Reeve Karen Jennings reflects on council teamwork, infrastructure pressures and the 2026 municipal election
Hometown News reached out to the mayors and reeves across its coverage area with a series of questions reflecting on the year that was and the challenges ahead.
In Montague Township, Reeve Karen Jennings spoke about teamwork at council, infrastructure pressures, community growth and her plans heading into the 2026 municipal election.
Responses have been published as provided, with light editing for clarity.
What was the single most important decision made this year, and why?
The reeve of Montague Township is one of five elected positions, and council, as a team, makes decisions on behalf of residents.
The most important decisions this year related to staffing within the municipality. This included restructuring positions to better align with growing demands, succession planning due to retirements, and updating the bylaw to establish and regulate the fire department, including modernizing an outdated points payment system.
Montague’s dedicated staff are what allow council’s legislated duties to run smoothly, and every position within the organization is valued. Council and staff continue to maintain a strong working relationship, which supports ongoing progress toward the township’s goals and objectives.
What was the hardest part of the job in 2025 that residents may not see?
Like all municipalities, Montague council receives a high volume of emails, phone calls, text messages and social media messages from residents. These communications often relate to planning or building matters, but more commonly involve roads, including grading, reconstruction, snow plowing and ditching.
Council assists where it can, but residents are frequently referred to municipal staff for further assistance, explanation or information, as staff are best positioned to address operational concerns.
Is there a decision or moment you would handle differently now?
No. Council dealt with several planning and zoning matters this year and made decisions based on policies, procedures and legislation, always with the broader interests of the municipality in mind.
What issue took up more time and energy than you expected?
Gravel roads, along with the volume of residents reaching out to council. Council hears these concerns, but ultimately decisions come down to costs and what can reasonably be done to improve road conditions within budget constraints.
What do you believe council or staff got right this year?
Working as a team, council and staff completed the new combined fire and public works complex, substantially under budget, thanks to a strong project team.
There was also continued expansion of the Montague 22-acre park, including new lighting, the creation of two pickleball courts, a walking trail and an expanded sliding hill.
Where do you think the municipality fell short?
Many residents would point to gravel roads. Council and staff are aware of these conditions and continue to address them through day-to-day maintenance.
At the same time, council and staff are taking a forward-looking approach by researching best practices and exploring ways to improve how gravel roads are managed based on usage, traffic volumes and observed conditions. This work, supported by a road needs study, helps guide long term planning and ensures decisions are made carefully, transparently and in the best interests of the community, while recognizing budget realities.
How do you respond to residents who feel unheard or frustrated?
Council responds by answering phone calls, emails and messages, and by directing residents to municipal staff for assistance.
Policies, procedures, bylaws and legislation govern how municipalities operate, and sometimes residents are unhappy with the answers they receive. Even so, they are being heard. Staff regularly bring forward revisions to policies and procedures, often informed by discussions with residents.
What is the most urgent issue heading into 2026?
The municipal election, along with increased costs for policing and ongoing capital and operational needs.
How do you define success in this role?
Success is hearing from residents at community events who comment positively on the Montague 22-acre park and the new complex. My response is always the same. It is about the team.
This council, our staff, committee volunteers and the broader community together define success in my role as reeve.
When your term is over, what do you hope people remember about your leadership?
I hope residents feel I led the role of reeve in the way they expected when they elected me in 2022. I continue to make decisions based on the policies, procedures and legislation that guided my earlier municipal career and led me to public office.
I committed to keeping the community informed through social media and continue to do so regularly. I also respond to phone calls, emails and messages as quickly as possible. As I have stated publicly before, the position of reeve holds no more authority than any other council position. Decisions are made collectively, as a team.
Will you run in the 2026 municipal election?
I have served two terms on council, first as a councillor and now as reeve. I have enjoyed serving the residents of Montague in both roles and believe the township is growing in a positive direction. With our strong staff in place, Montague is in good hands.
It is my intention to run again for the position of reeve.
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