Julie Card - The Woman Behind MyCollingwood.ca

If you’ve ever googled anything happening in Collingwood and found yourself on MyCollingwood.ca, you’ve already crossed paths with Julie Card — the bright, community-loving spark behind it all.

Julie started this online hub way before everyone was doing blogs and content calendars. Back in the early 2000s, when websites still had “hit counters,” she and her partner

Dan had the wild idea to create a digital space where locals and visitors could find everything they needed to know about our town — from where to eat, to what to do, to who’s who in the community.

The site grew with Collingwood, and so did Julie’s connections — showing up at events, getting to know business owners, and championing all the good things happening around here. She’s a big reason so many people feel that warm, small-town magic the moment they land in town.

We’re lucky to know her, and we asked her a few questions to bring that story to life even more:

Hi Julie! Let’s start from the beginning: What made you want to start MyCollingwood.ca? Was there a lightbulb moment?

There were a few 'ah ha' moments that came together but they didn't happen all at once.  I recall always wanting to know what was new in the neighbourhood when we were weekenders.  When I moved here full time in 2003, I didn't have a driver's license and when Dan was in Toronto, I would get around on my bike.  This caused me to slow down and pay attention...notice businesses that I had never noticed before.  Stop and smell the roses.  I also found out that there was a municipal line right down the street from where we lived and thought there should be a web presence that celebrates the good things going in the area but the content shouldn't stop at a line that people can't see.  

Can you share a story that still makes you smile — a moment when you realized MyCollingwood.ca was making a difference?

I can't recall exactly when it happened, but I recall a time that I went to introduce myself and ask someone if I could take their photo...they answered 'I know who you are...my husband and I check out your website all the time."...that was really a 'wow' moment for me.

Running a local platform isn’t always easy. What’s something you’ve learned the hard way (but are now super proud of)?

The hardest lesson I've learned is to always check to make sure my camera gear is working properly before leaving the house to take photos at an event.  You can't redo a ribbon cutting ceremony.  The other thing I've learned is you can't do it all yourself and if you can have someone on your team like Dave West...you're a very lucky person.

How do you keep the content feeling fresh and fun after all these years? What inspires you today?

It's a lot of work to keep the content up to date and relevant...there are so many things going on these days that it's difficult to cover everything.  It's the people in our community that keep the content fun and fresh.  If they weren't doing what they do, I wouldn't have so much fun stuff to post. New business entrepreneurs in our community and volunteers that keep giving back are the people that inspire me.

What’s something local or community-driven that you’re loving right now — a project, a person, or even just a good cup of coffee?

The Collingwood Community Clean-up days are coming.  I think this is an excellent initiative by the Town...it enables everyone to come together and make a difference.  Here's a link to where folks can find more information. Collingwood Community Clean-Up Days | Town of Collingwood

What’s one local secret (a hidden gem, a view, a walk, or a random fact) that more people need to know about?

A lot of people know this...but a lot of people don't... Hurontario Street gets its name from connecting Lake Huron to Lake Ontario.

You’ve had a front-row seat to this town changing and growing. What’s one thing that’s thankfully stayed the same?

The peaceful feeling that I get when I look out at Georgian Bay.

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Getting to chat with Julie feels like sitting down with the heart of Collingwood itself. Her love for this community, her eye for the good stuff, and her dedication to sharing it with all of us is what makes MyCollingwood.ca so special.

It’s more than a website — it’s a digital scrapbook of our town’s people, places, and moments, all lovingly captured by someone who truly cares.

Julie, thank you for reminding us to slow down, look around, and celebrate the beauty right here in our own backyard.

We’ll be keeping an eye on MyCollingwood.ca — and now, maybe you will too. 💛

💻 www.mycollingwood.ca