About

I am proud to call Perth home, and I am proud to be running for Mayor with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep commitment to this vibrant community.

Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of serving you as your Councillor. That experience has shaped me, challenged me, and strengthened my resolve to do even more for the people of Perth. Now, I am ready to take the next step — and I am asking for your support.

My Roots in This Community

My commitment to Perth and the surrounding region runs deep. I have served on the Business Improvement Area, the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce, the Municipal Climate Change Advisory Panel, and the Lanark County Climate Action Working Group. I have coordinated major fundraising efforts, including raising $40,000 for the Community Food Centre through Toonies for the Table, and helping secure over $25,000 for Waves for Hospice. I have recruited and trained volunteers for the Stewart Park Festival - First Aid and CPR Brigade and for the Re-Use Centre, co-ordinated the BIA Junior Volunteer Entrepreneurial Program, supported the organization of community events and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make Perth a better place to live.

I participated in the Elton John Aids Foundation Style Icon and put Perth and Retail Businesses on the World Stage by receiving over 8000 hits for the Green Dress ( backdrop - The prestigious Perth Parkside Hotel and Spa) and making it into the quarter finals against 1000’s of competitors.

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Why I'm Running

Perth is a special place — and it deserves leadership that is engaged, accountable, and forward-thinking. I am running for Mayor because I believe we can do more together. I want to build economic opportunity, improve transportation, expand childcare, address homelessness, protect our environment, and celebrate the volunteers who make this community shine.

I am running because I believe we need strong, consistent leadership at the municipal level, but also a strong voice on the County Council. If elected, I will run for a position on the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, and/or the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Knowledge is critical to successful decision-making.

I invite you to join me on this journey — to share your hopes, your concerns, and your vision for Perth's future. Together, we can shape a brighter tomorrow.

Enthusiastically,

Isabel Anne McRae

My Experience

Financial experience & responsibility

As a Trustee for the Upper Canada District School Board serving the United Counties of Lanark, Leeds- Grenville, Stormont, Glengarry, Dundas, and Prescott - Russell -one of Ontario's largest boards of education - I had the privilege of overseeing a budget of $400 Million dollars, 77 schools, 4,200 staff and 28,000 students. Combined with four years of experience as a Municipal Councillor, this role has equipped me with the vision and leadership skills to successfully lead as Mayor, fostering a brighter future for our community.

Recreation Supervisor of two City of Peterborough Recreational Facilities including the second largest Senior Centre in Ontario
Program Director and Acting Executive Director – Ontario Boys & Girls Club – Toronto
Recreation Supervisor – Lanark Community Programs
Activity and Volunteer Co-ordinator at both Maxville Manor and Fairview Manor
Recreation Therapist/Volunteer Co-ordinator of 250 senior and 50 junior volunteers – Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor
Owner and Operator of a Post-Construction Cleaning Service for 18 years while working full-time

My Background

I was one of seven children raised on a large dairy farm in Beckwith Township, Lanark County and attended Carleton Place High School. I was very athletically inclined and involved in 4-H, Junior Farmers and represented Lanark County at the Ontario Dairy Princess Competition in Toronto and made it to the semi- finalists. Following this, I became the Dairy Princess Co-ordinator for the Lanark County Milk Committee for a number of years.

I have always enjoyed the arts, especially music and my late husband Bruce Monteith and I produced three CDs and numerous concerts as fundraisers for various organizations. I had the privilege of being selected for the Arts Carleton Place Awards, and both Bruce and I received the Diamond Award for Champions for Kids for our involvement in music and fundraising for non-profit organisations.

My career has been rooted in service, recreation, and community development. I hold diplomas in Recreation Leadership and Aquatic Administration from Fleming College, Recreation Facility Management from Algonquin College, and Radio and Television Broadcasting from the National Institute of Broadcasting in Toronto. I have also completed studies in Volunteer Administration, Business Entrepreneurship, and Occupational Health and Safety.

I have served as Recreation Supervisor of two City of Peterborough recreational facilities — including the second largest Senior Centre in Ontario. I have worked as Program Director and Acting Executive Director of an Ontario Boys & Girls Club in Toronto, as Recreation Supervisor with Lanark Community Programs, and as a Recreation Therapist and Volunteer Co-ordinator overseeing 250 senior and 50 junior volunteers at Almonte General Hospital and Fairview Manor. For 18 years, I also owned and operated a successful post-construction cleaning service — all while working full-time.

My Experience