What does it really take to lead the growing small town or Orangeville Ontario while protecting the small-town charm that makes people fall in love with it?
In this engaging interview, Mayor Lisa Post of Orangeville shares her journey from retail management to local leadership, emphasizing community-driven policies, inclusive growth, and innovative programs that enhance quality of life. Discover how Orangeville balances growth with small-town charm, prioritizes mental health, affordable housing, and Indigenous reconciliation, and fosters a collaborative, participatory government.
Whether you're a lifelong resident, thinking about moving here, or simply curious about how a thriving small town is led, this conversation offers an inside look at the people and decisions shaping our community.

*Key Topics*
• Community-driven policy making
• Homelessness prevention and Heart Hubs
• Youth and senior engagement in local government
• Affordable and green housing initiatives
• Orangeville's growth strategy and infrastructure

Connect with Mayor List Post:
Website: https://lisapost.ca/
Contact & Socials: https://lisapost.ca/contact/

*Listen to more episodes of the Rock n’ Realty Podcast*
Your backstage pass to real estate, community, and the people who help make it all happen.
Rock n’ Realty is featured on Teresa Gabriele’s YouTube channel and many podcast platforms.

*Questions about your neighbourhood? Drop a comment or contact me at:*
Teresa Gabriele, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, Brokerage
2-119 Broadway, Orangeville Ontario
(519) 943-0860
teresagabriele@ronanrealty.com
Connect with me today and book a 15-minute call: https://linktr.ee/teresagabriele_realtor

*Chapters:*
00:07 Introducing Mayor Lisa Post
02:32 From Retail to Community Leadership
05:07 Top Priorities for Orangeville
06:56 Advocating for Vulnerable Populations
08:01 Connecting Housing and Human Dignity
12:23 Collaboration and Community Success
15:01 Engaging Youth and Seniors
21:32 Indigenous Reconciliation Efforts
23:54 Housing Challenges and Solutions
29:46 Planning for Orangeville's Growth
32:13 Balancing Density and Community Charm
33:37 Green Development Initiatives
35:38 Ensuring Diverse and Accessible Housing for Every Stage of Life
37:51 Community Engagement and Participation
38:43 Lisa's Biggest Accomplishment in Recent Years
41:12 The Impact of Free Transit
46:09 Envisioning a Thriving Orangeville
47:41 Legacy and Inspiring Future Leaders
49:50 The Encore- What's on Lisa's Playlist?

What happens when one person decides to make a difference in their community?

In this episode of Small Town Stories: Inspiring Women of Orangeville, I sit down with Vivian Petho, Orangeville resident, mom, community advocate, volunteer, and President of the Orangeville and District Horticultural Society.

Vivian shares what brought her family to Orangeville, her passion for inclusion and neurodiversity, and the story behind the Opportunity Garden, an incredible community project that has grown and donated nearly 400 pounds of fresh pea shoots to the Orangeville Food Bank.

We also talk about resilience, raising a family, the power of asking for help, giving back, and why Vivian has decided to take her love for this community one step further by running for Orangeville Town Council.

Her message: Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, contribute and have a purpose.

Key Topics

• Vivian's diverse cultural background
• Her journey to Orangeville and community integration
• The Opportunity Garden project and its impact
• Her run for town council and vision for Orangeville
• The importance of community connection and inclusivity

Vivian Petho Resources:

· Orangeville and District Horticultural Society - https://orangevillehorticulturalsociety.ca/

· Opportunity Garden Project - https://citizen.on.ca/opportunity-garden-grows-skills-confidence-and-community-connections-in-orangeville/

· Autism Speaks Canada - https://www.autismspeaks.ca/

Interested in moving to a small town? Drop a comment or contact me at:

Teresa Gabriele, REALTOR®

Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, Brokerage

2-119 Broadway, Orangeville Ontario

(519) 943-0860

teresagabriele@ronanrealty.com

Connect with me today and book a 15-minute call: https://linktr.ee/teresagabriele_realtor

Chapters:

00:00 The Impact of One Individual

01:21 Introduction to Vivian Petho

05:08 Finding Home in Orangeville

06:16 How Highschool Shaped Vivian

09:29 Raising Cosmopolitan Kids in a Small Town

12:39 Community Involvement and Impact

13:36 The Opportunity Garden Project

19:57 Creating Opportunities for All

25:15 Resilience in Adversity

28:37 Building Bridges in a Diverse Community

30:30 Vision for a Thriving Orangeville

35:37 The Soundtrack of Resilience

In this episode, I share the inspiring story of Stacey Tarrant, a true embodiment of small town success. Through her journey, we explore the power of storytelling, community, and entrepreneurship, highlighting the impact one individual can have on a small town. With a passion for animal rescue and a commitment to authenticity, Stacey's story is one of courage and determination.

As a brand strategist, photographer, and entrepreneur, she has built a reputation for helping others achieve their goals, and her experience has given her a unique perspective on the importance of community in small towns. Her children's book, featuring Marley, is a heartwarming tale that showcases her creativity and dedication to her craft.

In this video, we delve into the world of women in business, celebrating the achievements of women like Stacey who are making a difference in their communities. Living in a small town like Orangeville can have its challenges, but it also offers a unique opportunity for connection and growth, and Stacey's story is a testament to the rewards of small town living. By sharing her story, we hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in their own communities, and to showcase the beauty of Orangeville and the benefits of living in a small town.

*Key Topics*
• Stacey Tarrant's background and journey
• The importance of community and authenticity
• The story behind Marley, the rescue puppy
• How the children's book was created and its impact
• Lessons learned from facing fears and taking risks

*Connect with Stacey Tarrant:*
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceytarrantbrandstrategist/
One Love, One Dog: https://marleysincrediblejourney.com/

*Listen to the Rock n’ Realty Podcast*
Your backstage pass to real estate, community, and the people who help make it all happen.
Rock n’ Realty is featured on Teresa Gabriele’s YouTube channel and many podcast platforms.

*Questions about your Real Estate journey? Drop a comment or contact me at:*
Teresa Gabriele, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, Brokerage
2-119 Broadway, Orangeville Ontario
(519) 943-0860
teresagabriele@ronanrealty.com
Connect with me today and book a 15-minute call: https://linktr.ee/teresagabriele_realtor

*Chapters:*
00:00 A Chance Encounter: The Story Begins
00:57 Who is Stacey Tarrant?
02:57 Stacey's Journey and Passion for Storytelling
05:16 The Importance of Community and Connection
10:08 Generational Perspectives on Dreams and Authenticity
16:50 Becoming an Accidental Author
20:05 The Journey of Publishing a Children's Book
24:59 Connecting with Schools and Spreading the Message
26:39 #1 Lesson: Facing Your Fears
29:20 What's Next for Marley's Story?
32:20 Connecting with Children through Storytelling
34:42 Marley Makes an Appearance!
35:53 Building Community Around Rescues
37:03 Creating a Legacy of Kindness
38:06 Empowering Women and Community
39:50 Embracing Change and Diversity
42:08 Authenticity in Connection
44:09 The Encore