"Port Perry deserves a future that respects its past, and a vision that inspires what comes next"
- Jack Doak
Meet Jack
As a career Entrepreneur I have 9 start ups to my credit spanning Health, Fitness, Elite Hockey training, Tennis, Wellness/Spa, Product and Brand development, Design Build credits, and extensive experience in the Craft Beverage Industry, and a successful pitch on the Dragon’s Den (season 6 episode 11).
I am the Founder of the Old Flame Brewing Co. with taproom locations in Port Perry, Newmarket and the Distillery District in Toronto.
My family and I moved to Port Perry in February 2015.
While doing business in Port Perry I have been a BIA Board member, a member of the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, on the Townships Economic Advisory Committee, Farmers Market Board, and the Tourism Advisory Committee.
While being in Port Perry I have been a recipient of a Queens Jubilee Honour, a Heritage Award for the restoration of the former Ontario Carriage factory Building, a Mayors Award Honour, Scugog Chamber of Commerce Award winner of the Business Achievement Award 15+ Employees, and a Nomination for Entrepreneur of the Year.
I have been happily married to my wife and partner Sherri Doak (born In St John’s Newfoundland) for 35 years, and we have 3 children, Drew, Landon and Aidan, and 2 grand children, Brooklyn and Kayce.
Teammate .Teacher. Coach. Mentor.
Advisor. Creator. Builder. Innovator. Motivator. Entrepreneur.
LEADER.
- Born and Raised in Newmarket Ontario
- Played minor hockey and soccer growing up
- Played Jr ‘A’ hockey for the Newmarket Flyers
- Played NCAA hockey at Plattsburgh State University , in upstate New York
- Graduated with a Bachelors degree in Health Education
- Attended Grad School and taught Health Sciences at Central Michigan University
- Returned to Newmarket to Coach Jr ‘B’ hockey with the Newmarket 87’s.
- Coached Port Perry’s own Clair Cornish.
- Opened my first Fitness and Squash Centre at the age of 25.
- Former Board Member and Advisor for the York Simcoe Express AAA Hockey Association.
- Coached the 96 YSE AAA team (which included among other note worth NCAA and Junior hockey standout players, NHLers and Olympians Connor McDavid and Sam Bennet ) and the 92 YSE Midget AAA team (including Joel Hanley of the Calgary Flames).
Last July (2025) I was diagnosed with a form of ALS, called PLS. As the head of the Sunnybrook ALS Clinic said “I am unlucky but at the same time very lucky”. I am extremely grateful my progress of decline will be much slowly then most ALS patients. Currently the PLS is effecting my speech and my emotions, I cry and I laugh uncontrollably (not a bad thing). Physically I’m great, mentally and cognitively I’m good (some will say I’m crazy though for running for Mayor). I share this because if you happen to come out to an event and hear me speak, and I hope you do, I don’t want you to think I’m drunk (lol, I own a brewery).
Please don’t vote for me because I have PLS and please don't not vote for me because I have PLS.
Why Now?
LONG ANSWER, my father died in 1979, he was 46. That following summer in 1980, a widow (my mom) with 5 kids decided to buy a cottage on Belmont Lake in Havelock Ontario just east of Peterborough. The only way you go from Newmarket to Havelock you go thru Port Perry. From the age of 17 Port Perry represented a sense of healing for me. I know I am not a Candidate that was born and raised in Port, but I always felt comfort stopping in Port Perry. Many years later now married and the kids grown, I told my wife I would love to live in Port Perry. I care deeply about this community both as a business owner and a resident.
But something is off, something has changed. When we opened Old Flame in June 2014 the BIA and the Scugog Chamber were humming together, running great events, Chili cook off, car shows, Culture days etc. Mayor Chuck was helpful and supportive. But now we have had 4 different one term Mayors, 70 % turn over on Council, and 4 different CAO’s who were all in “retirement mode”. Town assets like the Pier, Marina, the Old Grain Elevator are not being maintained. I am worried about downtown, the downtown, the lakefront and the Park is why people come to visit. Retail habits are changing, every business in town requires the visitor foot traffic to survive. Nothing else works if the downtown fails.
