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I'm loving Collingwood.
A candidate who has spent more than three decades investing in this community — as a business owner, a volunteer, and your Councillor.
My story
Home is Collingwood
I was born in Quebec City and have lived in several larger cities, including Montreal, Toronto, Kingston, Hamilton, Burlington, and Guelph. But Collingwood has been the place that felt most like home. Those city experiences gave me a clear sense of what makes urban living work—and what communities need to avoid as they grow.
I discovered the magic of Collingwood in winter through skiing, and then in summer through windsurfing. I loved the small-town feel, the people, the trails and the area in general. Sound familiar?
I finally made the move from Hamilton some 30 years ago, and started Duncan's Gourmet To Go — known later as Duncan's Café. After I sold Duncan’s, I spent two decades in advertising and marketing, finishing my career as an Account Manager with Corus Entertainment.
I'm an avid cyclist and skier, I love my gardens and my books, and I live joyfully with my husband George, our four-legged family and the occasional grandchild. Now I have even more time to dedicate to shaping a Collingwood we're all proud of.
Why Deputy Mayor
The vote, not just the voice
I've been on both sides of political issues — as an advocate and as an elected official. To make a difference for my neighbours, my friends, and their children and grandchildren, I know I need the vote, not just the voice.
As Deputy Mayor, I'll bring decades of municipal leadership, real business experience, and deep community roots to the job. I'll make sure Collingwood keeps a strong voice at every decision-making table — locally, and across Ontario — as we navigate the most consequential decade in our town's history.
A career built on service
I built a successful career in advertising and marketing, and established and operated a small business for 10 years.
That I believe that mix of small-business grit, big business operations and marketing discipline shapes how I approach the town's economic development, budget, and how we tell Collingwood's story to the world.
This next chapter would build on four terms of local service
I was first elected Councillor for the Town of Collingwood in 1996. I took another run at it in 2014 — and I'm still here. This next chapter would build on four terms of local service.
Throughout my tenure I've been a consistent advocate for responsible growth, affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and effective, accountable local governance.
As your Deputy Mayor, I stand on the experience and informed leadership of four terms of local service.
Leadership beyond Town Hall
I have been invited to speak about trail and active transportation development at a number of Ontario Bike Summits, shared my perspective on affordable housing at provincial conferences, and represented Canada through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Women in Local Leadership initiative in Ghana, where I exchanged ideas and learned alongside municipal leaders from around the world.
Beyond Collingwood
A Seat at Ontario’s Tables
Years of advocating for small urban municipalities across the province — and relationships with leaders from every corner of Ontario — give me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing communities like ours and vital insight into the changes that the provincial government has mandated for municipalities and how they operate.
AMO Executive
Member of the Executive of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, representing the interests of communities across the province.
Chair, Small Urban Caucus
Chairing AMO's Small Urban Caucus — a voice for towns like Collingwood that are growing fast and facing big-city pressures.
OSUM Executive
Serving on the executive of the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities, building partnerships that bring resources home.
My focus & priorities
What I care about most
My focus and priorities for the Town of Collingwood are Affordable Growth, Housing and Sustainability, and Environment and Climate Change. As a Councillor there are many other issues that cross my desk and merit my attention, but those are my ‘biggies’. I believe Collingwood most needs steady, experienced leadership in the following areas:
- Responsible & Managed Growth
- Affordable Housing
- Safe Streets
- Environment
- Arts & Recreation
- Finance
- Diversity & Inclusion
Community & boards
Rooted in the community
Public office is only part of the picture. Over the years I've served on boards and committees across Collingwood and the region — because strong communities are built by showing up.
- Affordable Housing Task Force
- Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation
- Epcor Community Advisory Committee
- Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
- Downtown Collingwood BIA
- Collingwood Chamber of Commerce (Past President)
- Syrian Sponsorship Committee
- 1988
Moved to Collingwood and opened Duncan's Gourmet To Go (now Duncan's Café). - 1996
First elected to Collingwood Town Council. - 2014
Returned to municipal office; re-elected for successive terms. - 2020
Retired from a 20-year career in advertising and marketing. - 2022-2024
Council Appointee - Epcor Community Advisory Committee (2022-2024) - Today
AMO Executive, Small Urban Caucus Chair, OSUM Executive, and Affordable Housing Task Force member — recognized with AMO's PJ Marshall Award.
Ready for experienced, trusted leadership?
Let's keep Collingwood growing smart. Join the campaign and help send a proven advocate to the Deputy Mayor's chair.