Lauren Rooyakkers

Tell us a bit about yourself – background (education, career, family life)

I grew up in Goderich -- my family name is MacEwan. I raised my family in Huron East, living on a property on the Bayfield River between Seaforth and Vanastra. In 2019, I finished my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology and worked at the Huron community FHT. We moved to East Ferris (South of North Bay, Ontario) in 2021. I ran in the 2022 election and was appointed Deputy Mayor. I also built an online counselling practice. May 2026, I moved back to Huron County. I continue to be on council in East Ferris to finish my term. I currently work in Goderich with private practice in counselling.

Why are you running in the election?

I found my time on East Ferris Council very interesting. I was on the Public Works committee, Planning and Committee of Adjustments, and the Board of Directors for the local library and the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority. I was educated on municipal infrastructure, lake studies, hydrogeological studies, and other reports and studies brought forward by the municipal staff. I think my experience along with my willingness to learn, research, and ask questions would be valuable to Ashfield Wawanosh Colborne. As mentioned above, I was Deputy Mayor of East Ferris until April 2026 -- with a variety of roles. I stepped down from Deputy Mayor as I believe that the Deputy Mayor should be in the community if an emergency happens and the Mayor is not available. I continue to attend council meetings and be on the Board of Directors of the East Ferris Public Library and the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority.

How have you been involved in the community over the years? (Service groups, volunteer, coaching, committees, boards, etc.)

Secretary of the Northern Ontario Women's Association, 2024 to currently
Board of Directors of the Wasi Ski Club, Senior Villas East Ferris, 2025-2026
Roots of Empathy Instructor, 2011-2018
Parent Advisory Committee for Huron Centennial School, 2002–2013
Rural Response for Healthy Children – Board of Directors, 2009–2013
Seaforth Children’s Cooperative Centre – Board of Directors, 2000-2005, 2007-2008

Why do you feel you are set apart from the other candidates?

My roots are in Huron County. I went to university and started a career in the KW/Cambridge/Guelph area and came back to Huron County to raise my family. I moved to East Ferris and learned a lot on council during my time. I believe I could offer another perspective due to my experience in Huron County as well as other areas in Ontario.

Why should constituents vote for you?

I started my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology in 2016 when I was 50 years old. I ran for council in a new community where no one knew me and I got the most votes at 56 years old. I like to learn and challenge myself. From the two areas of my life - mental health and municipal council - I am persistent, and continuing to learn to be up to date for clients and residents. I listen actively to look at situations from different perspectives and to understand. I have been in uncomfortable situations looking at lake studies, subdivision plans, hydrogeological studies, etc. and I have had to ask a lot of questions to understand what is happening presently and what would be the consequences of a decision. I think residents of ACW should vote for me because I bring an energy and curiosity to everything that I do.

If elected, what would you put on the agenda first?

Listen and learn. I want to honour the work that has been done by previous councils and the municipal staff and research ways to meet the needs of ACW's residents.

What are the three highest priority local issues you would like to focus on if you were elected? Why? How would you attempt to remedy these issues?

Keep working towards the goals in the Strategic Plan - it is a guiding document.
Economic/Community Development. In East Ferris, I created a google map of the businesses and resources in East Ferris that could be promoted on social media. As with East Ferris, ACW has a business directory which is good. I think my map offers a different way to promote local businesses, to make it easier to shop locally, and showcase ACW to the province, Canada ... and the world.
Keep focussing on the environment - The environment affects our water sources and our municipal infrastructure. These are important to maintain and expensive to fix.

What are your values, and values/priorities within this community? (want to find what your vision of this community is and how you intend to use your position on council to contribute to that vision).

I value community. I want to promote local business and protect local resources (parks, trails, childcare, the school, etc.) that allows community to come together and for people to stay in our community.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish in this position in four years? How will we be able to measure success halfway through your term?

I liked to rephrase this to "what we can accomplish". On council, it is one person with one vote. If the vote does not go your way, a council person must support the resolution of council. I would like council to accomplish respectful dialogue of the issues at hand in an open and transparent manner (unless it must be in camera due to a set of requirements). The council's role is governance. The municipal staff find the funding sources, write the applications, and submit the applications. I want council to continue its healthy relationship with the municipal staff - working together so ACW is progressive.

Anything else you’d like to say to the voters? Or your supporters?

Vote. It is by telephone and internet. If you need assistance, phone the ACW township office to get assistance. Please vote!!!