Who We Are
Commonsense Collective is a group of experienced community leaders, financial strategists, municipal advocates, and governance professionals committed to a strong future for the Town of The Blue Mountains.
Drawing on backgrounds in executive finance, municipal leadership, healthcare advocacy, strategic planning, and grassroots community service, we are dedicated to informed decision-making, responsible fiscal oversight, accessible healthcare, and building a vibrant, connected community.
United by a shared commitment to transparency, sustainability, and the well-being of residents, we work to support thoughtful local governance and an engaged, informed electorate.
John Leckie
Senior Financial Executive | Fiscal Strategist | Healthcare & Ratepayer Advocate
John Leckie brings extensive senior executive experience in strategic financial management to the Town of The Blue Mountains. With a career focused on fiscal responsibility and sound decision-making, he is committed to protecting local tax dollars and supporting the long-term sustainability of the community.
Executive Banking Leadership
At TD Bank, John held senior leadership roles in business banking, including Senior Vice President, Business Banking Services. He oversaw small and medium-sized business banking across Canada, as well as North American and international banking services for large corporations. He also represented the bank in policy discussions with industry groups and government bodies. John was actively involved in the establishment of the First Nations Bank of Canada and served on its initial Board of Directors, representing TD Bank in this important partnership initiative.
Healthcare Advocacy
John served on the board and as Past President of the Meaford Hospital Foundation, where he supported efforts to strengthen local healthcare services.
Community Leadership
John currently serves as Treasurer of St. George’s Anglican Church, where he helps guide the organization’s financial stewardship. St. George’s maintains strong community outreach programs and optimizes the use of its beautiful property for the benefit of all residents.
Ratepayer Advocacy
John is a strong advocate for responsible municipal governance. He served as the President of the Blue Mountains Ratepayers’ Association (BMRA), where he focused on balanced taxation, sound fiscal management, and addressing the needs of both permanent and seasonal residents and management of growth.
Connect With John:
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Coming soon!
Mike Pickering
Master Facilitator | Strategic Advisor | Community Champion
A full-time Thornbury resident since 2006, Mike Pickering balances a distinguished 45-year career in strategic leadership with a deep, personal commitment to the future of the Town of The Blue Mountains.
Throughout his career, Mike has been the guide behind the scenes for more than 350 international and domestic organizations. As a master facilitator and trusted advisor, he has specialized in helping leaders cut through complexity to set clear goals, make sound tactical decisions, and implement sustainable plans.
Notably, Mike spent several years as the Canadian business partner to Charles Green, co-author of the acclaimed book The Trusted Advisor—a philosophy of integrity, reliability, and deep collaboration that Mike brings to every local initiative.
Mike’s dedication to mentoring also extends to education, having previously shared his expertise in organizational behaviour and adult education as a member of the faculty at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies.
Mike has channelled his extensive background in strategic planning directly back into the community he calls home. He has actively lent his leadership and strategic insights to vital local boards and non-profit organizations, including:
Blue Mountains Ratepayers’ Association (BMRA) – Board Member and facilitator of Town Talks
Events for Life – Board Member supporting educational and lifelong learning opportunities for individuals with special needs.
Meaford Hospital Foundation & Grey Bruce Health Services – Contributing strategic oversight to ensure strong, resilient healthcare infrastructure for local families.
With a unique blend of global strategic expertise and a neighbour-first mindset, Mike is dedicated to ensuring The Blue Mountains remains a vibrant, well-governed, and thriving community for everyone.
Connect With Mike:
Bill Abbotts
Community Leader | Long-Time Resident | Advocate for Safer, Stronger Neighbourhoods
Bill Abbotts has deep roots in Thornbury and the Blue Mountains. After attending high school locally and studying at the University of Waterloo, he spent several years living and travelling throughout the Pacific, including five years in Darwin, Australia, where he built his yacht, Chemong. He later sailed Chemong back to Thornbury and returned home to build a life with his wife, Sue, and their family on Elma Street South.
For decades, Bill has served the Blue Mountains community through local government, volunteer work, and practical community-building projects. His experience in municipal leadership, infrastructure, and active transportation is grounded in a simple goal: making everyday life better for residents.
Leadership That Knows the Community
Bill brings extensive municipal experience and a clear understanding of how the community has evolved. His public service reflects both continuity and practical leadership:
Town of the Blue Mountains Council (2022 Interim Appointment): Appointed to fill a vacant council seat, Bill returned to public service ready to support residents and contribute from day one.
Town of Thornbury Council (Pre-Amalgamation): Served for nine years as an elected councillor, helping guide the community through an important period of local change.
Thornbury Harbour Development: Helped advance the harbour project and secure government funding for what is now a valued public waterfront space.
Building Safer, Better Connections
Bill is well known across Grey and Simcoe counties for his practical leadership on cycling safety, trails, and active transportation. His work has consistently focused on improving safety, access, and connectivity across the region:
Trail Connections: Bill helped support the early work to connect the Georgian Trail through Meaford to Owen Sound, strengthening a regional route that supports recreation and green transportation.
Safer Roads for Everyone: He has consistently advocated for paved shoulders and targeted road improvements that make local roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers.
Connected Public Spaces: Bill continues to champion trail links and cycling-friendly spaces that improve mobility, recreation, and quality of life.
A Hands-On Commitment to Community
Bill’s community work goes well beyond council and infrastructure. In 2021, he was recognized as the Town of the Blue Mountains’ Ontario Senior of the Year for his hands-on service and commitment to local well-being.
Healthcare Support: During the pandemic, Bill volunteered on the ground and helped manage logistics for local COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
Arts and Community Life: He regularly supports local music groups as a sound technician, contributing his time and skills to community events.
Bill Abbotts offers a proven record of public service, practical leadership, and long-standing commitment to the community he calls home. He remains focused on building a safer, healthier, and more connected future for residents across the Blue Mountains.
Connect With Bill: