The sound of Mariane McLeod’s voice may be familiar to anyone who lives or works in Collingwood, but recent changes in the media landscape have convinced her that now is the time to use that voice to create positive change in her community.
McLeod is trading in her microphone for campaign signs in her quest to run for a council seat in the upcoming municipal election.
Being born and raised in Collingwood, McLeod grew up on a farm in Glen Huron, going to high school at Collingwood Collegiate Institute before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and a diploma in broadcast journalism from Fanshawe College. McLeod and her husband were high school sweethearts, and after they were married they chose to move back to Collingwood.
McLeod was part of a team that started up 97.7 The Beach and worked for the past 11 years reporting there and hosting their morning show.
“I believe in public service and since moving home, I have been volunteering with Big Sisters, the curling club, the fair, and various other organizations,” says McLeod. “As a journalist, I have closely followed all levels of politics my entire career. I had always planned to get involved at town hall, and with the changes in the media the last few years, I feel now is the time.”
McLeod’s dreams for Collingwood include more affordable housing, adding recreation and educational opportunities and more healthcare opportunities for seniors.
“That said, I prefer plans to dreams, and a lot of planning has taken place already, including the Waterfront Master Plan, and Community Based Strategic Plan,” she says. “However, plans need to be implemented and reviewed and updated, not just left on a shelf.”
Singing the praises of people who live in Collingwood, McLeod sees so many passionate, creative and energetic people who choose to come here, and sees the need to leverage citizens’ enthusiasm and eagerness to create a better town.
“Changes are coming regardless of whether we want them to,” says McLeod. “Our job as voters is to pick a team that will be able to respond to the challenges and opportunities we face.”
McLeod sees a lot of challenges on the horizon, such as any outcome of the judicial inquiry, and what to do with the proceeds from the sales of the airport and the electricity utility.
“Among other things, we have to have a thorough conversation about the future of the terminals,” she says.
“I think all levels of government face a huge challenge when it comes to communication -- running both ways,” says McLeod. “Representatives at town hall need to be sure they’re hearing and responding to the concerns of the people they serve, while the people need to be informed about what their council can and cannot do for them.”
Overall, McLeod thinks that listening and learning are key facets of being on council and balancing the needs of various residents.
“I have spent my career asking questions and listening to the answers,” she says. “That said, decisions must be based on facts, and we have to be respectful and careful with tax dollars.”
McLeod is one of 19 candidates for councillor in the upcoming October municipal election. Voters may choose up to seven candidates on their ballots for councillor.
The Collingwood Chamber of Commerce is hosting a meet-the-candidates event for the mayor and deputy mayor candidates on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.) at the Royal Canadian Legion. There will be a separate event for councillor candidates also hosted by the chamber on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Collingwood Legion.
The chamber will be posing questions received by members of the public to each of the candidates during the meeting. Click here if you have a question you’d like included.
