Former Mayor Savage Enters Ward 4 Race

Former West Nipissing mayor Joanne Savage has officially entered the 2026 municipal election, announcing she will run for a Ward 4 council seat.

Savage served as mayor for more than 20 years before deciding not to run in the 2022 election. In late July, she ruled out another run for mayor but said she was considering a council bid. She has now made that decision official.

Savage joins Jason Burns and current Ward 4 councillor Jamie Restoule, who is seeking another term. Ward 4 covers the eastern part of Sturgeon Falls, the townships of Pedley and Beaucage, and surrounding areas.

Savage said her campaign will put “People First,” with a focus on listening to residents, keeping West Nipissing affordable, and making sure people have a voice in municipal decisions.

She also spoke about the recent death of her husband, Dan, saying she believes he would want her to continue working with people and contributing to the municipality they both cared about.