Barb Erskine
Barb Erskine shared that while she could not put her finger on why she chose Kagawong to purchase property and make a permanent home on Manitoulin Island after living in Mindemoya for five years, but she’s glad she did. Eleven years later, Ms. Erskine, who has her PhD in Developmental/Clinical Psychology from York University, cannot imagine living anywhere else. “It’s a fantastic place. I love a natural setting where you can enjoy bird watching and the great outdoors with pets.” The five-year substantiability plan (2012-2017) created by the township with input from several focus groups included the concept of developing a community improvement plan. Ms. Erskine would like to see the design include the corridor from Lakeshore Road, along Main Street and into the downtown core to the marina. Community enhancement could attract new businesses and people to the existing shops to help design a ‘Main Street identity.’ “The waterfront development plan fits so well,” said Ms. Erskine, and is a “great opportunity for the township to move forward with a concept from community input from young families and youth to become the foundation for the next generation.” One of the best aspects of living in Kagawong, shared Ms. Erskine, is the community spirit where people get involved. Ms. Erskine would like to see the substantiability plan specifically the community improvement component maintain momentum to see what comes of it. As chair of the recreation committee and a member of the Waste Management Advisory Committee, Ms. Erskine and her fellow volunteers have much to be proud of. “With many fun events to organize and be involved in. It is great to be part of it.” The waste management volunteers dealt with the “difficult issue” of landfill planning and redesign, making strides to make the landfill more convenient and implement more recycling options for diversion of waste. Approval for composting at the landfill site is something Ms. Erskine would like to see, she said. With many summer residents coming from urban centres, they are used to recycling so it is something they are already doing. “It is pretty cool to be part of the positive changes being made,” shared Ms. Erskine. Some of the features of Kagawong that attract residents and tourists alike are the number of successful events put on by volunteers, as well as tourism, the arts and culture, she said. “I am pretty impressed by what we have been able to organize,” Ms. Erskine continued. With partnership between the two organizations she is involved in, the Green Living Expo held this past spring was well attended and drew positive reviews of support. People who live here have lots to do with a wide range of activities from ball hockey to euchre, she boasted. “It is a progressive and open minded community to live in,” stated Ms. Erskine. “Billings is in a critical moment in development. There are a lot of new people in the community that creates an exciting mix where heritage meets new ideas. This gives us room to grow, and I want to be in the middle of it.” If elected as one of four council members, Ms. Erskine said she would work with the municipality to make it the best it can be. “I want to help it develop in a positive direction,” said Ms. Erskine, “and get involved in a relationship between other municipalities and levels of government. As part of a team, there will be give and take on both sides.” “I really want to know what’s going on and be part of a positive outcome,” stated Ms. Erskine.
