Fenelon Falls Community Impact Tribute: Carol Cole-Milroy

Fenelon Falls is home to many individuals who have made significant contributions to our community and beyond. This space, put forth by Kawartha Works Community Coop, and supported by the Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to paying tribute to the people who have left indelible positive marks on our town through their dedication, courage, and altruism. 

This Community Impact Tribute celebrates the unstoppable,

Carol Cole-Milroy

Carol, seen here in one of her many hats (literally and figuratively), receiving an award for her corn-husk flower creations at a Fenelon Falls Agricultural Fair.

Celebrating Carol Cole-Milroy's Community Leadership, Volunteer Spirit, and Lasting Legacy 

Carol is a remarkable example of how one person's dedication, kindness, and commitment can make a lasting difference. Her connection to the area runs deep, with a long family history in Fenelon Falls. This sense of belonging and connection has clearly shaped her commitment to give back and help make the place she calls home stronger for everyone.

Through her volunteer work with the Horticultural Society, Carol has helped bring people together while contributing to the natural beauty and spirit of the community. Her green thumb was recognized through the Provincial Horticultural Society’s District 4 Service and Youth Leadership Awards. These honours speak to the breadth of her contribution and, especially, to the positive influence she has had on young people as emerging community leaders. 

Carol is also instrumental in Maryboro Lodge’s Victory Garden, which provides weekly fresh produce for the local Food Bank. Her willingness to give her time and energy to maintain and harvest the garden’s bounty reflects her compassion and belief that everyone deserves support and a helping hand. 

Carol's love of gardening and community is also reflected in her involvement with the St. James Anglican Church Community Gardens, the Langton Public School Garden, and The Grove Theatre’s native plant gardens with Fenelon’s Horticultural Society. Through these projects, she has helped cultivate not only gardens but also fellowship, cooperation, pride in community spaces, and opportunities for people to learn and grow together. 

Her dedication to young people is an important part of her ongoing endeavours. As part of the team that spearheaded bringing the Boys and Girls Club to Fenelon Falls, Carol helped create an opportunity for youth to connect, grow, and feel a sense of belonging right on our main street. Through the Kawartha Works Community Co-op Youth Initiative, she has continued to support opportunities that encourage young people to participate, develop skills, and become active members of their community. 

Carol's commitment to building an inclusive community is also reflected in her involvement with Kawartha Lakes Pride and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), helping challenge homophobia and foster a community where everyone can feel welcomed, respected, and valued. 

Her compassion extends beyond her local community as well. Through the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign, Carol has supported African grandmothers who are raising children and grandchildren affected by HIV and AIDS. 

Carol also brings her creativity and warmth to local seniors' and extended care homes, where she has volunteered her time leading crafts and other activities. These gatherings are about much more than making something by hand—they provide companionship, conversation, laughter, and a chance for residents to connect and share in a creative experience. Her willingness to spend time with seniors demonstrates the genuine care and respect she has for people at every stage of life. 

Her involvement consistently builds upon community traditions and events, including at Maryboro Lodge, where she manages the extremely popular weekly Teas in the summer months, and the very well attended annual Santa Day, creating welcoming experiences and lasting memories for everyone.

What makes Carol's contribution especially meaningful is the way she combines service with encouragement. She doesn't simply volunteer—she helps others feel included, valued, and capable of making a difference themselves. 

Her example reminds us that true leadership is not about recognition or having a title. For Carol, it is about showing up, lending a hand, encouraging a young person, supporting a neighbour, planting a garden, sharing a craft, celebrating diversity, standing with families around the world, and giving her time because she cares about our community. 

For all that she has given, she deserves our heartfelt thanks and recognition.

The Community Impact Tribute is a way for us to celebrate the volunteers behind the events and programs that make our town such a special place.  

If you would like to nominate someone who goes above and beyond for Fenelon Falls, email  milroyjam@yahoo.com with your thoughts.