Bruce Golden wants to bring business back to Vankleek Hill.

Golden, whose career includes 30 years in financial services and 50 years as a well-recognized voice in country music, is running for one of two Ward 1 (Vankleek Hill) seats on Champlain Township Council in the October 26 municipal election. However, Golden is a resident of Ward 4 (West Hawkesbury). Municipal election law allows candidates to run in wards where they do not reside.

“My heart’s here in Ward 1,” is Golden’s reason for seeking one of the Vankleek Hill seats. He was born and raised in Vankleek Hill and has memories of when the centre of town was flourishing with retail businesses.

“I want to focus on bringing more business into Ward 1 and I have the skills to work with Council to achieve a strong, competitive, and business-friendly community,” Golden said.

In addition to a commitment to bringing business to Vankleek Hill, Golden has been involved in other community activities for many years. He noted that he joined the former Vankleek Hill Jaycee’s when he was 16. In February 2026, he collaborated with the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society to present a dance, where he provided live music. The dance raised $11,000 for ALS Canada. Golden is also involved with planned giving activities for the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) Foundation and helped secure a significant contribution from Great West Life, London Life, and Canada Life for the hospital expansion project.

Golden remembers when there was a bakery, clothing stores, four restaurants, and four variety stores in the centre of Vankleek Hill. He knows it will never be exactly the same again but wants to work with his connections in business to bring new places to shop and dine to town. Golden said events in Vankleek Hill always bring crowds to town, but more is needed to keep them coming all the time.

“People love coming to Vankleek Hill, but we need a reason for them to come every week,” he said.

Golden supports the idea of having specialized retailers in Vankleek Hill that would establish the town as a place for destination shopping. However, he also believes more basic retail stores are needed to better serve residents, particularly the elderly.

“I do believe there’s room for a convenience store in town,” Golden said.

In 2007, Golden was inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame. He began performing at local events when he was just nine years old. In the 1980’s, he had 15 charting singles, played on radio stations across Canada, including his most recognized song “Is that your heart beating or mine?” Golden has appeared on country music television programs across Canada and has opened for Ian Tyson, Tommy Hunter, Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart, and Tom T. Hall.

Now semi-retired, Golden said he has the time to serve as a council member.

“That’s why I’m going for this,” he remarked.