Born in Cornwall, Ontario, Heather was taught to be independent and inquisitive. Her family relocated often in her youth, usually to smaller towns, showing Heather firsthand how her mother’s involvement in community affairs could directly affect status quo. A family reunion brought her east in 2001, ultimately influencing her to relocate to the Maritimes permanently.  Heather and her partner established their own small business, a restaurant in New Glasgow called The Bistro. The popular go-to, special occasions hot spot operated from 2002 to 2023, awarded ‘Community Builder’ recognition, ‘Small Business of the Year’ and published in ‘Where to eat in Canada’ every year since inception.