Mayor Christa Lowry recognized in Women of Influence awards after 56 nominations
MISSISSIPPI MILLS — Mississippi Mills Mayor Christa Lowry has been named an honourable mention in Municipal World’s 2025 Women of Influence in Local Government Award. The recognition was announced by Municipal World in November. Lowry is in her second term as mayor and has spent more than ten years in local government.
Municipal World’s Sean Mayer reported that 56 nominations were submitted from across Canada for this year’s award. The 2025 honouree is Lisa Pastro, director of operations for Westbank First Nation in British Columbia. Yorkton councillor Randy Goulden also received an honourable mention.
Lowry shared her reaction on her official mayoral Facebook page, calling the recognition unexpected and deeply meaningful.
“My heart is full of gratitude and humility,” she wrote. “This recognition is so unexpected, particularly given the depth of talented leaders in the municipal sector in Canada.”
Lowry said the honour carries special weight because her nomination came from four female colleagues she credits with shaping her leadership. Coun. Jane Torrance put Lowry’s name forward, with input from fellow councillors Mary Lou Souter, Bev Holmes and Vicki Lowe.
“That, to me, is the greatest honour of all,” Lowry wrote.
She described each woman’s influence in detail.
Lowry said Torrance supported her from the beginning of her political career. “Back in 2014, when I was a brand-new councillor, Jane was a mentor and supporter who helped me find my footing and find my voice,” she wrote. “Her guidance was, and is, invaluable.”
She called Holmes “a steady, calm and grounded presence” and noted their long family connection in the local farming community. “Bev has always been a steady, calm and grounded presence I look up to for wise advice.”
Lowry credited Souter, a retired teacher, with guiding her early years. “Mary Lou, one of my most influential teachers, guided me through high school and shaped countless young minds including mine.”
She said Lowe has played a major role at the council table. “Vicki’s presence has truly elevated our conversations. She has challenged me in the best way, gently pushing me to think differently and strive to be better at the table.”
Lowry said the four women demonstrate why representation matters and why mentorship is essential. “Women in leadership positions bring perspectives, experiences and strength that enrich decision making and strengthen communities,” she wrote.
Lowry said she is grateful to share the recognition with the councillors who nominated her.
“I share this recognition with these four powerful and inspirational women,” she wrote. “Each of them has shaped me in ways that remind us why women in leadership matter.”
Lowry added that being included among the women honoured by Municipal World since 2019 is an achievement she will carry with her.
“To be counted among them is an honour I will carry with me always.”
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