Angela's experience | angelapollak

Where do I come from?

My grandparents are Peter and Hazel Mask. My grandfather's side settled in Round Lake when they immigrated from Poland. My grandmother's side is French (Fournier/Fuller) and Irish (Heggart) and ended up settling in Airy when they married.
My dad grew up in Pembroke. I grew up in Kitchener.

My husband and I own and operate Four Corners Algonquin and Wild Company in Whitney

Who am I?

I completed degrees in communication from the University of Waterloo and library science from Western University. For my PhD, I studied information behaviour, which looks at how and why people look for, create, use, share, ignore and hide information. I did my research in South Algonquin because rural issues rarely make it into library research. (You can read my dissertation here if you like.)

I am a vocal and decorated advocate for accessibility. I currently chair Ontario's David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility Award committee. In 2025 I received a King Charles III Coronation medal at Queen's Park for my accessibility work.

I am also a vocal advocate for policy improvements in South Algonquin governance. Good stewardship is more than just taking care of today. It also requires planning for a better future.

Accomplishments in South Algonquin as a private citizen

Published in Municipal World magazine
Founder and co-editor of "One Fine Day"
Current chair of the South Algonquin Business Alliance
Former Vice-chair RTO12 Explorers Edge/The Great Canadian Wilderness
In partnership with my SABA team, produced the South Algonquin Business Alliance housing feasibility study (release is pending)
Secured $25,000 in grant funding to establish a resident/tourist transportation solution locally. Tourism shuttle is in progress. Resident program in development.
Pushed nearly $2,000,000 in grants out to South Algonquin businesses for accessibility improvements
Established the South Algonquin Visual Asset library (3000+images of South Algonquin, offered through CCBY licensing at no charge)
Worked with Rec committee to secure funding for the Whitney accessible playground, dedicated in 2026
Rehabilitated more than 50 km of trails, including the Old Rail Trail
Started Four Corners Algonquin/Wild Company, and the brand new South Algonquin Dark Sky Preserve
Frequent poster and critic of current municipal policies on South Algonquin Politics facebook page (under name Daria Devine).