Photo by Blair Edwards for the Kanata Kourier-Standard

Update: 

“Unfortunately, I have reached the difficult decision to bow out of the 2010 municipal election.  The campaign has been going extraordinarily well, but it has placed a strain on my family at this time.  My wife had taken the kids away for some R&R and to provide me the opportunity to focus on the campaign.  In so doing, I missed my son’s second birthday, and that caused us to have to rethink our situation (as you can imagine).  We are also preparing our home for sale as we have purchased a home in Kanata Lakes!

I will continue my community work and I shall endeavour to help our councillor tackle the important issues in Kanata and across the city. 

Allow me to thank all those who have pledged their support, and to say that I will return to run again at a later date.

Warmest regards and thanks,

-Matt”

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As President of the Briarbrook and Morgan’s Grant Community Association in Kanata, Matt has established a reputation for effective community leadership and innovative problem-solving.

In 2007, Matt launched a graffiti-fighting initiative in his Kanata community that continues to this day.  Matt was asked to speak at the City of Ottawa’s “Graffiti Symposium” to share how he fights vandalism in Morgan’s Grant and Briarbrook.

Matt is the founding organizer of the Multicultural Festival in Kanata North and as President of the BMGCA he has organized and hosted various community events and meetings.

In 2008, Matt was nominated for the City of Ottawa’s “Civic Appreciation Award” for his purposeful volunteerism, and in 2010 he was awarded the Mayor’s “Agent of Change” medallion for outstanding leadership in the community.

Matt Muirhead was a candidate for city council in Kanata North in the 2006 municipal election, where he received 21% of the votes cast.

Matt holds a degree in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa.  He teaches Civics and Dramatic Arts at Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Stittsville.  Matt is the father of three children with his wife, Kara.  He is the President of the federal Conservative riding association and executive director of the provincial Progressive Conservative association in Kanata’s local riding of Carleton-Mississippi Mills.

Frustrated by a lack of development oversight in Kanata North, the imposition of a new tax enacted by the current councillor (specific only to Kanata North), and other issues that require his leadership, Matt Muirhead is seeking to provide the “new blood” that voters would like to see at city council.

Matt is well-placed to serve the community of Kanata North with a better balance of thoughtful leadership and consultative representation.

“It’s time for new ideas and a fresh approach at city council.  I stand ready to represent the residents of Kanata North with a clear focus on the future of our community.  I would be honoured to serve my neighbours as councillor, and I look forward to giving them the energetic and capable representation they deserve.”