About
Even when life circumstances pulled me to other cities and towns throughout my life, there was a greater part of me that always wanted to be home, here in Lindsay and Kawartha Lakes. I’ve come back to try and make a positive difference in my community, using the Advocate as an instrument of change.
The Advocate is focused on the social wellness of our community, pushing for strong public enterprises mixed with healthy small businesses to serve our communities’ needs. We put human values ahead of economic values and many of our stories reflect the society we work to build each day.
We know that our institutions, non-profit sector, and small businesses are critical community partners. We thank them for their support and we pledge to work together for a healthier, more prosperous Kawartha Lakes.
— Roderick
Meet the Team
Roderick Benns
Publisher and Writer-at-Large
Roderick grew up in Lindsay’s east ward. In the 1990s he won a first-place national newspaper award through the Canadian Community of Newspapers Association in the category ‘Reporter Initiative.’ He is the author of several books and has written op-eds for most of Canada’s major newspapers. Roderick, a father of two, is also the president of the Lindsay + District Chamber of Commerce.
Nancy Payne
Associate Editor and Writer-at-Large
Nancy Payne is a freelance writer, editor and communication trainer. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Carleton University and is a proud graduate of the former Ops Elementary School and I.E. Weldon S.S. She and her husband live just northeast of Lindsay.
Trevor Hutchinson
Contributing Editor and Writer-at-Large
A graduate of the University of Toronto, Trevor Hutchinson is a songwriter, writer and bookkeeper.
He lives with his fiancee and their five kids in Lindsay.
Kirk Winter
Municipal Affairs and Education
Kirk is a retired high school history teacher and coach who has had a lifelong interest in politics at all levels. Kirk can often be found sitting in the press gallery at City Hall observing and reporting on the vagaries of local government for the Advocate.
Geoff Coleman
Writer-at-Large
Geoff Coleman has been a freelance writer since the days of the Commodore 64.
When not fishing or in his woodworking shop, he can be found playing in an as yet undiscovered classic rock band.
Denise Waldron
Feature Writer
Denise Waldron is a local radio reporter and feature writer for the Advocate. She is ordained and marries couples in the Kawarthas. You will find her enjoying the local culture and outdoor amenities in Kawartha Lakes.
Lisa Hart
Writer-at-Large
Lisa grew up in Rosedale and has experience in retail, tourism, and marketing. A children’s author, her work has appeared in Canada, the US, and Australia. She is a photographer and supporter of the Kawartha Art Gallery and Kawartha Lakes Arts Council and writes occasional features for the Advocate.
William McGinn
Writer-at-Large
William McGinn grew up in Lindsay and is a journalism graduate from Durham College and a communications graduate of Ontario Tech. His desire is to tell stories that illuminate local issues, as well as the hopes and dreams of the people of Kawartha Lakes. Find out more about his interests at williammcginn.com.
Ian McKechnie
Local History Columnist
Ian McKechnie is a graduate of Trent University and a lifelong resident of Lindsay.
He is secretary of the Kawartha Lakes Heritage Network. Ian writes regularly on issues of historical significance.
Denis Grignon
Podcast Producer
Denis Grignon is a veteran print/broadcast journalist and the producer of The Advocate Podcast: Stories from Kawartha Lakes. He is also a professional stand-up comic who lives near Dunsford.
Ginny Colling
Environmental Columnist
Ginny Colling was passionate about the environment before retiring from teaching college communications students. After retiring she trained with Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project. She has presented to numerous groups about the climate crisis.
Sienna Frost
Photographer
Sienna Frost, born and raised in Lindsay, is a lifestyle and portrait photographer. She is also an early childhood educator allowing her to easily capture photos of children and families. She operates Frost Quality Photo, her studio on the outskirts of Lindsay. She loves capturing photos of the community for the Advocate.
Kimberley Durrant
Web Developer
Kimberley is the only team member with the Advocate who doesn’t have a local connection, but her inspiring web development has made her integral to the team. Kim is an avid web developer, passionate about code and entrepreneurship.
Robyn Barton
Graphic Designer
Robyn Barton is a Kawartha Lakes-based, multi-talented creative professional with over a decade of design, brand, and marketing experience, including formal graphic design training and a past career as a communications manager in telecommunications. Robyn and her sister-in-law, Megan Barton, operate Barton Creative Co together.
Jenn Fice
Graphic Designer
Jenn is a freelance graphic designer with Barton Creative Co who grew up in the Lindsay area. She is an honours graduate of Georgian College. Her primary focus has been in the print and sign industry. She enjoys using her creative skillset to help you tell your story.