Committees are not working together. People are angry, fingers are being pointed. Neighbouring communities are stealing our lunch money and not playing by the same rules. And the “Most Important Asset” we have, that every other Community envy’s, our Lake, is being forgotten, dismissed and neglected.
Township staff morale is at an all time low, years of being asked to work on visioning exercises and listening to consultants, but knowing there is no money to execute and deliver results has taken its toll. And we are not getting any help anytime soon, we have not built any meaningful relationship with the Region nor the Province. Both are laughing at us because we are not doing our own work.
We refuse to make hard unpopular decisions.
This is serious, and this election is serious. This is a critical time, we cannot go another four years with the attitude that everything is fine. We must progress with intent. Status quo is not a plan or a path forward.
Port Perry’s future doesn’t lie in becoming an extension of North Oshawa. Port Perry has to be thought of as a separate jewel. We don’t win by growing bigger, we win by growing smarter and building experiences that encourage people to visit more often and stay longer. Because a strong Port Perry is a strong Scugog.
A Vision… that ensures that Scugog is a desirable community to live, work, play, invest, grow, raise a family and age in place. Equally, a place that you brag about to your friends and tell everyone they need to visit and experience for themselves. A Vision that leans into our Tourism readiness and our authenticity as the jewel of Durham Region.
Vision
Where’s the Vision? What’s the plan?
Where’s the Vision? What’s the Plan?
Plan
A Plan… that ensures we maintain our assets and connects them together to support the Vision. Both a short term and a long term plan that includes everyone; Residents, Elected officials, Business Owners, New Entrepreneurs, Stakeholders, Builders, Investors, Township Staff, and other levels of Government.
Execution
Execute the plan… it starts with building the right Team, resetting the Culture, getting everyone excited to do the Work, motivating people to work together toward the same goal and ultimately see the Vision come together. It takes a Village to ensure our town is inspired to reach its full potential.
I will table and present a vision and a plan.
I will build a team that will execute and deliver on this vision.
I am the right person at the right time.
Endorsements
Elizabeth Browne
The Pantry Shelf Cafe
"I am pleased to offer my endorsement of Jack Doak for Mayor of the Township of Scugog.
I have always believed that strong communities benefit from leaders who understand how to build something from the ground up, take calculated risks, bring people together, and turn a vision into reality. Jack has demonstrated all of these qualities throughout his career as a successful entrepreneur and business leader.
As the founder of Old Flame Brewing Co. Jack took an idea and transformed it into a successful business that has become an important part of the Port Perry community. His approach has always been about more than simply running a business. He understands the importance of creating places and experiences that bring people together, support other local businesses, attract visitors, and contribute to the character and vitality of the community.
Scugog needs a Mayor who understands the challenges facing local businesses and families, appreciates the importance of responsible growth, and recognizes that a strong local economy is an essential part of a strong community. Jack brings practical business experience, energy, creativity, and a genuine commitment to the community he has helped build his business in.
I believe Jack would bring a fresh perspective and a strong sense of leadership to the Mayor's office. Most importantly, I believe he has the character, experience, and determination to work hard for the people of Scugog."
Imran Mohammad
Louies Cafe and Dessert
"I've known Jack since we first moved to Port Perry. Jack introduced himself at my cafe around the first week that we opened. He then offered me a place for me to sell my sandwiches and products at his very busy establishment. Old Flame Brewery is a staple in Port Perry and it brings lots of tourists and people into town. I think Jack is a very innovative person. He can bring a lot to Port Perry with his kindness, his confidence and with his resume of things that he's done for the town. Based on what he's looking forward to do with the town, I think jack would be a great candidate for the Mayor of Scugog and he has mine and my family's full support."
