Shelley Heavens for Marathon Town Council

Listening first, leading together.

I’ve lived in Marathon for more than 35 years. I raised my family here, grew my business here, and have served this community in many ways. This is where I stand on the questions residents are asking, in my own words.

Read my answers Contact Shelley

Shelley Heavens sitting on the rocks at the edge of Lake Superior

35+ years living in Marathon
30+ years in social services, community, health care and private practice
Past board chair, Marathon Municipal Non-Profit Housing
Current appointee, Police Services Board

Election day is Monday, October 26, 2026.

Shelley Heavens standing with her arms crossed, smiling

I’ve chosen Marathon

I’ve built my life here, raised my family, grown my business, and served this community in many ways. I’ve seen our community move through change, challenge and opportunity.

Marathon will be where I retire. I’m ready to bring my experience, values, leadership and commitment to serve you on Marathon Town Council.

35 years here. That does say something.

What I bring to the table

30+ years in social services, community, health care and private practice, including 10 years with the Marathon Family Health Team before opening my own psychotherapy practice here in Marathon.
Problem-solving and systems navigation. I research, ask questions, find the right people and follow through.
Past Board Chair of Marathon Municipal Non-Profit Housing. During 3 years as Chair, I worked alongside fellow board members, staff and community partners to bring the $20M Gendron Northshore Living project to completion, adding 50 new homes to Marathon.
Police Services Board appointee (current).
Community volunteer, from figure skating and minor hockey to palliative care, the humane society, victim services and more.
A local leader who listens, brings people together and gets things done.

My community compass

Guided by values. Focused on community.

Community

Community at the centre. Courage at the table.

Integrity: Being honest about what one councillor and one municipality can and cannot control.
Accountability: Doing the homework, understanding the numbers, explaining my reasoning and owning my vote.
Commitment: Showing up prepared and following through.
Courage: Being willing to ask difficult questions and respectfully disagree when necessary.
Listening: Hearing residents and partners before deciding I already know the answer.
Collaboration: Working with Council, municipal staff, neighbouring First Nations, industry, community organizations, volunteers and other levels of government.
Belonging: Remembering that the decisions made at Town Hall affect real people across every age and stage of life.

How I work

Listen first.
Ask questions.
Research and understand all perspectives.
Build relationships and work collaboratively.
Consider different viewpoints.
Focus on solutions.
Persist until we make real progress.

What you can expect from me

Be present and prepared.
Make informed, responsible decisions.
Take accountability for my vote.
Communicate openly and honestly.
Speak up for Marathon.
Be a strong voice for Marathon, locally, regionally, provincially and federally.
Ask the hard questions and speak up when something needs attention.

Integrity means doing what is right, even when it is uncomfortable. Courage means being willing to say what needs to be said.

My focus on Council

Four priorities I would bring to the Council table.

Responsible government

Tax dollars. Core services. Accountability.

Spend wisely and transparently. Maintain and plan for roads, water, sewer, snow removal, and other core services. Make decisions with both today’s needs and tomorrow’s impact in mind.

Related answers:
Sustainable economy & housing

Businesses. Jobs. Housing.

Support local employers and entrepreneurs. Encourage recruitment and retention, attract investment, and keep housing and economic opportunity in focus.

Related answers:
Quality of life — every age, every stage

Accessibility. Recreation. Safety. Belonging. Care.

Support accessibility in roads, sidewalks, trails, public spaces, facilities, and services. Support volunteer-led clubs and community organizations, community spaces, animal welfare, and responsible ownership.

Related answers:
- Active Living Centre
- Northern transportation & access to essential services
Advocacy & partnerships

Healthcare. Indigenous relationships. Regional connections.

Work with neighbouring communities, Indigenous partners, industry, and other levels of government so Marathon’s voice is heard and our local concerns are brought forward.

Related answers:
- Supporting local health care
- Indigenous relations, accountability & rebuilding trust

I understand the limits of the role

One councillor is one voice and one vote. I cannot promise outcomes. What I can be accountable for is how I prepare, how I participate, the questions I ask, the decisions I make, and how I represent Marathon.

Know what we control.
Be responsible with what we control.
Advocate fiercely for what we don’t. Locally. Regionally. Provincially. Federally.

Community questions

Residents asked where I stand. Each answer has a short summary and my full response.

Would you like a PDF copy of all my answers? Contact me and I’ll send you one.

Question 1

Housing for retirees & an ageing community

Does Marathon need more affordable, accessible and age-friendly housing options for retirees?

Marathon needs more housing choice so people can age in place, while also freeing up homes for families, newcomers and professionals.
Question 2

Indigenous relations, accountability & rebuilding trust

Where do you stand on the “we aren’t the right colour” comment, and how would you help repair relationships with Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg?

Repair starts with acknowledging harm, listening to First Nation leadership, and doing the work consistently over time.
Question 3

Affordability, taxes, services & infrastructure

How would you balance affordability for taxpayers with maintaining services and infrastructure?

I will not promise taxes will never increase. I will focus on responsible spending, good value, outside funding and long-term planning.
Question 4

Active Living Centre

Do you support the Active Living Centre?

I support the vision and community benefits. The next Council’s responsibility is to oversee an inherited project carefully and responsibly.
Question 5

Supporting local health care

What role should Town Council play in supporting local health care?

Health care is provincial, but municipal decisions still influence recruitment, retention and the conditions that help local care succeed.
Question 6

Economic development, tourism & Marathon’s future

How can Council strengthen and diversify Marathon’s economy?

Build on mining, but diversify through tourism, the port, small business, volunteer-led recreation and strong regional partnerships.
Question 7

Transparency, communication & community trust

How would you improve communication, transparency and trust at Town Hall?

People deserve to understand what Council is doing, have meaningful opportunities to be heard, and know why decisions were made.
Question 8

Infrastructure, essential services & municipal capacity

How would you balance new projects with roads, water, sewer and other essentials?

Take care of what we already have first — roads, water, wastewater, sidewalks and the people and systems that keep municipal services running.
Question 9

Keeping young people, newcomers & families in Marathon

What can Council do to help young people and families stay, return and build a future here?

Jobs and housing may bring people here, but belonging, opportunity and quality of life are what help people stay.
Question 10

Northern transportation & access to essential services

What role should Council play in improving transportation access?

In rural Northern Ontario, transportation is access — especially for older adults and anyone who needs to reach specialized health care and essential services.