MARILYN MCEWEN
Marilyn McEwen Ucluelet Mayor
Eight years as a local councillor, and now Ucluelet's Mayor, (www.vancouverislanddaily.com/news/marilyn-elected-mayor) West Coast adventures to last a lifetime, deep civic experience, and my friendly calm demeanour (helps when swimming with sharks in Barkley Sound!) are hallmarks of my personality. Thank you Ucluelet for electing me!As Mayor, I will lead and take charge, continually working hard for Ucluelet. I will always be honest, listen, facilitate and hold integrity above all else. I will not make false promises or offer quick solutions to complex community concerns. I promise to maintain an open, consistent respectful dialogue, have healthy and constructive conversations, and listen to opinions from the community, District Staff and Council about the issues Ucluelet is now facing.
Experience + Knowledge
I have served the last eight years as a local Councillor. This election is critical for our community and now more than ever it is key to have an established civic leader at the helm to steer us through these challenging times.
Integrity + Respect
I bring almost three decades of strong community commitment, volunteer and serve on many local boards, and have extensive small businesses experience. I am a practical and effective leader who has handled everything from successfully growing a number of small local businesses to handling contentious issues at public hearings, rezoning issues, by-law variances, and permit application discussions through the lens of reason, facts, and practicality.
Dedication + Dependable
Projects don’t automatically complete themselves; they require continuity, oversight and adjustments. Projects such as the new medical centre, key housing developments, water treatment, infrastructure, childcare, business development, and sustainable growth in our community will require full attention to effectively see them through to fruition.
About Marilyn
Like many, my husband Lance Blackwell and I began coming to the West Coast over 40 years ago and have lived in Ucluelet for over 25 years. It's been a wonderful journey, with so many memories and great friendships created. We have watched our community grow and prosper. During that time I have owned five successful businesses and volunteered for many local boards and committees. I have proudly served eight years as a current Councillor. My friends love to highlight that I'm the calm one, very respectful, listen well, and genuinely humble. I'm a seeker of outdoor adventure, and often sailing throughout the Broken Group Islands. I love living on the West Coast and enjoy my time giving back.
Deep Civic Experience
Now more than ever it is key to have an established civic leader at the helm to steer us through these challenging times. A vote for Marilyn has always been a vote to maintain an open, consistent respectful dialogue, have healthy constructive conversations, and listen to opinions from the community, District Staff and Council about the issues Ucluelet is now facing.
Go Marilyn Go!
“Marilyn would be an amazing Mayor! She will listen, facilitate and lead with focus. Marilyn loves Ucluelet. She was an excellent Councillor during my term as Mayor. She is a team player and brings a calm, balanced professionalism to everything she does. Ukee will be lucky to have her... Go Marilyn Go!"- Dianne St. Jacques ~ Ucluelet Mayor Twelve Years Local Government
Ucluelet You Have Your Next Mayor
"We have know Marilyn for over 20years. She is always the prepared professional one, well organized and seems to have this magic ability to know every detail, and where every document is from past key Council & Civic items Ucluelet has dealt with. She is reliable, has strong values, very approachable, and brings a calmness to all she does. She is honest, level headed, and we have always loved her balanced approach. We have always admired her diverse interests, one weekend she is away sailing, the next scuba diving or right at home having a meeting with senior politicians from both the BC and Federal level. She would make an amazing Mayor; and her network around the West Coast is vast. Ucluelet needs a leader with deep experience, Ucluelet you have your next Mayor to take us through these challenging times."- Ted Eeftink ~ 25 Years Ucluelet Fire Chief + Tracy Eeftink - 30 Years Majestic Ocean Kayaking
Steadfast, Emotionally Strong...
"I wish I lived in Ukee...you would have my vote! Since the first time I met you Marilyn, years ago, at the Toastmaster sessions, I was always impressed with every meeting; and living here, I see you as the steadfast, emotionally strong, good listener... that will get you in, as mayor. My best wishes for you."- Vi Mundy ~ Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government - Ucluelet First Nation (Retired), Wild Pacific Trail First Nation Board Director
Values + Platform
Get to know Marilyn.
The Tuff City Radio interview.
Bringing Knowledge
Proud to have served the past 8 years (two four-year terms) on Ucluelet Council
Well versed in the protocols of running a council meeting & a fulsome debate
Have been an active member of Toastmasters for 17 years so I love chairing meetings!
