MarkMattson
Locals First
A campaign to make everyday life on Wolfe Island work better: reliable ferries, dependable services and an island we protect for the next generation.
Mark has spent his career in the public interest for Canadians. Now he's bringing that experience home to Ward 1, and he's asking you to be part of it.
For thirty years, Mark has worked in the public interest for Canadians. This campaign brings that same persistence home, to the ferry, the roads and the services Wolfe Island depends on every day.
A serious, local, practical choice for Ward 1.
Experienced
More than three decades working in law and the public interest, turning complex issues into practical outcomes.
Rooted Here
A family connection to Wolfe Island extending back generations, and a permanent home on the island today.
Focused on the Practical
Ferries, infrastructure, essential services, community and protecting the character of the island.
The Ferry We All Depend On
Reliable, frequent ferry service is fundamental to everyday life on Wolfe Island. It shapes emergency response, access to jobs, healthcare and appointments in Kingston, local businesses, families, seniors and visitors. Like every islander, Mark lives with the schedule too.
Mark will make reliable island access a standing priority at Council, and push to put locals first so residents who live and work here are not left behind at the dock. That means better service, clear communication, contingency planning and real accountability from the agencies responsible for ferry operations.
- Local Priority
- Residents who live and work here come first, every sailing and every season.
- Reliability
- Dependable service islanders can plan around.
- Frequency
- Advocating for service levels that reflect the needs of a growing year-round community.
- Communication
- Clearer, faster information when operations change.
A councillor is effective when they know which levers Council actually holds, and where the job is to advocate hard for islanders with other levels of government.
Council Can Act
Decisions the Township makes directly.
- Road maintenance & winter service
- Drainage & local infrastructure
- Municipal planning & development
- Recreation & community spaces
- Certain local community services
Council Must Advocate
Provincial responsibilities where Council is islanders’ voice.
- Ferry operations & scheduling
- Provincial transportation issues
- Certain healthcare services
- Other provincial responsibilities
What Islanders Are Talking About
These are the themes coming up most often in conversations across Wolfe Island: at the dock, at the store and on doorsteps. Each one connects to a priority Mark is prepared to work on.
The everyday issues that shape island life
Recurring conversations with residents across Wolfe Island, in the order Mark hears them most.
A career spent improving life for Canadians.
Mark didn't come to public service through politics. He came to it through the work: protecting the water, resources and communities Canadians rely on. That same determination is what he offers Ward 1.
- Career
A lawyer in the public interest
More than three decades of legal and advocacy work standing up for communities and the public good, not narrow interests.
- Founder
Built a national clean-water movement
Founded Swim Drink Fish, mobilizing thousands of Canadians to protect the lakes and rivers our communities depend on.
- Impact
Made institutions answer to people
Spent a career turning complex problems into practical results, holding agencies and governments accountable for the public they serve.
- Home
Bringing it home to Wolfe Island
That same persistence, for reliable ferries, real services and a protected island, now focused entirely on Ward 1.
Experience That Can Be Put to Work for Wolfe Island
Mark Mattson has spent more than three decades as a lawyer and public-interest advocate, working across government, communities and organizations to turn complex issues into practical outcomes.
- 30+ Years
- Lawyer and public-interest advocate
- Swim Drink Fish
- Founder of a national organization focused on clean water and public access
- Generational Island Roots
- Family connection to Wolfe Island extending back generations
- Partnership & Funding Experience
- Experience working across government, communities and institutions
Mark's family connection to Wolfe Island reaches back generations. After years of maintaining close ties to the island, he has made Wolfe Island his permanent home. His campaign begins with listening: at the dock, at the store, on doorsteps and throughout the community.
He believes municipal government should be practical and accessible, with faster answers, clearer communication and visible value for the taxes residents pay.
This is a campaign you can be part of.
Good local government isn't a spectator sport. It takes neighbours talking to neighbours. Lend an hour, commit to vote, or simply help spread the word. Every bit moves this island forward.
Good Local Government Starts With Listening
This campaign should continue to evolve through conversations with the people who live, work and spend time on Wolfe Island. If there is an issue Mark should understand, an idea worth pursuing or something the Township could do better, he wants to hear it.
Municipal Election · October 26, 2026
Election Day
Monday, October 26
Voting Hours
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Ward 1, Wolfe Island and Simcoe Island, will elect its representatives to Frontenac Islands Council in the 2026 Ontario Municipal Election.
For official voting locations, hours and procedures, the Township of Frontenac Islands is always the authoritative source.
Wolfe Island deserves a councillor who shows up. Let's elect one.
Mark Mattson · Ward 1 Councillor
Election Day · October 26, 2026