Heather Candler works with Batawa residents, businesses and local representatives to create an exemplary sustainable rural community, both in its built and cultural environment.

 

Candler launched the province's first non profit CDC in 2004 aimed at recruiting family physicians.  In its first year, it successfully recruited 4 physicians to the flagship facility.  The Belleville Family Medical Centre was formed in response to the demands of business heard during Candler's tenure with the City of Belleville as Manager of Economic Development.

 

As a native of the Quinte area, Candler's local knowledge and strong network of local contacts translated into economic growth for the City.  Mrs. Candler promoted the growth and development of the city through business development, retention, expansion, and recognition initiatives.

 

Mrs. Candler holds both a Masters of Science degree in Rural Planning & Development from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. 

 

Candler's past achievements include attracting more than 1,000 jobs to the City of Belleville in just one year as Manager of Economic Development, consulting on Land Claims with First Nations, co-authoring a handbook on Community Economic Development for Rural Women, and playing a role in the development of the historic Federal Volunteer Sector Accord.

 

As Manager of Economic Development she played an integral role in establishing MCCI's 33,000 sq. ft. e-commerce business in downtown Belleville, employing more than 700; Halla Climate Control's 300,000 sq. ft. Plant #3; Maxwell Comunication's 100,000 sq. ft. facility and NCO's communications centre, employing 350 people.  Other  projects include the Business Retention & Expansion Program and increasing transit service to Belleville's north-east industrial park.

 

As Executive Director of Volunteer & Information Quinte (VIQ), Candler played a leadership role in the volunteer sector, hosting a consultation for the development of the historic Federal Volunteer Sector Accord and serving on the national steering committee guiding its development and implementation.  She played a founding role in the development of the Community Resource Quinte and the establishment of the Local Leave A Legacy Program.  She established the Maurice Rollins Community Leadership Award for Youth and endowment fund, and the annual Mayor's Walk for Volunteers, benefitting dozens of local agencies. 

 

Locally Candler has researched and developed the Victim Assistance Program for Belleville City Police, coordinated Three Oak's Foundation's capital campaign to move to Belleville, conducted a study for the East Central Ontario Training Board on training & employment needs of persons with disabilities, and conducted a Joint Needs Assessment for a local organization.  She is past president of the United Way of Quinte.