Paul Lawton · Northcrest Ward
The priorities I ran on, my background, and the interviews and statements I shared with residents.
Residents should feel safe in their homes, on neighbourhood streets, in parks, on trails, and throughout our public spaces. The City must support effective law and bylaw enforcement and should not accept public drug use, vandalism, intimidation, violence, or the loss of safe access to shared spaces as inevitable.
Every dollar City Hall spends came from someone who had to earn it. Council should focus on core responsibilities, carefully scrutinize major spending decisions, demand clear results, and respect the financial pressures facing taxpayers.
Roads, sidewalks, parks, waste collection, emergency services, and other basic municipal responsibilities must come first. The City should maintain existing infrastructure responsibly and plan for future growth without neglecting the services residents rely on today.
Strong communities begin with strong families, churches, volunteers, and local organizations. City Hall should respect their important role, consult residents before major decisions are made, and support the conditions in which neighbourhoods can flourish.
In this two-minute YourTV candidate statement, I explain why I’m running for Northcrest and the priorities at the centre of my campaign: safe neighbourhoods, responsible spending, public order, and making sure residents are heard at City Hall.
Paul and his wife Erika are raising their nine children in Peterborough. He understands the pressures facing families as they raise children, manage rising costs, and plan for the future.
Paul believes public office is a responsibility before God and a trust from the people we serve. That means speaking honestly, treating taxpayers' money with care, making decisions on principle, and serving the whole community faithfully.
He is running to bring private-sector management experience, a strong commitment to public order, and a family and neighbourhood perspective to City Council.
Paul brings experience in leadership, communication, organizational management, and community engagement through his professional work, church service, and public involvement.
Peterborough has been a good place to raise our family, and I want it to remain a city where the next generation can put down roots and raise families of their own.
Many Northcrest residents are concerned about rising taxes, deteriorating public order, pressure on roads and city services, homelessness, and major decisions being made without enough attention to the people most directly affected.
Municipal government cannot solve every social problem, but it is responsible for doing its own work well. That includes maintaining roads and infrastructure, protecting the safe use of public spaces, delivering reliable core services, managing growth responsibly, and treating taxpayers' money with care.
I am running because Northcrest deserves a councillor who will ask direct questions, insist on clear answers, and keep City Hall focused on safe neighbourhoods, responsible spending, and competent local government.
I opposed the proposed shelter at the Carnegie Avenue fire hall. My concerns are with the location, the impact on the surrounding neighbourhood and how residents’ concerns have been handled. Homeless people need effective help, including treatment where needed. The City also has a responsibility to maintain public order and keep neighbourhoods safe. Residents should not be left dealing with problems that the City has failed to plan for or address.
Before the City makes further construction commitments, the promised partnership funding needs to be secured in writing and the full cost to taxpayers needs to be clear. That includes construction, site cleanup and ongoing operating costs. I would not support moving ahead on the assumption that someone else will eventually cover the shortfall. We have roads and other core services that already need attention.
I oppose strong mayor powers because they take authority away from councillors elected to represent residents. The mayor should make the case for a decision and earn council’s support. I would judge proposals on their merits and defend council’s role in debating and deciding them.
Before hiring outside help, the City should explain why the work cannot be done by the staff we already employ. Sometimes specialist advice is necessary. When it is, council should know what the work will cost, what we are getting for the money and how the results will be used. Residents should be able to understand those decisions too.
Trent Radio | Published October 8, 2026
Listen to Paul Lawton’s interview with Trent Radio, recorded as part of its candidate interview series for Peterborough’s 2026 municipal election.
PTBO Today | October 1, 2026
Paul outlines his background and priorities for Northcrest, including safe neighbourhoods, responsible spending, public order and making sure residents are heard. The profile also includes a short recorded campaign message.
The Peterborough Examiner | June 16, 2026
Paul introduces his campaign for Ward 5 – Northcrest and outlines his priorities for safe neighbourhoods, public order, responsible spending, strong core services, and a council that listens before decisions are made.
Paul Lawton officially registered as a candidate for City Council in Northcrest Ward on June 5, 2026. Watch his launch message from outside Peterborough City Hall.