Catherine Elise Willison
Catherine Elise Willison is running for Council in Ward 8 in West Nipissing.
Catherine Elise Willison (she/her) is a former municipal planner with more than 15 years of experience working with municipalities. She has experience serving on a library board and assisting local landowners with rezoning and severance applications. Through her professional and community experience, Catherine has developed an understanding of municipal processes, the working relationship between municipal staff, Council, and the public, and Council’s role in representing residents while balancing local perspectives with provincial requirements.
Why are you running for this position?
I feel I can contribute to growing Ward 8, with a focus on funding to grow businesses within the smaller communities of Lavigne and North Monetville. I want to work for constituents and with residents and stakeholders to understand issues and bring their voices to Council.
I understand how municipalities work. I am a former municipal planner, I have worked with Councils, and I bring skills and experience that can add value to Council.
What do you love most about your community?
People who are passionate about their community and want it to flourish.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your municipality right now?
I believe there is not enough public engagement with “hot” issues that matter to the community, and Council is making decisions that don’t align with many constituents’ views. An example is the revision of the Recreational Vehicle Bylaw.
If elected, what is one thing you would like to accomplish during your term?
Funding for the smaller communities of Lavigne and North Monetville to attract and support small businesses in West Nipissing.
What is one thing you would like to see your municipality do differently?
Make an effort to improve engagement between Council and constituents.
What does good local government look like to you?
Make an effort to improve engagement between Council and constituents.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
Use the grant funding to attract and support small businesses within rural communities of West Nipissing.
How do you approach working with people who disagree with you?
I listen to their concerns and ensure their concerns have been noted and will be considered.
What does having more women in local leadership change?
It could change the focus of how municipal decision-making is done, focusing more on improving communication, engagement, and relationships between government and constituents.
What is something about you that you would like voters to know that they might not learn from your campaign platform?
There is more to a book than its cover. What you see is not always the full story of a person.
My interests include being an outdoor enthusiast, learning, reading, live music, theatre, and spending time with friends and neighbours in leisure activities, including Texas horseshoes, bingo, and monthly suppers at the Lavigne Community Centre.
Where can people find you?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594306095884
