Caroline Corbett
Caroline Corbett is running for Councillor in North Bay.
Caroline Corbett (she/her) has lived in North Bay for 35 years and brings extensive experience in business, education, and community service. She began her career working alongside her father in a successful home building supply business before spending 25 years at Canadore College as faculty and Dean, where she managed multimillion-dollar budgets and brought diverse stakeholders together to solve complex problems. Since retiring in 2025, Caroline has worked part-time with the Canadian Coast Guard Academy. She holds degrees in Economics, Psychology, and Education, as well as a master's degree in Human Development. She previously served as Chair of the North Bay Food Bank and currently volunteers with Project Lifesaver, supporting vulnerable children and seniors.
Why are you running for this position?
I'm running for a council position because I know I can put my experience and skills to work to help North Bay. Our city has so much potential, but also has many challenges. I have a great deal of experience working on multi-disciplinary teams to solve complex problems. Our City Council needs smart, hard-working, dedicated people who can collaborate to move our city forward.
What do you love most about your community?
What I love most about North Bay, in addition to its natural beauty, is the community-first attitude of residents. Through my volunteer work with community agencies it is always inspiring to witness the support provided by so many residents to make our city better.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your municipality right now?
The biggest challenge facing North Bay right now is a lack of affordable housing and a lack of well-paying jobs. These go hand-in-hand to deter young families from choosing our city to build their roots.
If elected, what is one thing you would like to accomplish during your term?
One thing I'd like to accomplish by the end of my term is a substantial increase in the number of affordable homes and apartments in the city. I want to contribute in creating an environment where builders are incentivized and supported to develop affordable housing communities.
What is one thing you would like to see your municipality do differently?
One thing I'd like to see our city do differently is the method of attracting new investment and industry. Instead of trying to 'catch the big fish' and hoping that industry will move here, I'd like to see the recommendations from the Baylor report implemented, whereby local entrepreneurial growth and development becomes the focus.
What does good local government look like to you?
To me, good local government always has 'what is best for our city' as the target for decision-making. A clear vision by a collaborative, transparent, and accountable council is the starting point.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
A $1 million grant should be used for a preventative maintenance, infrastructure upgrade project, such as improving the Pete Palangio arena to avoid future maintenance issues.
How do you approach working with people who disagree with you?
I have developed and taught many courses on group dynamics, so I am well-skilled in this area. I always listen to others and try to have a dual perspective by examining the issue from their perspective. Hopefully, I can either learn from them and possibly change my stance, or at the very least listen and acknowledge their viewpoint.
What does having more women in local leadership change?
Having more women in any leadership role provides role models for girls, unique perspectives and experiences during decision-making, and opportunities for council to consider issues that may otherwise be ignored.
What is something about you that you would like voters to know that they might not learn from your campaign platform?
I have been described by those I worked with as someone who is highly collaborative, gets things done, listens, has integrity, and is a 'swiss army knife', meaning that I could handle any situation and find solutions to complex problems.
Where can people find you?
Facebook: @caroline.corbett.338
Instagram: @carecorbett
Website: carolinecorbett.ca