As an entrepreneur for over two decades, I am very familiar with the challenges businesses have
Leadership Vancouver Island program graduate in 2015
Proud to have served on the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 20 years, and President of that board for 5 years; served on the Ucluelet Recreation Commission for 15 years; served (and still serving) on the Pacific Rim Whale Festival board for 25 years; served the first 12 years on the Edge to Edge Marathon committee
Proven Track Record
Excellent track record of attending meetings – missed two in the past four-year term
Served as the Mayor’s alternate at Area C meetings for 5 years, which gave me insight into what our neighbouring communities are facing, both challenges and successes
I read every council agenda package cover to cover & base my decisions on the facts before me
I have volunteered countless hours to community events over the past 25 years – Canada Day, Halloween Howl, the Van Isle 360, Breakfast with Santa, Carole Ships, etc.
Strong Leader
Mayor and Council are a team, and although we bring varying backgrounds and opinions to the table, I respect the outcome of decisions that are voted on
My leadership style is centered around listening first, learning, and then leading
I believe every voice deserves to be heard, and I encourage dialogue and questions
As an entrepreneur myself (have owned and operated 5 businesses in the past 25 years here) I have the utmost respect for business owners and look forward to further engaging with them to find solutions to their challenges
Focus
Get the license issued for a local Cannabis dispensary (Voted in favour last term)
I believe in slow controlled growth for our community and sustainable tourism
Improve communication with our citizens, to help end speculation
Affordable Housing – a very big issue with no easy solution, but we need to focus to get this solved
Reinstate the Ucluelet Recreation Commission
Work to get BC Transit back at the table to provide a bus service to all our communities
Ensure our new water treatment infrastructure gets successfully completed
Pro Business
Business owners are a key part of our local economy. Our proud business owners are one amazing group of entrepreneurs. A vote for Marilyn is a vote to maintain an open, consistent respectful dialogue, have healthy and constructive conversations, listen to opinions from the business community, District Staff and Council about the our current business issues. I look forward to further engaging with everyone to find solutions to current challenges and celebrating our successes.
Board member and past President of the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce - 20 years
Have owned and operated 5 businesses in the past 25 years locally
I have the utmost respect for business owners and look forward to further engaging with them to find solutions to their challenges
Started out working for the Westerly News as the Publisher’s Assistant, first full time, then part time, while I was building my photography business
I was one of only two wedding photographers back then, and shot over 1,000 weddings over 17 years
We rezoned our property to Guest House Zoning in 2002 and built our first cabin in 2003 and the second one in 2005 – We are called Anchors Inn; everyone thought we were crazy because tourism was just beginning here
We started a Whale Watching company in 2001 and ran that business for 7 years
We were 1/3 owners in Barkley Adventure Station from 2004 and ran that business for 4 years – it’s now called the Floathouse
We started a resort television channel called RTown TV Long Beach in 2011, which ran for 9 years on channel 4 until Telus bought both cable companies and eliminated local programming. That company is going to morph into Off The Edge Radio – we got a Tourist Radio licence in 2018 and will be launching that business in the next few months
Marilyn Always Impresses
"My wife, Jeanne, and I have lived here for 12 years and have known Marilyn throughout. I have had first hand experience when she was District Council representative to the Wild Pacific Trail Society, on whose Board I serve. As a citizen I have also observed Marilyn at District Council meetings. She brings a depth and range of experience to the issues at hand.She always impresses me as knowledgeable, thoughtful, and prudent. Ucluelet needs wise guidance and consideration as we move forward to meet the challenges of the future.I am proud to endorse Marilyn!"- Don Ferris ~ Chair Treasurer, Wild Pacific Trail Society
Marilyn Will Be A Great Mayor
"I have known Marilyn McEwen professionally and personally for over 16 years, after meeting her as the photographer for my wedding in 2006. I believe she has all the right credentials to be Ucluelet’s next mayor. Marilyn has the energy, leadership skills, experience and commitment to make a positive difference for the town. She listens to people and makes decisions based on the good of the community. For these reasons I believe Marilyn will be a great mayor for Ucluelet."- Andrew Hanson ~ Owner Ucluelet Lodge & Ucluelet Cold Beer & Wine Store
Get In Touch
Don't hesitate to reach out and get in touch.
I'll get right back in touch as long as I'm not on the beach looking for more glass balls.Donations: Please send eTransfers along with your full name in the message field to hello@marilynformayor.caVote Marilyn Lawn Signs: If you wish to have a sign placed at your property please reach out.
All signs will be saved, reused and recycled after the election.
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