Tina Kilbourne: Experience You Can Trust for Ward 5
“I’ve spent my career learning how to make the system work for people. Now I want to put that experience to work for my Ward 5 neighbours and the whole of Gravenhurst.”
Rooted in Gravenhurst. Ready for Council.
Tina Kilbourne doesn’t just live in Gravenhurst; she was raised by Gravenhurst. A proud graduate of Ryde Public School and Gravenhurst High School, Tina’s roots in this community stretch back to 1973 when her father moved the family from Southwestern Ontario for a job teaching at Gravenhurst High School.
Her commitment to the town is personal. As a local resident, the daughter of a Gravenhurst senior, and mother to the entrepreneurs behind Well Fed in the downtown core, Tina sees the challenges facing Gravenhurst residents every day—from the dinner table to the storefront. She is running for Council to ensure Gravenhurst remains a place where every generation can find a sense of belonging and the opportunity to thrive.
A Proven Track Record: Results Starting Day One
With over 26+ years of municipal experience, 15 of which have been local, Tina offers the “day one” expertise needed to navigate District and Provincial systems. She understands the process and knows how to deliver local wins.
Key Career Achievements that Benefit Gravenhurst:
- Secured $2.5M for Muskoka’s only dedicated purpose-built EarlyON space at 180 Brock Street.
- Expanded Regional Transit: Helped launch and secure sustainable funding for the Corridor 11 Bus, connecting our residents to the region.
- Built Vital Bridges: Established the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table to strengthen relations between First Nations and Muskoka’s municipalities.
- Championed Economic Recovery: Launched the District’s first Regional Economic Development team and the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force.
- Child Care Advocacy: Helped establish the Muskoka Home Child Care Agency to support working families.
- Protected Natural Heritage: Ready to leverage six years experience in clean water legislation and environmental advocacy to protect Gravenhurst’s natural assets for future generations.
The Five Pillars of Tina’s Platform
Collaborative & Transparent Governance
Progress happens when Council works together and listens to the community. Tina will bring a “head and heart” approach to the table, using her technical knowledge to make evidence-based decisions. She will ensure the voices of both year-round and seasonal residents help shape Council’s agenda.
Environmental Stewardship & Lake Health
Natural beauty is our greatest asset. Tina will partner with our Lake Associations to ensure development aligns with the town’s Official Plan and environmental best practices. She will fight for policies that protect our water quality and shorelines, keeping the “Gateway to Muskoka” a pristine attraction that bolsters our economy.
Responsible Growth & Fiscal Accountability
Tina will advocate for attainable housing for families and workers while protecting Gravenhurst’s historic charm. Recognizing that all residents, including lakefront homeowners, deserve value for their tax dollars, she will champion fiscal accountability and scrutinize spending to keep tax levels fair while prioritizing essential services.
Community Health, Safety & Wellbeing
A thriving ward is a safe one. Tina will champion safety measures when needed, especially around high-traffic community hubs such as Beechgrove Public School, the YMCA, and our public beaches. She will be a vocal advocate for expanding local health services so every resident has access to the reliable healthcare they deserve.
A Vibrant Downtown & Strong Local Economy
Small businesses are the heartbeat of Gravenhurst. Working with Town staff, the Chamber, and the BIA, Tina will advocate for cutting “red tape” and finding creative ways to support entrepreneurs. By fostering a pro-business environment, she will ensure our local economy remains resilient and diverse.
Community Involvement
Tina’s dedication to Muskoka extends beyond her professional life:
- Board Member: Muskoka Community Foundation & Muskoka Rowing Club
- Committee Member: Gravenhurst Trails Committee
- Volunteer: Parent Council and guest author at local schools and libraries.
Please Connect:
tkilbourne@hotmail.com
www.christinakilbourne.com
Facebook: Christina Kilbourne
Instagram: @Christina.Kilbourne