ABOUT KATHLEEN

Kathleen Rochon believes good leadership starts with listening, bringing people together and doing the work.

Long before becoming Mayor, Kathleen built her career in economic and community development, working with businesses, community organizations, municipalities and different levels of government. That experience gave her a practical understanding of how communities grow, how partnerships are built and how good ideas become real projects.

It also taught her something that has stayed with her throughout her career: relationships matter.

Kathleen has called West Nipissing home for almost 20 years. She came to the community through her husband, whose family has deep roots here, and over time it became home in every sense of the word. She loves the things that make this community special—the people, the outdoor lifestyle, the natural beauty and the small-town connections that make it possible to know your neighbours and feel part of something bigger than yourself.

When Kathleen was elected Mayor in 2022, she knew the municipality needed to restore trust and confidence. Over the past four years, she has worked to bring a more consistent, respectful and collaborative approach to municipal leadership.

She has strengthened relationships with neighbouring municipalities, Indigenous partners, community organizations and provincial and federal governments. She has represented West Nipissing in more than 25 ministerial delegations and participated in provincial and national conversations on issues affecting northern and rural communities, including speaking at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction’s national Issues of Substance conference and the Democracy Xchange Conference.

A strong connection to community

Kathleen’s commitment to West Nipissing goes well beyond her role at the Council table.

She has been involved in the community for many years, including serving on the West Nipissing Economic Development Advisory Committee, the Sturgeon River House Museum Advisory Committee and the board of the West Nipissing Chamber of Commerce, where she later served as President. During her time with the Chamber, she helped launch initiatives including Feast on the Farm and Business After Hours, and helped coordinate the Business Excellence Awards.

She believes in the people who make our community strong—from volunteers and community organizations to coaches, service clubs, local businesses and residents who step up when their community needs them.

She is particularly passionate about creating better opportunities for young people and giving them reasons to build their futures here. Her support for initiatives such as Planet Youth reflects her belief that some of our biggest challenges are best addressed when families, schools, health organizations, community groups and young people work together.

Kathleen also has a personal connection to West Nipissing’s Francophone community. Early in her relationship with her husband, she chose to learn French because it was important to him and his family. Over the past four years, having the opportunity to use French every day in her work as Mayor has helped her continue to improve her skills. She is proud to be able to communicate with residents in both languages—albeit not perfectly…yet—and values the connection that makes possible.

She serves on the board of l’Association francophone des municipalités de l’Ontario (AFMO) and is committed to supporting the French language and culture that are such an important part of our community.

Kathleen was elected to the board of directors of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) in 2026, bringing a northern and rural perspective to conversations affecting municipalities across the province. She also serves on the advisory committee for the Alliance Centre and with Friends of Mashkinonje Park.

Proud of our progress. Committed to our future.

Kathleen’s first term has been about more than projects and investments. It has been about showing that West Nipissing can be a constructive, reliable and respected partner.

Credibility is built through consistency—by showing up, following through, treating people with respect and working professionally with others, even when there are disagreements. That approach has helped strengthen relationships with partners and senior levels of government and create opportunities to secure important investments for our community.

Kathleen is proud of how far West Nipissing has come over the past four years, especially considering where the municipality started. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve as Mayor and for the trust residents have placed in her.

There is still important work ahead. Kathleen believes in this community, in the people who call it home and in what we can accomplish when we work together. She is ready to continue listening, doing the work and building on the progress we have made.