Marianne Wilkinson
Lifetime Contribution
Affectionately referred to as “the Mother of Kanata”, Marianne Wilkinson is a trailblazer with a track record of over 50 years of outstanding public and community service. She is a community leader, visionary, philanthropist and tireless volunteer who continues to empower women and girls through example and advocacy.
As a politician, Marianne has previously served as Mayor of Kanata; Reeve of March Township; March Township Councillor; City of Ottawa Councillor for Kanata-North – Ward 4; and Past Ontario Liberal Party Candidate for Lanark-Carleton. In 1969, despite having three young children under the age of five, she ran for the first time in politics and was elected March Township Councillor. In 1976, she became the first female Reeve of March Township and in 1978, with approved voting by the electorate, she assisted in amalgamating it with parts of Goulbourn and Nepean Townships to form Kanata. Following its incorporation, she then served as Kanata’s first Mayor from 1978 to 1985. She also served on the executive of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and became its president in 1985 and, as a Board member for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Marianne Wilkinson is a visionary and lifelong advocate for better communities where families and businesses thrive in a connected city now and in the future. Her notable public service achievements include the establishment of many community resources and centres such as the Kanata Food Cupboard, the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, the Kanata Choral Association and the Blue Heron Co-operative Housing. Under her leadership, Ms. Wilkinson has also worked with community members to develop and build the Kanata North Business Park – currently home to Canada’s largest technology park. At the same time, she has championed green-space preservation by supporting numerous community garden initiatives; negotiating a 40% open space agreement for Kanata Lakes; obtaining additional parkland such as Walter Baker Park; and by supporting the building of an overpass over the Queensway to help protect pedestrians (particularly high school students).
At a time when women were not permitted to fly, Marianne defied convention by earning her pilot license after joining the Royal Canadian Air Force – University Reserve Training program in the early 1960’s. She has continued to break glass ceilings and has become a role model for women by empowering them to overcome barriers and to have a voice at the decision-making table and in leadership positions. For decades, she has been an advocate for women and girls as one of the founders of the Canadian Federation of University Women Club – Kanata and continues to be a voice on the local, provincial and national executives of the Council of Women. She has also mentored many women and girls to engage in politics and hosted countless International Women’s Day and community events celebrating diverse women and their achievements.
In 1956, after graduating with honours in Geography at Trinity College, University of Toronto, Marianne became a high school Geography and Urban Studies teacher. Always passionate about the pursuit of higher education, she returned to University while in her 60’s and earned a Masters in Management Studies from McGill University.
On March 6, 2018, Marianne Wilkinson announced that she would not run for re-election. Following her time in public office, Marianne returned her focus to community service. She presently serves on the Board of the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, President of the Ottawa Council of Women, Resolutions Director for the National Council of Women of Canada, Stewardship Chair and Synod Representative for St John’s Kanata North Anglican Church, Member of the Living Classroom Group for the Carp River, Chairs a group that runs Kanata Race Day, hires junior rangers during the summer months and is a continuous supporter of numerous community initiatives.
She is currently writing a book, “The Kanata Concept – How a community created an award winning city”, as a tribute to the thousands who have stepped forward to serve their community. As a community builder, Marianne Wilkinson continues to empower and affect change. She is a regular guest speaker on the subject of community building and the importance of being a volunteer which has inspired a lasting legacy for future generations.
In appreciation for her contributions and commitment, Ms. Wilkinson has received numerous distinctions and awards. She was the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal; named Honorary Member -100 Notable Women across Canada, Canadian Federation of University Women 100th Anniversary; received the Pul Harrow Fellowship Award for Humanitarian Efforts presented by the Rotary Club of Ottawa; received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Y; received the Women in the Airforce Medal – RCAF; and, was presented by the Ottawa Council On Aging with the Celebrating Seniors Recognition Award. Most recently, Marianne Wilkinson was honoured with the naming of a pedestrian bridge over Highway 417 in Kanata as the Marianne Wilkinson Pedestrian Bridge.
