As the 2025 election campaign winds down, Parry Sound-Muskoka candidates are making a last push for your vote.
Progressive Conservative incumbent Graydon Smith issued news releases announcing the endorsements of nine mayors from across the riding, five prominent physicians and the Huntsville Doppler.
The mayors include Mayor Ann MacDiarmid of Seguin Township, Mayor Tim Bryson of Strong Township, Mayor Norm Hoffstetter of Perry Township, Mayor Lynda Carleton of Machar Township, Mayor Burt Liverance of The Archipelago, Mayor Rod Ward of Armour Township, Mayor Justine Leveque of the Town of Sundridge, Mayor Sam Dunnett of the Municipality of Magnetawan, Mayor Chris Hope of Burk’s Falls, and Mayor Jamie McGarvey of Parry Sound.
“Graydon has delivered results for Parry Sound. His efforts will make real improvements to the quality of life in our town. I fully endorse his re-election. We need Graydon at Queen’s Park fighting for us,” said Mayor McGarvey.
“I am pleased to express my support for Graydon Smith, who has consistently demonstrated his dedication and effectiveness in serving our community,” said Mayor Dunnet. “He has proven to be a strong champion of local projects, securing much needed funding, and as a former mayor of Bracebridge, a results-oriented representative. Graydon’s commitment to collaboration and progress is exactly what our riding needs to continue building strong communities.”
The news release also stated, “It should be noted that despite overwhelming support from Muskoka mayors for Graydon’s re-election, they are prevented from publicly issuing political endorsements per a municipal code of conduct preventing such statements.”
Smith also received the support of multiple prominent Parry Sound-Muskoka doctors.
“Graydon Smith has been a tireless and effective advocate for local healthcare in Muskoka. It’s important for Graydon to be able to continue his work on behalf of our communities. We’ll all be better for it. I’m pleased to express my full support for Graydon’s re-election. He will continue to fight for us and deliver the investments we need here in Muskoka,” said Dr. Scott Whynot.
Smith’s news release stated that he has secured over $520 million in new provincial funding for Parry Sound-Muskoka in 2.5 years.
Smith’s main opponent, Ontario Green Party candidate Matt Richter, issued a news release stating that Smith is “calling out Graydon Smith for resorting to lies and misinformation as the 2025 provincial election heats up. With no real plan for Ontario’s future, Smith and his team have resorted to spreading falsehoods that have already been thoroughly debunked.”
“Graydon Smith knows he can’t run on his record, so he’s resorting to making things up,” said Matt Richter. “The people of Parry Sound–Muskoka deserve honest leadership, not political games and desperate attacks.”
Richter’s office says that “Smith and his team continue to spread misinformation in an attempt to distract voters from the real issues—affordability, healthcare, and protecting our environment.”
Earlier this month, housing became a hot button issue after Smith and Richter accused each other of misleading voters about a bill introduced by Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner in 2023. The bill would require municipalities to authorize multi-unit residential buildings of up to four stories. Smith claimed the Green’s plan could result in 11-storey condominiums in areas like Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Parry Sound. Richter stated that the policy only applied to major streets in large urban centres, with a population of 100,000 or more. If you missed our video about this story, you can view it here.
“I have reached out to Smith’s campaign to correct the record, however, they have chosen to push through with this disinformation campaign” says Campaign Manager, Maureen Balsillie. “Our aim has been to keep this campaign positive and honest because people are sick of politician spin and games.”
“This election should be about real solutions and real leadership,” Richter continued. “Instead of misleading voters, we should be talking about how to make life more affordable, how to improve healthcare access, and how to protect the natural beauty of our region. My campaign is focused on these priorities, and we will not be distracted by dishonest attacks.”
The election is on Thursday February 27th. To find out where you can vote, go to the Elections Ontario website.
To find out more about the platforms of Ontario’s four main parties, click on the links below.
ONTARIO PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE PLATFORM
ONTARIO LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM
