Yvonne Hamlin is hoping to bring her legal expertise to the council table, adding her name to the ballot for Collingwood councillor.
Hamlin moved to Collingwood with her husband as many people do, after years of visiting the area to ski, but eventually falling in love with it.
For over 25 years, Hamlin practiced municipal and planning law, working with staff, residents, and councils across the province. She also has taken on leadership roles with several charities and non-profit organizations in the area.
“I believe that I have the know-how to not only understand the issues, but get things done. I can be an experienced and qualified voice at the council table,” says Hamlin.
Hamlin would like to see clearer planning rules put in place for new developers, aiming to preserve existing neighbourhoods and the waterfront. She also sees the town's geographical location as one of Collingwood’s strongest attributes.
If elected, Hamlin has a clear focus for her first priority.
“I have many goals for our town,” says Hamlin. “In the short-term, I would start with putting strong rules in place for council so we never have even a hint of dishonest conduct from our elected officials again.”
Hamlin has been outspoken in the past about the judicial inquiry, stating it would serve as a means to "clear the air," of the rumours and conflicting information circulating.
Hamlin is also concerned about the pending approval of two waterfront developments: Perfect World and the Bear Estate expansion site.
“Collingwood must have a goal of engaging with the developers to ensure they create livable and attractive projects, of excellent design, that allows for the maintenance of not only views of the water, but public accessibility,” she says, adding clear planning rules are also important. "So that new development respects our neighbourhoods, while still encouraging badly needed housing and employment."
Long-term, Hamlin would like to see the construction of a multi-use recreation facility that has a performing arts facility tucked into its design.
Hamlin would like to see the balancing of priorities of the differing viewpoints in Collingwood by adopting a strategy of effective representation.
“Everyone’s voice needs to be heard,” says Hamlin. “I chaired a committee for the Township of Clearview several years ago with this mandate. We developed a lengthy list of recommendations.
“I am prepared to work with council, staff and our residents to tackle this issue for Collingwood,” she says.
Hamlin 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 councillor candidates on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Collingwood Legion. Doors open at 6 p.m. The last event was at capacity and some residents were turned away from the meeting.
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.
