Florence MacLean
Florence MacLean is running for Mayor of Neebing.
Florence MacLean (she/her) brings more than 30 years of experience working with federal, provincial, First Nation, and municipal governments. She has served as both an Economic Development Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for two municipalities similar in size to Neebing. Having worked directly with municipal councils, Florence is familiar with the roles and responsibilities of mayors and councillors in municipal governance.
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running for the position of Mayor because I believe Neebing deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results that people can see and feel in their daily lives. Our community needs a clear plan to strengthen local infrastructure, support comprehensive development, and make sure Neebing is ready for the future. I’m bringing fresh leadership rooted in practical experience, community pride, and a deep respect for the people who call this place home. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Neebing that works better for families, businesses, and future generations.
What do you love most about your community?
Neebing is a special spot on the north shore of Lake Superior. What I love most about the community is the rural lifestyle, wonderful neighbours, friendly neighbourhoods, fun events, access to the lake, the hiking trails and the magnificent views of Lake Superior, fishing, hunting and wildlife sightings. While campaigning and knocking on doors I have also heard a lot of pride…pride in ownership of properties; pride in the municipality’s history; pride in having raised generations of families here; pride in the people who have homesteaded here.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your municipality right now?
Neebing’s natural beauty is one of our greatest strengths, and it must be protected through careful planning and responsible decision-making. I will support sustainable growth that balances development with the need to preserve our forests, waterways, and open spaces. Good leadership means taking environmental responsibility seriously so that progress today does not come at the expense of tomorrow. By protecting natural spaces and making thoughtful land-use choices, we can ensure Neebing remains a beautiful place to live, work, and raise a family. I believe we can grow wisely while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
If elected, what is one thing you would like to accomplish during your term?
I would like to undertake a number of studies to commence the planning stages for further growth and development of Neebing for future terms of Council. The studies will be used to prepare for funding opportunities and grant applications. The following areas will be looked at:
Marketing Study: Market the municipality to both visitors and potential new residents including signage as well as online and print campaigns.
Commercial Development Feasibility Study: There is no commercial development area located in Neebing. Businesses have expressed interest in locating in Neebing however accessing land that is appropriately zoned has been a challenge. The study would identify potential development areas; proposed businesses; capital costs for development and potential funding sources including options for a public private partnership.
Senior's Housing Development Study: There has been interest expressed in constructing senior's housing and a committee has been established. A feasibility study would be conducted to look at potential construction sites; occupancy; construction costs; funding opportunities for the capital project and proposed rental/purchase costs.
Tourism Development and Overnight Accommodation Study: There are a number of excellent hiking trails in Neebing as well as the Great Lakes Trail Route from the Canada-US Border to the City of Thunder Bay and then east or west on Hwy 11-17. Tying this route into the US would expand opportunities for visitors to Neebing on both sides of the border. As there are no overnight camping options in Neebing, this opportunity will also be explored.
What is one thing you would like to see your municipality do differently?
Improved communication with residents is one of the first things I will work on. I propose to introduce the following:
Townhall Meetings: The residents recognize that communication has improved through an introduction of Townhall Meetings to be held at various locations throughout the municipality.
Live Streaming and Recording of Council Meetings: Meetings are available for viewing and stored on YouTube indefinitely for residents to better understand Council meeting discussions and decisions.
Council Meeting at the South Gillies Community Centre (SGCC): I propose that at least one Council meeting per year is held at the SGCC in order for residents in Pearson, Pardee, and Scoble have better access to Council meetings.
Public Consultation: The Municipality will use a number of avenues to seek public input on a variety of topics (budget; strategic planning; bylaws; etc). Surveys will be available in both print and online and public meetings will be held to ensure Council is hearing from many residents.
How do you approach working with people who disagree with you?
Each member of Council brings their own views, values and beliefs to the Council table and reviews information from their perspective and that of their constituents. Not all decisions at the Council table will be unanimous. What is incredibly important however, is that the decision of Council be respected as it was made through the democratic process. I have worked with many Councils over the years and have had much respect for the member of council who states, “although I did not agree with the outcome of the vote, I respect the decisions of my fellow council members and council as a whole” and that this view is consistent both inside and outside of Council Chambers.
There are opportunities to get to know the members of Council outside of Council Chambers, such as at conferences and municipal events. It will take time to get to know each other and ensuring that we practice a respectful working environment will go a long way towards building collaborative and productive relationships for the betterment of the municipality and its residents.
What is something about you that you would like voters to know that they might not learn from your campaign platform?
My husband and I have five talented and successful adult children. Three live in the area — Kakabeka, South Gillies and Thunder Bay. A son who lives in Sudbury and another who lives in Czech Republic. We have been blessed with four wonderful grandchildren — 2 boys and 2 girls.
Where can people find you?
Facebook: @florence.maclean.for.mayor
