ACW Deputy Mayor Candidate: Lauren Rooyakkers

By: Kate Smith

Born and raised in Goderich, Lauren Rooyakkers (nee MacEwan) seeks a position of ACW Council this coming election.

With previous experience, Rooyakkers is keen to contribute to the growth of ACW.

In 2021, Rooyakkers and her family moved to East Ferris (south of North Bay), and she ran in the 2022 election, where she was appointed Deputy Mayor. She continues to finish her term on council in East Ferris, even though she moved back home.

Rooyakkers moved back to Huron County in 2026 and currently works in Goderich with private practice in counselling.

During this term, Rooyakkers was on the Public Works committee, Planning and Committee of Adjustments, and the Board of Directors for the local library and the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority.

Since moving back to Huron County, Rooyakkers stepped down from East Ferris Deputy Mayor position as she believes the Deputy Mayor should be living in the community.

“I think my experience along with my willingness to learn, research, and ask questions would be valuable to ACW,” stated Rooyakkers.  

Rooyakkers has been and continues to be involved in the community in a variety of roles, including Secretary of the Northern Ontario Women’s Association (2024 until present), Board of Directors of the Wasi Ski Club, Senior Villas East Ferris (2025-2026), Roots of Empathy Instructor (2011-2018), Parent Advisory Committee for Huron Centennial School (2002-2013), Rural Response for Healthy Children – Board of Directors (2009-2013), and Seaforth Children’s Cooperative Centre – Board of Directors (2000-2005, and 2007-2008).

Rooyakkers believes her roots to Huron County and time on council in another municipality offers a unique perspective.

Rooyakkers started her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology in 2016 when she was 50 years old. She ran for council in a new community where no on knew her, and she got the most votes at 56.

“I have been in uncomfortable situations looking at lake studies, subdivision plans, hydrogeological studies, and I have had to ask a lot of questions to understand what is happening presently and what would be the consequences of a decision,” explained Rooyakkers.

Top priority local issues for Rooyakkers includes using the Strategic Plan as a guiding document, focus on economic and community development, and continue to focus on the environment.

Rooyakkers says she values community and wants to promote local businesses and protect local resources (parks, trails, childcare, schools) that allows community to come together and helps retain residents.

If elected, in four years, Rooyakkers would like to see what ACW Council could accomplish through respectful dialogue on the issues at hand in an open and transparent manner.

“Council's role is governance. The municipal staff find the funding sources, write the applications, and submit the applications,” Rooyakkers said.

“I want council to continue its healthy relationship with the municipal staff - working together so ACW is progressive.”

Each candidate was presented with the same interview questions. What is presented in these profiles, is a result of the responses received.