Board of Directors
Doug Hawe: Chair
Doug Hawe is a long-time Kawartha Lakes resident and as of January 2026 is Chair of the Kawartha Works Community Co-op. He has been a Director on the board since 2024.
Doug is passionate about contributing to Kawartha’s growth, with a focus on human sustainability and the well-being of communities. A local REALTOR® in the Kawarthas, Doug has enjoyed strong connections to Fenelon Falls, North Kawarthas, and Haliburton Highlands throughout his life.
Doug brings valuable experience from a career focused on technology. He enjoyed many roles in marketing, communications, product management and digital product development and design. This work enabled him to develop skills in understanding people’s requirements and translating insights into practical digital solutions.
Jim Armstrong: Past Chair
Jim Armstrong is a founder and Past President of Kawartha Works Community Co-operative and has dedicated his time to improving the community infrastructure. Among other community projects, Jim helped shepherd The Grove Theatre into being as an initiative of the Co-op; The Grove Theatre is now fully incorporated as its own entity. Jim is retired from a career in health care management and consulting, where he helped develop and reorganize services in hospitals and community clinics. He has been a community volunteer for many years with healthcare, recreation, cultural, and social services.
Mike Barkwell: Treasurer
Mike Barkwell is a long time volunteer in community activities and public affairs. He has extensive experience as a real estate agent in Fenelon Falls. Mike also has valuable management experience with Northern College, North Bay General Hospital, and the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board. Mike previous served three terms as the Vice-Chair of the Nipissing Board of Education.
John McEachen: Secretary
John is a retired operations executive after a successful career in the financial services industry. He is now co-owner of A Wee Tree Farm located just outside Fenelon Falls. This family farm is being shaped with a unique blend of farm business and community activity . John brings his desire to contribute during this unique period of population growth and community change. His strong planning and operational skills are a welcome addition to the Board.
Art Hornibrook: Director
Art Hornibrook is currently President of the Kawartha Cycling Club with membership throughout the Kawartha Lakes and beyond. Art is retired following a career primarily in aluminum manufacturing leadership in Canada, the US and Asia.
Since retirement Art has been privileged to serve on the Ross Memorial Board, including Chair. He has also participated in infrastructure discussions regarding active transportation in the City of Kawartha Lakes as well as leading the local cycling Club.
Art is a strong believer in the potential for our area to significantly leverage and enhance existing assets and infrastructure to develop the most active and environmentally sound community in the future.
Maureen Lytle: Director
Maureen Lytle is the current General Manager of Kawartha Settlers’ Village, a popular local tourist attraction in Bobcaygeon. She is a dedicated participant and supporter of community events and projects. Maureen is a long-term resident of the area and is committed to the growth of arts & culture in the region.
Carol Milroy: Director
Carol’s career and life long volunteer activity has always focused on enriching experiences for people and their communities. Easy to work with and a great listener, Carol identifies social needs and makes things happen to help people. Her passion lies in creating safe and nurturing learning environments and opportunities that are equitable and accessible. Most notably she envisioned, created and lead the The Lindsay Learning Centre, an initiative associated with Boys and Girls Club of Lindsay.
Carol is currently a very active volunteer in the Fenelon Falls Museum, the Fenelon Falls Horticultural Society, Grannies for Grannies with the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Feeding Fenelon and Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG). Carol’s creativity, enthusiasm, caring and advocacy for fair treatment of all children is a tremendous asset for the Kawartha Works Community Co-Op and ultimately for the social needs of our rapidly evolving community.
Craig Backman: Director
Craig has deep roots in Fenelon Falls, having spent his entire life connected to the community – first as a cottager and, for the past 20 years, as a full‑time resident raising his family here. Throughout a demanding career in Toronto, he remained committed to local volunteerism, serving as Head of Marketing and Communications for Fenelon Forward and as a Board Member for Powerlinks.
Now recently retired, Craig is dedicated to helping strengthen Fenelon Falls so others can enjoy the same quality of life it has offered him. He brings a broad executive background spanning Packaged Goods, Banking, Creative Services, and Software, with expertise in product development, marketing and communications, digital strategy, and business development.