Growing up in Ontario I was raised in a family where hard work, integrity and a positive outlook on life were values passed on by my mom and dad. 

Our family made many moves until we settled in Barrie in 1969.  My formative years were spent in Barrie’s east end where I attended elementary and high school.  As a student at Eastview Secondary, I enjoyed academics, sports and being involved in the music program.  During my early years in Barrie, I would often accompany my father, Lorne Power, the District Manager of the then UCO, or Farmers Co-operative on farm calls within the Oro and Medonte communities.  Dad and I enjoyed snowmobiling in the area, and I learned to ski at Horseshoe Resort.  My early exposure to the natural beauty of Oro-Medonte stayed with me while I lived and worked in several provinces and would finally lead me back to Oro-Medonte eighteen years ago.

Before retiring as Regional Vice President, TD Wealth Financial Planning in 2017, I enjoyed an extensive career in the financial services industry. My brand for getting things done while working collaboratively with others translates well to my current role as your Ward Councillor. I have many years of experience in coaching and mentoring large people teams and profit centres. I have extensive experience in developing and executing business plans while negotiating for the best outcomes.  My strong business acumen includes critical thinking skills and the ability to understand complex proposals and projects.

Giving back to others and my community is a value learned from my parents. Most recently I co-chaired a successful campaign to place a lifesaving AED in the 4th Line Memorial Park.  Working closely with the Townships Parks & Recreation department and the Fire Department helped to make this placement a reality while creating a focus on a Cardiac Safe Township.  Youth homelessness has been a passion of mine for many years.  Fundraising for youth shelters and participation in the Sleep Out for Covenant House are some examples of my dedication to helping at risk youth.  As the co-chair of the TD Pacific United Way Giving Campaign for two years I helped to run a campaign that was the most successful in the history of TD’s United Way involvement in B.C.  Volunteer board positions include the Cognashene Cottagers Association and the Horseshoe Valley Home Owners Association. Being involved in TD’s ground breaking Women in Leadership program enabled me to leverage the program to become a sought-after mentor helping to guide future female leaders within the organization. I continue to be a proud ally and participant in TD’s Diversity and Inclusion programs and LBGTQ awareness events.

My blended family consists of my husband Bill, three grown children, their spouses and four amazing future female leaders, my granddaughters. I strive to continuously set positive examples for my family as well as challenge myself personally and am currently completing my Executive MBA with the University of Fredericton.

I am thrilled to leverage my knowledge, experience, and love of our community to serve YOU, the constituents of Ward One.

During my four year term as Ward Councillor – I will fill the dual role of Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor in the last two years of the term.

I also hold the following Board and Committee positions:

I am pleased to represent the Township as a board member of the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA). The SSEA is a Township partner who provides monitoring, analysis assessments and reporting on water quality and protection within the Severn Sound environment.

Chair – Township of Oro-Medonte Human Resources Committee.  Many years as a business professional and team leader equips me with skills and knowledge to chair our HR Committee.

Co-Chair – Heritage Committee – with new legislation a lot of work needs to be done on the identification and declaration of heritage properties within our Township. I’m pleased to be part of a team of residents and staff who can get the job done.

Member – Township Climate Action working group.

Co-Chair – Township Traffic Safety Task Force