Your Custom Text Here
Johanne Brousseau
Johanne has lived in North Bay for 60 years. She was raised by blue-collar parents who instilled strong work ethics, integrity, commitment and reliability. She has devoted over 50 years of community volunteerism, including 23 years of board experience. She had a 37-year career in the sewing industry as a patternmaker, business owner and national sewing educator. Since retiring in 2014, she has had the pleasure of serving on city council 2018-present. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, spending time with family, and taking advantage of all that North Bay offers.
Johanne Brousseau is running for Mayor in North Bay.
Johanne (she/her/elle) has lived in North Bay for 60 years. She was raised by blue-collar parents who instilled strong work ethics, integrity, commitment and reliability. She has devoted over 50 years of community volunteerism, including 23 years of board experience. She had a 37-year career in the sewing industry as a patternmaker, business owner and national sewing educator. Since retiring in 2014, she has had the pleasure of serving on city council 2018-present. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, spending time with family, and taking advantage of all that North Bay offers.
Why are you running for this position?
I have been asked why am I running for Mayor? I got into this four year ago and over this time , I have seen the potential that our city has. It has motivated me to seize the opportunity and accept the challenge of leading our community. Based on what I have learned, along with my passion for our city, I want to step up, provide a new and fresh look at the helm of our council and work with all of our community to address the challenges we face as we continue to move forward together.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
When elected, I would ensure that there is a corporate strategy in place that identifies our community priorities. In terms of capital projects in this day and age, $1 million dollars is not a lot. I would advocate identifying priority projects that are eligible for matching dollars from other levels of government in order to maximize the dollars available.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Our community's greatest challenges are mental health, addiction and homelessness. The ripple effect of these challenges adds external pressures to the community’s safety and well-being as a whole and to our front line.
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?
I will engage the community and allow them to be involved in the decision-making process. I will invite citizens to participate in working groups/focus groups when a pertinent issue needs to be moved forward.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love to walk on our waterfront. I enjoy the 100km of multi-use trails that were greatly appreciated during our social distancing era. For the past few years, I've enjoyed raising funds for the local Y.M.C.A. With a group of avid swimmers, we swim in stages, along the contour of Trout Lake. We are e so lucky to have two pristine lakes in our city.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
A feminist city would be a community where women would receive equal rights and their knowledge and experience would be respected When Women no longer have to fight for and point out the lack of equality then my city will be a feminist city.
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election
Johanne Brousseau
After her post secondary education, Johanne Brousseau was fortunate to find employment in her hometown and worked at Lee Jeans as a pattern maker. In 1986, the plant closed and she instead decided to open Creation Unique, creating employment for herself and others. After 22 years as an owner, Johanne sold her business and became a national freelance sewing educator. In the last 50 years, Johanne has been an active volunteer for various clubs and boards. From helping in the pool during swimming lessons to serving on local and regional boards, she has served on a variety of boards and committees in a variety of capacities, such as chair, vice-chair, treasurer, director, president, vice-president, secretary and instructor. She’s had the honor of being the recipient of several awards: Rising Star, Recognition, President’s List, Service and Certificate of Thanks. Johanne is running for Councillor in North Bay.
Why did you decide to run for council?
City Council requires a new look, a new voice. I will bring a fresh perspective to council from the view of a small business entrepreneur. I know how hard it is to earn a dollar. I will help council work for the common good of the community. I do not represent the agenda of an organization. I will read the meeting materials and be prepared for meetings. I know how to work on a team and how to compromise. I will add a level of professionalism and decorum to council, while supporting staff as they move projects forward in a positive manner.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your community?
North Bay will be replacing a single ice surface arena to a 2 pad ice surface arena. This is the opportune time to create a project not just for citizens that like to play on ice, but to build a multi generational, multipurpose complex: be it with a child care service that allows seniors to mingle and help; to other activities like card games, board games, craft and hobbies, meeting rooms, or educational seminars to help the youth get into the job market. A building that will allow the citizens of this city to stay healthy, from a physical, social and emotional perspective. A building that keeps bodies active by offering a walking/running surface for the winter months and can also be used year round for residents with mobility issues. We have experts in our community (agencies) that know what needs are lacking for their clients - let's get their input in the creation of such a complex. We could also partner with a not for profit organization that has the expertise and allow them to manage the programs. The hub would also inject sport tourism money into the local economy
What innovative projects would enhance life in your community?
North Bay will be replacing an single ice surface arena to a two-pad ice surface arena. This is the opportune time to create a project not just for citizens that like to play on ice, but to build a multi generational, multipurpose complex: be it with a child care service that allows seniors to mingle and help, or to participate in other activities like card games, board games, craft and hobbies, meeting rooms, educational seminars to help the youth get into the job market. A building that will allow the citizens of this city to stay healthy from a physical, social and emotional perspective. A building that keeps bodies active by offering a walking/running surface for the winter months and can also be used year round for residents with mobility issues. We have experts in our community (agencies) that know what needs are lacking for their clients so lets get their input in the creation of such a complex. We could also partner with a not for profit organization that has the expertise and allow them to manage the programs. The hub would also inject sport tourism money into the local economy.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your city any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
The monies would go to help the city and Rotary club, enhance the splash pad watermark project. I would stipulate that the project becomes a year round attraction by adding a skating trail for all to enjoy.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your city faces?
As councilor of the city of North Bay, it is important to help and encourage the growth (whenever possible) of our economic and population base. The growth can happen either by enticing, helping, the existing industries to expand or to solicit others to relocate to our city. We can also attract new residents by making North Bay one of the healthiest (social, physical, emotional) cities in Canada.
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?
I will organize informal town hall meetings to ask citizens feedback on certain topics. Residents can also communicate with me via my city email account or Facebook.
What is your favourite thing to do in your city?
I enjoy numerous North Bay activities but for the past few years I've enjoyed raising funds for the local Y.M.C.A . while swimming the contour of Trout Lake with a group of avid swimmers. We are so lucky to have two pristine lakes in our town.
What do you cherish most about your community?
While I truly enjoy the landscape and the beautiful lakes, I would have to say my favorite thing about North Bay is the strength of the community and the ability to show support when needed. North Bay is a generous, caring community.
Where can people find you?
vote4jo.com, jo@vote4jo.com
Facebook and Twitter - vote4jo2018