By: Matt Weigarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
By all accounts, Linda McKinlay never actually retired. For more than 50 years, Linda McKinlay has been a driving force in both Comber and Lakeshore. Her retirement is more of a transition than a stopping point—she’s still at the heart of community life, shaping the region through volunteerism, local government, conservation, and culture.
The Linda McKinlay Award for Environmental Leadership, introduced by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, now stands as a testament to her influence. At the LTVCA’s recent AGM, Linda was named the inaugural recipient of this award, which will recognize individuals who share her commitment to local conservation and community service.
“The Linda McKinlay Award for Environmental Leadership recognizes individuals who share the same spirit as Linda McKinlay—strong leadership, a deep commitment to local conservation, and the drive to make a meaningful difference.” Mark Peacock, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer of the LTVCA, unveiled the new annual award honouring McKinlay.”
“We are proud to announce the Linda McKinlay Award for Environmental Leadership, created to honour Linda McKinlay—longtime board member, the first female chair of the LTVCA, and a dedicated conservation advocate.
This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate Linda’s spirit of leadership and commitment to local conservation. It’s a fitting tribute for someone whose hands-on leadership as board member, Vice-Chair, and Chair spanned 18 years and included major environmental initiatives and steady advocacy for local resources.
As the oldest of three children, Linda was born and raised in Leamington. After completing her education at St. Mary’s Academy, where she earned a degree in voice, and at George Brown College, where she earned a degree in accounting, she settled briefly in Toronto. After her father’s death, she moved back to Comber to be near her mother, Sally Myles. Her husband, Mark, followed soon after, and they were married in 1977.
Mark adopted Linda’s two children, Stacey and Julie, and he and Linda added two more children to the family – Erin and Daniel. Linda and Mark are grandparents to seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Over the years, she managed the balancing act of family life, a career at Mastronardi Produce, and years of grassroots involvement. Linda coached youth baseball, led Brownies, and served on parent-teacher associations. She dedicated over 25 years to the Comber Agricultural Society board and spent more than 40 years with the Comber Chapter of the IODE, fundraising for breakfast programs and basic needs for local kids.
The spark for her long political career ignited when the now 82-year-old, was in her forties.
The late 1980s saw her step into municipal politics, one of the very few women at the table. At the prompting of a local farmer, she took the plunge and was elected to the municipal council of what was then Tilbury West Township.
“I thought about it and I talked it over with Mark because it meant two, three nights a week away from home,” she said.
As a councillor for Tilbury West and later for Lakeshore, Linda helped drive the creation of the Comber Community Centre, the Tilbury Arena, and played a key role in renaming the new municipality after amalgamation—embracing the idea of a “community of communities.” She went on to chair the Committee of Adjustment, co-found Lakeshore’s Arts Advisory Committee, and champion environmental initiatives through the Water Source Protection Committee and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.
Her influence reaches into local culture and heritage, too. Linda has been a pillar at St. Andrew’s United Church—teaching Sunday School, serving on committees, and chairing the Official Board.
In retirement, Linda also remains active with the Comber and District Historical Society Board, working to preserve and celebrate local heritage for residents and visitors alike.
Recognition of her impact is everywhere. The Municipality of Lakeshore broke ground on Linda McKinlay Square—a new public space in Comber, scheduled to open Easter weekend 2026, that will offer residents landscaped seating, a gazebo, and a digital community sign. Linda hopes local scouting groups will help maintain the space, keeping her tradition of youth engagement alive.
While Linda‘s name now marks both a public square and an environmental leadership award, her legacy is best measured in the fabric of community life. Whether she’s rolling up her sleeves at a local event or guiding policy at the council table, Linda’s work has shaped generations—and shows no sign of slowing down.
Today, Mark and Linda are finding retirement to be just as busy as working and raising a family, and are always looking for more hours in the day.
Of course, Linda’s commitment to bettering Lakeshore doesn’t end at the Council table. Linda can often be seen with Mark, engaged in all types of volunteer activities.
She shares that she has assisted Mark in his work supporting the Comber and District Historical Society Museum – keeping her active within the community.
Not the retiring sort, she still sits on the municipality’s committee of adjustment and also continues to volunteer and to advocate for the community she loves.
“The volunteer work always came first,” she said. “I’ve always been a volunteer.”
“Honestly, I never thought my life would take the path it has. I’ve been incredibly fortunate.”
