Bethany Ontario

Part one of Three part series

I’m detouring from my usual profile on Bethany businesses and day to day activities and delving into the political world of Manvers Township.

But rather than debating the pros and cons of the future expansion of Highway 407 and the effect it will have on the community, or exploring the disadvantages of the proposed wind turbines – more on that in the next post – I was able to spend a morning with Heather Stauble, the municipal Councillor who represents Manvers Township in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

After the amalgamation of year 2001, Manvers Township (which Bethany is part of) became The City of Kawartha Lakes.  Before then, longtime resident David Marsh was the Reeve of Bethany, and continued on as Councillor for a time.  But when he stepped down in 2010  Heather Stauble decided to throw her hat in the ring.

Dear God…When can we Move to the Country?

Ms. Stauble grew up in North Toronto, the daughter of Anne Johnston who served in the Toronto Council until 2003.  For 28 years, she was the longest serving and oldest member of the council.  Ms. Johnston was a progressive voice in Toronto, respected for her proactive approach and determined nature to issues.

Growing up in the heart of the Toronto, with a political powerhouse for a mother, Ms. Stauble left the city in 1988 to fulfill her lifelong dream of living in the country. She was nine when she first started writing notes to God about it, wanting to live where she could ride horses every day.  As a teenager, Ms. Stauble used to ride her bike to a farm near Maple, across from where Wonderland is now, in order to ride her horses.  It was quite a distance for the young girl to travel but a perfect example of her dedication and determination to live out her dream.

Her dream was to live in an area where she could walk to work, raise her kids and enjoy, train and ride her horses.  She discovered Bethany.  Her love of horses and the outdoors hasn’t changed and she has been riding and training in the area for the last twenty years.  She is an Equine Canada Certified Coach, and owns and operates The Brass Ring along with her husband.

Along with being heavily involved with the riding community, Ms. Stauble also contributed to productions at the 4^th Line Theatre outside of Millbrook.  While still in Toronto, she worked with SCTV and the Financial Post so it’s not surprising she found her path leading to the local theatre.

And it’s not surprising how she became involved with the local school board.  Her children attended the public schools and Ms. Stauble was pleased with the education they provided.  Grandview and Rolling Hills Public School are“…good, strong local schools…” both with International Baccalaureate programs and providing French immersion,

It was Ms. Stauble’s involvement in French immersion advocacy issues that prompted her to consider becoming a councillor, but it was the wind turbine issue that drove home her need to become more involved.

Watch for Part 2 coming soon…

“Mrs Stauble has been there for us since the beginning and fights tirelessly.”