✅ Re-Elect Steve Perry for Collingwood Council | Moving Us Forward

Collingwood has always felt like home to me, even before we actually lived here.

My wife, Linda, has family in Collingwood, and for years our weekends meant packing up the car in Newmarket and heading north. We came to ski, visit family, enjoy the outdoors and, most importantly, spend time in a community we had grown to love. We always talked about one day making Collingwood our permanent home. In July 2012, we finally made that dream a reality.

Today, I’m fortunate to be a husband, father of four and grandfather of three. Collingwood isn’t just where we live — it’s where our family has put down roots. It’s where we’ve made friendships, created memories and enjoyed the incredible lifestyle that makes this community so special.

I’ve always loved being outdoors. I ski at Blue Mountain and, as a Level 2 ski instructor, I get to share that passion with others. In 2002, I discovered snowmobiling, and it quickly became another passion. I still get excited when I see snow in the forecast! When the snow disappears, you’ll find me hiking, biking or spending time on or around the water.

My working life has been just as varied. I spent 28 years with Hallmark Cards before starting my own small business teaching filmmaking to students. I travelled throughout Canada and the United States, working with young people, teachers and families. I also worked with many municipalities and their Parks and Recreation departments to develop and deliver summer, Christmas and March Break programs.

That experience taught me a lot about people and communities. It taught me to listen, to find solutions, to work with different perspectives and to understand that sometimes the simplest ideas can make the biggest difference.

COVID eventually changed the school environment and brought that chapter of my career to an end. But it also gave me the opportunity to put my experience and energy into serving the community I love.

I’m now honoured to serve on Collingwood Council, as well as the Collingwood Public Library Board and the Economic Development Roundtable. I also volunteer with the Blue Mountain Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club and Hospice Georgian Triangle.

I’ve been fortunate to experience Collingwood in so many different ways — as a husband and father, a business owner, a volunteer, a skier, a snowmobiler and now as a member of Council.

And after all these years, I still feel incredibly fortunate that we made the decision to move here.

MY PLATFORM

1. A Safer, More Connected Collingwood

My priority is to continue advocating for a community in which walking and cycling are safe, realistic choices for residents of every age.

Priorities include:

• Expanding and connecting Collingwood’s trail network
• Advancing a proper trail connection to Blue Mountain
• Creating safer routes for children walking or biking to school
• Supporting appropriate bike lanes and active transportation infrastructure
• Reducing speeds and calming traffic in areas where pedestrians are especially vulnerable
• Continuing to improve crossings for cyclists and pedestrians

The emotional heart of my platform is not infrastructure for its own sake. It is what safe infrastructure makes possible.

When parents feel comfortable allowing their children to walk, bike and play outside, children gain freedom, confidence and independence. They develop a stronger relationship with their neighbourhood and greater pride in their community.

2. Leadership That Brings People Together

I am a firm believer that good local government depends on people being able to work together, particularly when they don’t begin from the same position.

I bring a diplomatic, respectful and practical approach to the Council. I listen, look for areas of agreement and work to maintain productive relationships across different perspectives.

I do not need to receive all the credit for an idea. My priority is working with the Council to reach sound decisions and deliver results for Collingwood.

My leadership proposition is simple:

Listen carefully. Find common ground. Keep the work moving.

3. Seeing Important Projects Through

My reason for seeking another term is because significant work is underway and I want to help bring it to fruition.

I support moving both the Multi-Use Recreation Facility and the Arts and Cultural Centre forward in a fiscally responsible way . I believe each would contribute something important to Collingwood’s future and that the community should not be forced to choose between recreation and culture.

I also want to continue advancing other important community priorities, including connections within the trail network, a better trail connection to the Town of the Blue Mountains as well as major infrastructure projects required to support Collingwood’s growth.

Collingwood has important decisions and major projects ahead. I can offer the experience, relationships and collaborative leadership needed to keep them moving responsibly.

Councillor Steve Perry

905-251-1044

www.votesteveperry.ca

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❤️ Thanks, Steve, for your donation to Hope Chapel.