Councillor's research led to grow bonds.

One person can make a difference. At least that is Fort Frances Councillor Tannis Drysdale's take on life.

She can accomplish anything, as long a supporting team is working along side her.

"The ability in small communities for one person working as part of a team to make a difference was something that captured me."

This past year, Drysdale was appointed to the Northern Ontario Grow Bonds board of directors after being recognized for her contribution toward the initiative. As president of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chamber of Commerce (NOACC), she completed a research paper analyzing the missing components in Northern Ontario's economy. One of them was venture capital. So she, along with NOACC colleagues, researched communities that were experiencing the same economic challenges in the region, the country and around the world and what they were doing to combat it.

That is when they came upon grow bonds. From there, they developed a model and lobbied hard for provincial and federal government support. The government and the northern region embraced the initiative by buying up bonds in a short amount of time. But it is not a success yet, at least not for Drysdale.

"A program is not a success unless you have a result."

That won't be accomplished until more Northern Ontario people have jobs and economies are healthier as a result of the program.

"I am hopeful that we are getting close to making some announcements, finalizing some deals and developing some expanded businesses."

Drysdale was also appointed by the Minister of Natural Resources David Ramsay to the Ontario Parks board of directors to help introduce a Provincial Parks Act, which has yet to become law. She is also part of the Northwestern Ontario Municipalities Association (NOMA), raising awareness on behalf of the forest industry to senior levels of government and to southern Ontario counterparts.

"It was a fairly successful campaign because when you start to hear Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion complain to the government about what the impact will be on her community if the forest industry doesn't survive, then you know you've done your job."

But she is the first one to say the crisis is not over. More work is needed.

Her passion for the region and lifestyle is what keeps her motivated. Maintaining and sustaining industries fortifies the economy, keeping the quality lifestyle possible.

"I think perhaps sometimes it is a bit of personal mission. I came here (13 years ago from Manitoba) and saw what a wonderful place this is to live, work and raise a family (in). To sit on the side lines and let the area fade away is something I may not feel comfortable doing."

Hanging on to that quality of life is not without its challenges.

One of the most difficult tasks she has encountered was running for town council, becoming a representative of the people. Like other smaller communities, Fort Frances depends on other communities in the northwest who in turn depend on cities throughout the region and province.

"We are so much stronger working together than working by ourselves."

She has been asked to stand for mayor in the next election. In fact she has been asked to represent the northwest at Queen's park or on Parliament Hill.

"(But) I don't know if I could ever sacrifice something for Northern Ontario for the greater good of the political machine. This is something I struggled with."

Drysdale is interested in becoming mayor if no other competent suitors vie for the position. Her parents always taught her that if you are not happy with how things are run, you change it. To become part of the problem is not an option. Rather, her philosophy is to become part of the solution and "just do it."

www.fort-frances.com

By KELLY LOUISEIZE

Northern Ontario Business