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 Ann Mulvale, mayor of Oakville 1988-2006 and mayoral candidate 2010, carrying the Olympic torch. |
Twenty-three years in public service was not enough for Ann Mulvale. The former mayor of Oakville, Ontario, has just announced that she will run for that post again in the 2010 municipal election.
Mulvale is part of Oakville’s history. She was a regional and town councillor, and the city’s mayor from 1988 to 2006. She is a past president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and chair of the United Way of Oakville’s annual campaign.
Mulvale came from a humble background in West Bromwich, England. Due to her mom’s illness, Mulvale and her two siblings found themselves farmed out to relatives during their mom’s frequent hospital stays.
“It was difficult for me. No one talked about mental illness – I didn’t understand,” Mulvale says.
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A teacher was her source of encouragement. Miss Marsh told the troubled child that she could “surprise everyone and reach her potential.” Mulvale took her words to heart and set out on a lifelong path to serve others.
Mulvale invited Star Spaces into her home.
Q: How would you describe your home in two words?
A: My sanctuary.
Q: Tell us about your home.
A: It is a 1,750-square-foot bungalow located on the banks of Sixteen Mile Creek in north Oakville. I moved in late May 2003 after significant renovations.
It has a large deck that runs the width of the house. A 16-foot patio door showcases the outdoors from the great room that can easily accommodate a crowd and yet does not look empty without people.
Four Muskoka chairs, on the other deck at the edge of the ravine, invite fellowship or quiet reflection, allowing the observing of light at dusk when hawks and other birds often fly by. It is a safe and wonderful environment.
Q: What attracted you to this space?
A: The location, and single-storey living allowing me to gracefully age in place. I would find it difficult to live without the glorious view and the ease of access to open space.
Q: What is your favourite room and why?
A: I would identify the view and not a room. I am comfortable in each portion of my home, all designed for a purpose – harmony.
Q: How would you describe your decorating style?
A: I prefer an open-plan space. Various shades of beige allow the space to flow and accommodate my eclectic selection of art and memorabilia. I purchased much of the art at events benefitting various charities, donated by talented local artists. My bedroom is painted in a soft yellow hue.
Q: What is your fondest memory in this home?
A: A few years ago I hosted an evening to raise money for relief post the tsunami. We set up tables under the trees adorned with candles and flowers for family and associates. We enjoyed good food and friends, and raised $4,000 to aid people made homeless by a natural disaster. I am grateful for the shelter the house provides.
Q: What’s the one item in this house you can’t live without?
A: The spectacular view!
Q: Weekends at home, what are we most likely to find you doing?
A: On a non-election-campaign weekend, I read on either of the decks, striving for a less structured day with family and friends. Sunday, I attend church. I love to walk and take time to stop and chat with the neighbours. Often in the evenings I review materials that I will need for upcoming meetings.
Q: If your walls could talk, what would they say?
A: The walls could tell stories about the depth and diversity of conversations that have taken place. They could reveal the hopes and dreams that have been nurtured and passions supported by this simple yet inviting space.