Ainslie White was born and raised in Winnipeg.
She spent the first 22 years of her life there. She then spent the next 20 years in Alberta. In the spring of 2021, White moved to Minitonas. In March of 2024, Ainslie moved to Swan River and instantly fell in love with the community.
Her daughter will graduate from the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School this year. Ainslie said she has been very impressed with what her daughter has been provided with at the school.
"I was told the high school was award-winning, but I didn't really know what that encompassed," said White. "Coming from the high school that I was at in Winnipeg, it is phenomenal here. I am very impressed with the resources provided to her. Also, how the town accepted me, it has been great being a part of this community."
Ainslie comes from a health and safety background. She has spent the last 15 years doing audits for companies in various industries, including municipalities. White takes great pride in her ability to work with people, and one of her gifts is helping others communicate in a comfortable, polite, and professional manner.
Recently, the Town of Swan River held a by-election. While Ainslie doesn't come from a political background, she put her name in the ring, looking to fill the one open spot on council.
"I feel very passionate about people, and I have roots here now," continued White. "I was putting a lot of time into conversations outside of council. When the opportunity came for me to participate on the other side, I thought, rather than keep these ideas and conversations outside, why don't I try and join, and see if I can bring a fresh set of eyes, and my talents to the table."
On December 2, the results were in. Brenda Hunt, the senior election official for the Town of Swan River, officially declared Ainslie as a town councillor.
"It felt great. I very much appreciated it as I was going around town and talking with people I knew and various residents and asking them if they would support my decision to be on council," added White. "Many thought I would be a great fit."
Going into her second winter in Swan River and being the newest member on council, White has been hearing from residents about how things used to be. She's interested in looking deeper into that and wants to bring more strength to the Main Street businesses.
"I would say to continue moving forward, rather than start closing things up, or allowing a situation of pressure, like we're experiencing with the current crime, to stifle our growth," offered White. "We need to encourage development here. The new hotel is going to be great. We need to continue to build, so we can continue to flourish."
Ainslie believes Swan Valley has everything that one needs to live a great life, without the hustle and bustle of a major city. She also wants to thank Mayor Lance Jacobson and the entire council for welcoming her with open arms.
"The Mayor called me personally before my orientation to welcome me on board," ended White. "Then a group chat was started, and I had multiple welcomes to the council."
Swan River's council includes Jacobson, deputy mayor David Moriaux, Don Bobick, Tanya Powell, Duane Whyte, and Glen McKenzie.
