When I first discovered the secret of Pinawa twelve years ago, one of the things that immediately captured me was the Ironwood Park. This is such a beautiful and unique feature of the town, that the river is there for everyone to enjoy. Water is one of our most precious resources, and we are very lucky to have it in abundance here. When I walk on the Ironwood Trail, it really calms my mind and improves my mood and energy.
For myself, when it comes to recreation, I enjoy a little bit of everything. I like being on the water, sailing, canoeing, and occasionally rowing. I play tennis, pickleball, and occasionally golf (poorly). In Winter, I’ve switched between curling, hockey, and skiing. My kids participate in hockey, music, and art outside of school, to name a few. We all like to get out to an EMCA concert when we can.
I have always believed that good parks, walkable trails, access to quality recreation and the arts is key for our community wellness. That’s one of my core values and has guided my actions over my five years on Council.
Recreation is a key component for our quality of life and for economic development. I believe that affordable high quality recreation promotes health and equity in the community. When I joined Council in 2021, the LGD had no recreation department or plan at all. I started it from the ground up, recruiting volunteers, organizing the committee, writing the charter, facilitating and writing the strategic plan, fighting for funding and resources and staff. Now, the recreation department is going strong, with a variety of programs and offerings, year round, coordinated by a great team of staff and dedicated volunteers. I was happy to support the recent improvements to the Teen Centre, it’s important to me that youth have safe places to hang out and socialize in real life.
The next step that I am excited to advance as your Mayor, with the help of Council and input from the community, is to update the Recreation Strategic Plan to incorporate a plan for Parks, Trails, and Natural Spaces. I see a vision of a town where residents, businesses, parks and green spaces are connected by trails and walking paths and sidewalks. We can have different types of parks, like a community garden, tot-lots, fat-bike riding trail, and outdoor gathering spaces. What ideas do you have? Let me know in the comments below what you would like to see!
These types of amenities are not only a benefit for the people who get to use them. Parks, trails, and recreation attract people who want that lifestyle. That special Pinawa lifestyle will be helpful to developers who want to build and sell property. More homes and more people are key for keeping our taxes reasonable. Investing in these amenities makes sense. People see the value in good quality of life. Parks, trails, recreation are a part of that.
One of the projects I’m most proud to have been a part of is the Storywalk. I connected the Library to the original grant to launch the project, negotiated with the Trails organizations, defended a resolution through council to get the beautiful Little Lending Library and the wooden displays. Now it’s a celebrated addition to the Ironwood Park. We can do more great projects like this, together.
Outside of Council, as the Commodore of the Sailing Club, I have led growth of our membership, improved organization, and launched our annual sailing school and Pinawa Birthday Regatta, an exciting new event to add to our town’s Summer festivities.
In 2025/2026 I coached U-13 hockey and it was a great experience. I really enjoy teaching the kids and it’s fun for me. My focus is on positive growth, teamwork, and keeping kids in the game.
Next: We will continue the principles outlined in the Recreation Strategic Plan and update it to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the community. We will update the Strategic Plan for Recreation to include a much needed Parks, Trails and Natural Spaces Plan. How can we have a cohesive vision that protects and connects these resources? This has always been my vision, and now it’s time to take the next step, together. What is it about parks, trails, recreation, arts, and culture that speaks to you and gives you joy? Share with us in the comments below!
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