good,” Bulloch said in an interview with Hometown News the day after the results. “It’s nice to know the work I put into this, getting out and speaking to people, resonated.”

The municipality issued a statement Friday morning congratulating Bulloch and acknowledging the contributions of all four candidates.

“All candidates ran for the position with the intent of helping their community,” the township stated. “Mr. Bulloch brings with him a lifetime of community service and volunteerism.”

Bulloch is a graduate of St. John Catholic High School in Perth and did his undergrad in History and Political Science at Carleton University. He works for Parks Canada.

He is married to Jennifer Bond, the daughter of the former Rideau District High School teacher, local historian and author, Doug Bond, who died in 2020. The couple and their two daughters, 7 and 5, live at the Bond homestead between Portland and Elgin. The girls attend South Crosby Public School.

“History’s always been important to me,” he said. “Working on a UNESCO World Heritage Site like the canal ties right into that interest, and it’s what led me to get involved with the township’s heritage committee and the library board. I feel very strongly about the importance of our public library. It’s a beacon in the community, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done.”

‘Hard work is just beginning’

As for hitting the ground running, Bulloch said he’s ready and while he had already planned to run in the 2026 municipal election, he didn’t expect to find himself at the table quite so soon.

He will be sworn in during the regular council meeting on Monday, July 7.

“It’s a bit of a surreal moment,” he said. “But the hard work is just beginning. There’s a year and a half left in this term, and I’m hoping to bring a collaborative approach to the table and help find some common ground between councillors.”

Mayor Arie Hoogenboom thanked township staff for executing a smooth election process.

“Even a small election is subject to meet stringent requirements,” Hoogenboom said. “We appreciate the professionalism with which it has been carried out.”

Policy over politics

Bulloch said one of his goals is to rebuild public trust and focus on policy over politics, including around divisive issues such as the provincial strong mayor powers.

“Being completely honest, I don’t like the law,” he said. “I don’t see how it benefits municipalities. But when I’m making decisions at the council table, I’ll be looking at each issue on its merit and how it impacts the community.”

He said he’s already connected with most members of council, including several who attended the vote count in Chantry. 

“I want to be a facilitator,” Bulloch said. “I’m starting from a position of positive relationships, and I hope to build on that.”

Local priorities

During the campaign, Bulloch said he heard concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly around school zones in Elgin.

“I’ve experienced it myself. The setup near the school in Elgin is terrible,” he said. He said he hopes to collaborate with Coun. Linda Carr, who has been vocal about student safety near the school.

“She’s my daughters’ school bus driver, so she knows what’s going on there. I’d be happy to help if she’s taking the lead on that,” he said. “I want to build on the progress (former councillor) Joan Delaney and others have made and work with the community to find real solutions.”

Bulloch also pointed to infrastructure gaps in Morton and other areas on the township’s periphery.

“Some communities feel a bit left out,” he said. “In Morton, for example, there’s no recreational infrastructure for kids. I’d like to work with the residents to see what’s needed and help advocate for it.” He said he knows of their work to get an air conditioner for the hall, as well. 

Bulloch said he plans to maintain an open-door approach.

“If they want me involved, I’ll be there. If they don’t, I won’t force it,” he said. “My contact information will be out there. I just want to be available.”

Bulloch said he looks forward to attending community events, including local Canada Day celebrations and the launch of a new photo exhibit featuring restored images of the Rideau Canal, happening Saturday at the Red Brick School House in Elgin.

The duck race in Chaffeys Lock is always a family favourite, he added.

“I’m excited to get started,” he said. “I’m here to listen and to serve.”