Longtime volunteer, community advocate, and supply chain professional Casey Billing is seeking a seat on Clarence-Rockland City Council, announcing his candidacy for Ward 4 in the upcoming municipal election.
Billing describes himself as “an average guy with an above-average willingness to help others,” but his background tells a story of someone deeply invested in community building, leadership, and public service.
A father and partner to two Franco-Ontarian women, Billing says community has always been at the centre of his life. Raised in a small town in Central Ontario, he learned early the value of hard work, strong neighbourhoods, and residents working together to improve the places they call home.
“I’ve always believed that communities thrive when people get involved and support one another,” said Billing. “That’s something I learned growing up and it’s something I want to continue promoting here in Clarence-Rockland.”
Choosing Clarence-Rockland
Billing moved to Clarence-Rockland in March 2020 after spending eight years living and working throughout Europe. Although he had opportunities to settle elsewhere upon returning to Canada, he chose Clarence-Rockland because of its connection to family and its strong sense of community.
“My partner grew up here, and the community reminded me a lot of where I grew up,” he explained. “It has that small-town feel where people know each other and care about what happens around them.”
As an Anglophone with family roots in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Billing says he was also drawn to the area’s rich Francophone culture and saw it as an opportunity to reconnect with the French language in everyday life.
A Career Built on Problem Solving
Professionally, Billing has spent more than 21 years with the same company, building a career in industrial and manufacturing supply chain management.
During that time, he has held roles in business development, project management, finance, data analytics, people leadership, and Six Sigma change management. His work has taken him across Ontario and throughout Europe, providing him with experience working alongside diverse communities and observing a wide range of municipal infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives.
Billing believes that broad experience has given him valuable insight into how communities grow and how municipalities can position themselves for long-term success.
“I’ve been fortunate to work in different countries, different industries, and different communities,” he said. “Those experiences taught me how important it is to listen, collaborate, and find practical solutions to challenges.”
From Volunteer to Candidate
The decision to run for council grew from Billing’s volunteer work over the past four years as Chair of the City of Clarence-Rockland’s Community Development Advisory Committee.
In that role, he has reviewed projects and initiatives involving parks, recreation, arts, culture, and local history. More importantly, he says, it gave him direct exposure to the ideas, concerns, and aspirations of local residents.
“It opened my eyes to just how many great ideas people have and how many needs exist within our community,” said Billing. “Sometimes residents aren’t sure where to take those ideas or who to speak with to make them happen.”
Through conversations with residents and involvement in various community groups, Billing says he realized many concerns extended beyond the committee’s mandate and into broader municipal issues.
“I’m someone who naturally puts up my hand when there’s work to be done,” he said. “I’ve spent four years listening to residents and learning about their priorities. Now I believe I can help turn those conversations into action.”
Key Priorities
If elected, Billing says his focus will be on four major priorities: community development, economic growth, sustainable infrastructure, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are invested where residents want them most.
Building Stronger Communities
Billing believes community organizations, recreational facilities, social services, arts, and cultural initiatives all play a critical role in maintaining quality of life.
He wants to continue supporting organizations that bring residents together while modernizing parks and recreational spaces to meet the needs of a growing population.
“People build communities,” he said. “Council and administration need to listen carefully to residents and make decisions that help them create the kind of community they want to live in.”
Supporting Local Business
Economic development is another major focus for the Ward 4 candidate.
Billing describes local businesses as the backbone of Clarence-Rockland, providing employment opportunities, supporting local events, and contributing to the overall vitality of the municipality.
He says he would work closely with the City’s Economic Development Department and local business leaders to encourage growth while attracting new investment.
“New businesses bring new opportunities, new services, and new experiences,” said Billing. “They also generate tax revenue that can help fund important municipal services while reducing pressure on taxpayers.”
Planning for Growth
Clarence-Rockland continues to be one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Eastern Ontario, and Billing says growth must be accompanied by responsible planning.
He believes continued investment in roads, parks, municipal services, daycare spaces, and housing options for all income levels will be essential in the years ahead.
“We need to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with growth,” he said. “Residents deserve a community that remains affordable, functional, and welcoming as more families choose to call Clarence-Rockland home.”
Making Every Tax Dollar Count
Billing says one of the most important responsibilities of any councillor is ensuring residents receive value for the taxes they pay.
While he credits current council and administration for delivering projects and services despite budget pressures, he says there is always room to better align municipal spending with community priorities.
“I want to hear directly from taxpayers about what they believe is missing from our community,” he said. “Whether it’s finding efficiencies within the existing budget or pursuing funding opportunities from senior levels of government and private partners, I’ll do the work necessary to help bring those ideas to life.”
Looking Ahead
As the municipal election approaches, Billing says his campaign will focus on listening to residents throughout Ward 4 and understanding the issues that matter most to them.
His message is straightforward: community matters, people matter, and local government works best when residents have a strong voice at the council table.
“I’m a neighbour first,” said Billing. “I care about this community, I believe in its future, and I’m ready to work hard to help make it even better.”