Kyla Heyming Selected as Greater Sudbury's Seventh Poet Laureate

Poet and author Kyla Heyming is Greater Sudbury's seventh Poet Laureate. The bilingual Levack/Onaping resident is a writer with a yearning to set her soul in ink and paper, with the help of her typewriter.

Kyla's poetry and non-fiction have appeared in a number of arts and literature journals. She is the author of "For Those I Have Loved", her first poetry collection published by HARP Publishing: The People's Press, and her poem "Poet" was featured in the League of Canadian Poets' "Poetry Pause". Fiercely driven to ensnare all of life's little moments, she works tirelessly for her passion so that she may someday lead others to find their own meaning in words.

"I am pleased to welcome Greater Sudbury's seventh Poet Laureate as part of Council's commitment to strengthen our community's high quality of life with a sustained focus on arts and culture," said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. "Kyla Heyming will enrich the Poet Laureate position with her many talents and accomplishments. On behalf of Council and the citizens of Greater Sudbury, I also extend sincere gratitude to outgoing Poet Laureate Vera Constantineau for her lasting contributions."

During her two-year term as Poet Laureate, Kyla will lead virtual and in-person workshops and events devoted to the writing of poetry. She plans to gather engaging content and experiences, in English and French, to help inspire the community to read, recite and write poetry. Kyla will also contribute to terra north/nord, the e-zine created by Greater Sudbury's first Poet Laureate, Roger Nash.

"Greater Sudbury Public Library (GSPL) continues to support the Poet Laureate position," said Greater Sudbury Public Library Board Chair, Michael Bellmore. "We are pleased to provide ongoing support for this role and to Kyla in particular, as we engage the community and promote writing and creativity."

Selection of Greater Sudbury's seventh Poet Laureate was announced at the Main Public Library on April 29. Kyla Heyming was selected by a committee that included writer and editor Nancy Daoust, GSPL board member Laurie McGauley and previous Poet Laureates Roger Nash, Kim Fahner, Tom Leduc, Chloé LaDuchesse and Vera Constantineau.

The role of Greater Sudbury's Poet Laureate addresses a strategic priority of Council to strengthen community vibrancy through programs that support the artistic, cultural and creative expression of local citizens and groups.