ABOUT jacquie hermans
Sixteen years ago, I moved to Uxbridge and, for the first time, truly felt like I was home.
Like so many residents, I fell in love with this community's small-town charm, natural beauty, creativity, and sense of connection. Whether I'm exploring the trails with family, friends, and my dogs, supporting local businesses, attending community events, or simply stopping to chat with neighbours on Main Street, I am constantly reminded of what makes Uxbridge such a special place to live.
As the Trail Capital of Canada, Uxbridge offers something truly unique. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the incredible network of trails that connect us to nature and to one another. I also love our vibrant arts community, our growing wellness sector, our local farmers market, the Fall Fair, Art in the Park, Fantasy of Lights, and the countless volunteers who help make our community thrive.
What I value most, however, is the people.
I love that I can walk into a local business and see familiar faces. I love that neighbours still help neighbours. I love that people care deeply about the future of this town.
This is my home, and I am incredibly proud to call it that.
I am running for Ward 3 Councillor because I believe local government works best when people feel heard, respected, and genuinely represented.
My entire career has been built around listening to people, understanding community needs, bringing people together, and helping create positive change. These are the same skills that effective municipal leadership requires.
I hold a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a strong focus on communications and municipal recreation, and for six years I worked for the City of Markham as a Community Resource Coordinator. In that role, I conducted community needs assessments, organized public meetings, worked directly with residents to identify priorities, and helped develop programs and services that responded to the needs of the community.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work was coordinating the Mayor's Youth Task Force. Each year, youth leaders from Grades 8 through 12 worked directly with the Mayor and Council to share their ideas and help shape community initiatives. Together, we organized youth mental health conferences, leadership opportunities, arts programs, and events that empowered young people to become active contributors in their community.
Those experiences taught me something that continues to guide me today: the best decisions are made when people have a voice in the process.
Since 2005, I have operated my own business, giving me firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs. I understand the realities of rising costs, regulations, permits, and the obstacles that small business owners often encounter. I believe local businesses are the backbone of a thriving community, and I want to help create an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed.
For more than two decades, I have also worked in the wellness field as a coach, fitness professional, yoga instructor, and community educator. Through this work, I have supported people of all ages—from children and families to seniors—helping them navigate challenges, improve their wellbeing, and strengthen their connection to their community.
As a single mother of three, I understand the realities many families face. I know what it means to balance responsibilities, stretch a budget, support children, and build a life while managing competing demands. These experiences have given me a practical understanding of the challenges facing residents today.
My platform reflects the values that have guided my career and my life: supporting seniors to age in place, creating a stronger voice for youth, reducing unnecessary barriers for small businesses, and ensuring responsible, transparent use of taxpayer dollars.
I am running because I care deeply about this community and the people who call it home.
I believe Uxbridge's greatest strength is its people. As your councillor, I will bring experience, compassion, common sense, and a commitment to listening. My goal is simple: to ensure every resident feels heard and every generation has a voice in shaping the future of our community.
Together, we can build a more connected, accessible, affordable, and vibrant Uxbridge for every generation.