for Deputy Mayor

Catherine E. MacDonald

Town of Midland Deputy Mayor Candidate

• Lifelong resident of the Midland area with a deep appreciation for our community and its people.
• Blessed with a large, supportive family that has always been an important part of my life.
• An avid walker who enjoys exploring Midland’s neighbourhoods and trails year-round with a wonderful group of friends, using urban poles in every season.
• Enjoy gardening, swimming in beautiful Georgian Bay, and cycling (with pedal assist when needed).
• These activities have given me an intimate knowledge of Midland—its neighbourhoods, parks, trails, and the issues that matter to residents.

Throughout my career and volunteer service, I have developed the skills, experience, and perspective needed to represent Midland residents thoughtfully and effectively. Every role has taught me the importance of listening, working collaboratively, solving problems, and being accountable.

Professional Experience

• Trustee for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District Board for 24 years
• Served on Community Care Access Centre Board (now Local Health Integration Networks (LHIN)
• Office Administration – Sedgwick Post & Hogg Chartered Accountants
• Cost Accounting Clerk – Walker’s Electric
• Office Manager – Ken Black, MPP Constituency Office
• Project Manager – Papal Visit to Huronia
• Manager – Simcoe County Accessibility Survey
• Supervisor – Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic for Low-Income Residents
• Licensed Real Estate Agent

What These Roles Taught Me

• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Careful financial management and accountability
• Project planning and problem-solving
• The importance of listening before making decisions
• A commitment to professionalism, integrity, and public service
• The ability to work with people from all backgrounds
• Constructively facilitate meetings and effectively moderate discussions keeping conversations on tasks

• Treasurer, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, St. Margaret’s Conference.
  • Help oversee the operation of our volunteer-run food pantry.
  • Assist in providing emergency financial assistance to individuals and families in need.
• Volunteer with the Midland Public Library’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
• Proud supporter of the Midland Cultural Centre and Quest Art School + Gallery.
• Stay informed about the many organizations and agencies that strengthen our community.
• Decades of participating and raising funds for Terry Fox.
• Recipient of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International “Paul Harris Fellow” award.

I believe that serving our community extends well beyond Council Meetings.

Giving back has always been an important part of my life.

Committee and Board Service

During this term, I have proudly served on:

• Midland Active Transportation Advisory Committe (MATAC)
• Midland Public Library Board (MPL)
• Alternate Councillor - Simcoe County Council
• Previously existing Culture Alliance

Experience matters, but service matters even more.

I believe the best decisions come from:

• Listening to residents.
• Asking thoughtful questions.
• Working collaboratively.
• Making informed, responsible decisions.
• Being accountable for results.
• Always putting Midland’s future first.

That is the commitment I have brought to my first term on Council, and it is the commitment I will continue to bring as your Deputy Mayor.

My first term as a Town Councillor has provided valuable experience and a strong foundation to serve as Midland's Deputy Mayor. I have taken a pragmatic, common-sense approach to every decision and am ready to take on this greater leadership role.

As Deputy Mayor, I will:

Respectfully serve with purpose, devotion and truthfulness.

• Chair Committee of the Whole meetings in a fair, respectful, and efficient manner.
• Keep meetings focused and productive by following Council’s procedural by-laws, while allowing flexibility when appropriate to ensure important issues are fully discussed without unnecessary delays.
• Balance efficiency with meaningful discussion, allowing Council to fully consider important issues while reaching decisions in a reasonable timeframe.
• Encourage Council members to come prepared, having reviewed reports in advance and ready to ask thoughtful questions.
• Foster respectful debate where all viewpoints are heard, considered, and respected.
• Work toward consensus whenever possible and, once decisions are made, encourage Council to move forward together.
• Continue supporting improvements to public safety while researching successful initiatives from other municipalities that could benefit Midland.
• Strengthen collaboration with the County of Simcoe to increase affordable housing opportunities, including exploring successful models such as the affordable housing development planned for Collingwood in 2027.
• Support responsible growth and economic development, including working toward the continued advancement of Midland Bay Landing as an important opportunity for our waterfront, local economy, and community.
• Ensure Midland’s growth is carefully managed through responsible, frugal, and productive financial decisions that protect taxpayers while positioning Midland for the future.
• Serve residents with integrity, respect, and accountability.

Good leadership is about listening, working together, making informed decisions, and always putting Midland’s interests first.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Catherine for many years, first when she was a Trustee for the SMCDSB and I was on the STHS School Council. Catherine was approachable, reliable, a person of action and a good communicator. Now as Treasurer of the St. Margaret’s St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catherine is a great team player, who is dependable, dedicated, capable and pays good attention to detail. She knows her community and its needs well. I am grateful she would put her name forward to run as Midland’s next Deputy Mayor" 
Mary DiTomaso

"I’ve known Catherine personally and professionally for nearly 20 years. Having worked side by side with Catherine, I can say she’s very determined, organized, professional, and she cares deeply about our town. She proved this in current role as town councillor. As residents of our wonderful town, we’re all very fortunate to have Catherine represent us as an incoming Deputy Mayor." 
Joel Rumney

"I have known Catherine for the past 19 + years both as a client and a dear friend. Catherine is a kind, compassionate, empathetic, honest person who is committed and devoted to her community, her family and friends. She works tirelessly to help others and connect people within her community. She will be an incredible asset as a Deputy Mayor for the people of Midland and will bring equanimity and balance to decisions that are needed. I truly admire Catherine’s devotion in everything that she does, she is an inspiration." 
Lisa,
The Yoga House

"Catherine is a regular attendee at the Let’s Move! Fitness Class at Driven. She is an absolute joy to be around - always has a smile on her face and so encouraging and welcoming to everyone she meets. She is highly motivated and is not afraid to try new things - including learning how to do a handstand! Catherine gets Driven’s vote - Full Send!" 
Joanne J.,
DRIVEN

Voter Instruction Letter

Voter Instruction letters (VIL) will be mailed via Canada Post to individuals on the Voters List at the end of September. They will contain your personal identification number (PIN) that you require to vote and full instructions on how to vote by telephone or internet.

If you do not receive your VIL by October 13, 2026, please contact the Clerk’s Office at elections@midland.ca or 705-526-4275 ext. 2212 or ext. 2208. You may also visit the Voter Assistance Centre (VAC) between October 13 and October 26 for assistance. Please bring the required identification.

How to Cast your Votes

Internet and telephone voting will begin on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 10am and will be available 24/7 until the close of Voting Day, October 26, 2026, at 8pm.

Eligible voters can cast their ballot online or by telephone from any location, at any time during the voting period, including from the comfort of their home, or where internet or telephone service is available. The Voter Instruction Letter will contain full instructions.

The Catherine MacDonald Campaign has decided that there will be a limited number of lawn signs by the Catherine MacDonald Campaign, out of concern for the environment.

Besides social media and door to door campaigning, mail out flyers and door knockers will be printed. Even this modest amount of promotion will cost into the thousands of dollars.

A monetary contribution to the campaign fund can be made by e-transfer to cmacdonald4council@gmail.com. Please document your home address in the Notes section of your e-transfer.

Alternatively, you can make a personal cheque payable to Catherine E. MacDonald Campaign and mail to:
920 Cynthia Court, Midland ON - L4R 5E5 or arrangements can be made to have it picked by calling 705-529-8220.

Thank you for your consideration.

Note, your mailing address is required so receipts can be issued but municipal election contributions are not tax deductible.

Catherine E. MacDonald

Will continue to respectfully serve with purpose, devotion and truthfulness.

Please feel free to email with any questions at cmacdonald4council@gmail.com