Marwan Dib
Marwans Global Bistro
"To the Port Perry Community,
I've had the privilege of knowing Jack Doak for a while now, and if you've spent any time around town, chances are you've felt his impact even if you haven't met him personally.
Jack loves Port Perry, plain and simple. He doesn't just live here; he invests his heart, time, and energy into making this place thrive. You already know his track record. He founded Old Flame Brewing Co., turning a local dream into a staple of our downtown. Jack is always stepping up because he genuinely cares about preserving the character and flavour of our community.
On a personal level, Jack has been a mentor to me since the day we met. He's easily one of the sharpest entrepreneurs I've ever worked with, but what sets him apart is his willingness to share what he knows. He coached me through the ups and downs of starting my own business. teaching me not just how to be a good entrepreneur, but how to do business the right way.
Behind all the business success, Jack as down-to-earth as they come. He has a fantastic family, stays grounded no matter what he's working on, and always has time for a real conversation. More than anything, he has an incredible vision for where Port Perry can go next, one that respects our roots while building a strong, vibrant future for everyone who lives here.
Jack is the real deal, and I couldn't be more proud to back him."
Sherri Doak
Jack's Wife and owner of The Port Cheese Co.
As Jack's wife of more than 30 years, I have had a front-row seat to his determination, work ethic and ability to turn a vision into reality. Jack is a visionary, a leader, a coach and a natural teacher. He has an ability to help people see what is possible and encourage them to move toward it. Once he commits himself to something, he is focused, persistent and incredibly driven to see it through.
One of the things I have always admired most about Jack is that he is a man of action. If Jack says he is going to do something, you can depend on him to do everything he can to make it happen.
Over the past 12 years, Port Perry has become our home, and Jack has invested deeply in this community. Through Old Flame Brewing Co., I have watched him create much more than a business. Old Flame has become a gathering place — a place for music, conversation, connection and community.
Jack understands that strong local businesses do not succeed in isolation. He believes deeply in collaboration and in the importance of our business community working together. He also sees enormous possibility in Port Perry's future, particularly in our downtown and waterfront. We have a beautiful lake and an incredible downtown core, and Jack has a genuine vision for how those assets can be better connected, celebrated and developed to strengthen our community.
I am especially inspired that, even while facing an ALS diagnosis, Jack continues to look forward and ask what he can contribute. He knows he still has a great deal to give, and I believe that too. To me, there is something powerful about choosing to continue contributing, leading and serving in the face of something extraordinarily difficult.
Jack brings vision, experience, energy and determination. I know firsthand his ability to take an idea and make it happen. I am proud to endorse Jack for Mayor and believe he has a great deal to offer Port Perry and the Township of Scugog.
Richard Park
Queen's Platinum Jubiliee Award Nomination Letter
Jack Doak is the epitome of a family man. But his definition of family extends beyond just his wife and children. His definition of family expands well into his community and the people whom he serves. As the leader of a community gem in Port Perry, the Old Flame Brewing Company, Jack has used his influence to bring about positive change and foster togetherness. And along the way inspiring young people to follow in his footsteps. If you want to know Jack, come into an Old Flame. The inclusivity, the collaborative spirit, and the love of bringing people together, are all reflections of the man who created the brand and entity. Old Flame is Jack Doak, and Jack Doak is Old Flame. During the pandemic, Jack led the growth of Old Flame and expanded into a second location in Newmarket and is currently working on building a third location in downtown Toronto in the Distillery District. Proudly bringing a piece of Port Perry across the GTA.
In Port Perry, Jack has a long resume of working alongside the community and supporting all the incredible organizations such as the Lake Scugog Stewards, the Port Perry BIA, the Port Perry Walk for Guide Dogs, Pflag Durham and many more. He has been recognized by the Heritage community for his restoration of the Old Flame Brewery in Port Perry and has been selected as a recipient for the Mayor’s Honour Roll.
Winning the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award is well deserved and I hope it inspires Jack to continue to do more.
*Jack recieved the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award in 2022.
