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Heather Garbutt
Heather Garbutt was raised in Sudbury and left to pursue a degree in Fisheries Biology from the University of Guelph. She also completed a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University. She is a career public servant with the last 15 years being spent with the Ministry of Transportation in North Bay in the Environmental Section. The foundation of her work at the MTO is in Environmental Assessment, which is a defined process for informed planning and decision making. Toward ensuring more positive and inclusive work spaces, she is trained and registered as a Positive Space Champion and will soon be a Positive Space Trainer. She is a married mom of 2 kids (11 and 9) and in her spare time, she plays the violin in the North Bay Symphony Orchestra. Heather is running for School Board Trustee for Near North District School Board.
Why did you decide to run for council?
I am passionate about education and very appreciative of the education afforded to me. My interest in the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) began however with my 2 young children who are enrolled in this board. Over the past few years I have been a vocal participant in NNDSB processes that will ultimately impact the future of our city’s youth and determine whether they are ready or not for the next chapter of their educational careers. I am running on my belief that the decisions of the NNDSB need to be, first and foremost, student focused and demonstrate a high level of accountability, transparency, inclusivity and responsiveness.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your community?
I would like to see synergy between the Near North District School Board and the communities represented in the family of schools. Facilities and transportation bear ever increasing costs, as one example but some of these costs could be offset by partnering.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your city faces?
As with all northern communities the local economy is the top of the list of challenges for North Bay. Planning for the student body population is influenced by the ability to attract and retain young professionals and their families.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
It is my desire to see the Near North District School Board communicate with students in families in a transparent and responsive manner. To achieve this I would like to see fulsome agendas posted in sufficient time that interested individuals can assess what meetings they need to attend. I would like to ensure that the basis of all public decisions be publicly available. As trustee I intend to respond to all requests for information with all of the information available to me and to seek out those details that I am uncertain of.
What is your favourite thing to do in your city?
The North Bay waterfront is beautiful and the sunsets over Lake Nipissing are unparalleled. I like to spend as much time as possible enjoying the natural splendor of this area.
What do you cherish most about your community?
The sense of community in North Bay is tremendous. North Bay has that small community feeling while offering everything that a larger city has to offer.
Where can people find you?
Facebook and Twitter, or through email.