GURU BHAT
Guru Bhat

Meet Guru Bhat

Down-to-Earth. Hardworking. Ready to Serve Ward 4.

Oakwood Grocery owner, Ward 4 resident. A local business owner, community volunteer, husband, father, and advocate committed to putting residents first.

Guru is a proud Oakwood business owner who believes trust is built through hard work, honesty, respect, and showing up for people.

"Walk in as a customer, walk out as a friend."

Many residents know Guru through Oakwood Grocery, where he spends his days serving customers, listening to concerns, and helping bring people together. Through these daily conversations, he hears firsthand about the challenges facing families, seniors, farmers, commuters, and small businesses across Ward 4.

Background

Experience that matters

A business voice and a community voice, working together for Ward 4.

Business & Professional Experience

Guru holds a Master's Degree in Business and has worked in banking, insurance, customer service, financial analysis, risk management, and business operations.

His experience includes working with organizations such as BMO, Rogers, and Lombard Insurance.

Community Leadership

Through his leadership role with iLCO Ontario, Guru helped unite more than 250 independent stores across Ontario and worked with government representatives to advocate for small businesses and rural communities.

Guru Bhat with community supporters
At a glance

Guru's priorities

Practical solutions. Real results.

Safer Roads

Improve roads, drainage, culverts, and rural infrastructure.

Community Safety

Support crime prevention, public safety, and stronger communication.

Support Seniors

Advocate for programs and services that help seniors thrive.

Families & Youth

Support child care, parks, recreation, and youth programs.

Protect Farmers

Work closely with farming families and strengthen agriculture.

Fiscal Responsibility

Deliver value for taxpayers through transparent decision-making.

Guru's commitment

Available. Responsive. Accountable.

Residents deserve a councillor who is available, responsive, and accountable.

Guru is committed to regular community meetings, open communication, and keeping residents informed throughout the year — not just during election season.

He will listen. He will follow up. He will keep residents informed.

My commitment to Ward 4

A ward of many communities

Ward 4 is not one single community. It's made up of rural villages, lake communities, farming families, seniors, small businesses, commuters, and young families who have helped build this area over many years.

I'm running because I believe Ward 4 needs a councillor who will listen, follow up, and focus on the practical local issues that affect people every day.

01

Roads, Ditches & Rural Infrastructure

Many Ward 4 properties rely on wells, septic systems, and rural roads. I won't make false promises — I'll push for clear information, better planning, and real follow-up on roads, drainage, and flooding concerns.

02

Support for Seniors

Ward 4 has many seniors who want to stay in their homes and feel safe. I'll improve communication on senior services, fraud prevention, accessibility, and transportation.

03

Community Safety

Scams, theft, and rural property crime are real concerns. I'll work with police and community groups to support more education, prevention, and communication.

04

Child Care for Working Families

Many parents commute long distances for work. I'll advocate for more licensed child-care, before & after-school programs, and summer programs close to home.

05

Parks & Recreation for Kids

Families shouldn't always have to drive to a larger centre for activities. I'll support better playgrounds, park upgrades, and safe community spaces.

06

Youth Programs & Future Skills

Sports, arts, tutoring, coding, robotics, and leadership programs. Rural kids shouldn't be left behind as technology and opportunity evolve.

07

Small Business & Farming

As a small business owner, I understand rising costs and red tape. I'll bring a practical, fiscally responsible voice to council.

08

A Family & Senior-Friendly Ward

Ward 4 should be a place where families grow, children learn, seniors feel safe, and every taxpayer is respected.

My promise is simple: I will be available, I will listen, I will follow up, and I will keep residents informed.

I am running to be a strong local voice for Ward 4 — focused on local issues, honest answers, real follow-up, and practical solutions.

Join Guru's Team

Do you care about the future of Ward 4?

Be a part of positive change across Ward 4. Volunteer, share ideas, request a lawn sign, make calls, deliver flyers, or help spread the word. Every bit of support matters.

Together, we can build a stronger Ward 4.

Get Involved
Get in touch

Contact the campaign

Guru Bhat

Candidate for Ward Councillor, Ward 4 · City of Kawartha Lakes

✉  Oakwoodguru@gmail.com
☎  705-623-9323
How to Vote

📅 Vote Online · October 16–26

The municipal election takes place October 26, 2026. Voting will be open October 16–26 by internet or phone. You do not need to go to a polling station. Every eligible resident of Kawartha Lakes can vote.

More information will be provided ahead of the vote through the City of Kawartha Lakes. You can learn more about the voting process at www.kawarthalakes.ca/election.

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Community Support

What People Are Saying