Your dedicated advocate for our municipal interests.
Experienced. Dedicated. Collaborative.
The secret sauce of effective advocacy is finding common ground around council and committee tables, while clearly articulating the needs and challenges of the day.
Today’s challenges include stable and sustainable municipal financing, housing access and affordability, infrastructure deficits, farmland preservation, broadband equity, mental health and climate change to name but a few.
Serving as an elected County Councillor solidifies Diane’s regional focus experience. As a certified adjudicator, her balanced approach enables her to navigate the most spirited of debates. An active community builder, Diane creates collaborative, authentic relationships to move the needle on the challenges facing our municipalities.
With long term connections to Queen’s Park and around the Province, Diane is well-placed to leverage those associations to productively champion County Caucus concerns. In a climate that is all too often urban-focused, her well-prepared and direct voice will effectively represent the caucus’ unique challenges.
Dedicated to Excellence
As a recent recipient of Municipal World’s “Woman of Influence in Local Government Award” (honorary mention), Diane also co-presented at the 2024 ROMA conference on “Building Inclusive Communities”, authored the “Healing power of green space” in the May edition of Municipal World and chairs professional misconduct hearings for the Ontario College of Teachers.
Her deep commitment to building stronger communities is demonstrated through her co-founding of the Centre Wellington Community Dinner in 2017 (“Building community one meal at a time.), sitting on various non-profit boards and launching Renegade Rainbows (a joyful way to kick-off Pride Month). As a volunteer bartender, she also makes time to support Fergus Legion events and numerous local festivals.
After 30 years in the education sector, Diane was honoured to receive the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence upon her retirement from the sector in 2023. She is passionate about camping, live music and her three children.
Council highlights (since 2018)
| * 200+ transitional, supportive and shelter housing until since 2022 * RideWell shared ride service piloted * Numerous aggregate cases settled * 50% waste diversion (green bins) * Riverstown Landfill opening * Indigenous Gathering Circle on Wellington Place campus * Heritage restoration of Erin grist mill for newest County library * County childcare centres opened * Ongoing road infrastructure improvements * Intimate partner violence policy analysis initiated * Land provided for Aboyne Rural Hospice * 3,000,000+ trees planted through County’s Green Legacy program * Community Safety Zones introduced, speed cameras installed (safer streets) * Climate change mitigation actions; including fleet conversion, increased leaf and yard waste collection, robust Emergency Safety Plans *https://www.municipalworld.com/articles/healing-power-of-green-space/ |
Diane has served on the following committees of Council:
Solid Waste Services, Economic Development, Social Services, Information/Heritage/Seniors, Groves Community Hospital Board
At Food Day Canada’s kick off barbecue in Elora with Wellington County Warden (and North Wellington Mayor) Andy Lennox.
Catching up with old friends at FCM. With Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen (former Warden of Grey County).
New childcare centre and Catholic elementary school announced for Mapleton. With Minister Stephen Lecce, Wellington Catholic School Board Associate Director Tracy McLennan and Parliamentary Assistant Matthew Rae.
Click here to learn more about Diane’s long-term commitment to her community.