Name: Marcia MacMillan
Profession: News Anchor, CTV News Channel
Age: 43
Hometown: Ancaster, Ontario
Notable achievements:
- Before joining CTV she worked at Toronto 1, CHCH TV in Hamilton, CKWS in Kingston, MCTV in Sudbury and North Bay, and The Weather Network
- Holds a BA from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Journalism from Ryerson University
Upcoming:
- Anchors CTV News Channel, weekdays
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Marcia MacMillan has moved up the ranks quickly at CTV. She started out as a reporter for CTV Toronto in 2005, covering major breaking events such as the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav in New Orleans in 2008 and the 2009 Buffalo plane crash, which won her a Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) award. Now MacMillan anchors the news weekdays on CTV News Channel. She has climbed the corporate ladder not only in her career, but also in her choice of cars. She dumped her Honda Civic and went upscale with a 2005 BMW 325Ci.
How does it feel moving up from a Honda to a BMW?
It's a big step up – it was the big graduation from the Honda Civic to the BMW.
I loved my Honda Civic. I had two in a row. Great on gas. Great when I was living and working up north and in Kingston and driving back to the Toronto area. It was so great on mileage. It was a bit of a shock when I filled up the tank of the BMW for the first time and I went from paying $25 to $75 and using premium. But I loved the Honda Civic and I probably will drive a Honda again at some point in my life.
What sold you on the BMW?
I loved the way that it looked. It had been my dream car. I was at that point where I had saved up and I thought 'It's time.' I found it at the first place I went into. My first time out – that never happens from what I'm told. It was second hand, but it was mint. There was 28,000 kilometres on it and it was in perfect condition. We fell in love and that was it.
It has a great classic look. It doesn't look dated. I love my sunroof. I love my heated seats even more than my sunroof! Surprisingly, it has been more practical than I thought. I moved in the last year. I could put the backseat down and I've carried rugs, benches, and large mirrors. I've been able to make it like a utility vehicle.
The great thing about my car being silver is it never really looks dirty. Its not perfect all of the time.
What does a BMW say about you?
It says I like a bit of luxury, but I'm not over the top.
What was your first car?
The first car I bought was a Mazda 626. It didn't cost a lot. I drove it until the tires were bald. I do recall the pride I felt driving up to my parent's house with the first car I had bought. I thought I had arrived. I had made it. Now, it's like buying your first house. The pride that comes with it – that you worked hard for it. I loved that car. Drove it almost to the ground. Then I went to Honda and drove that until I got this BMW.
With every car I think it represents a stage in your life and you're moving forward. At some points you're spoiling yourself and at some points you're just doing things for practical reasons.
Do you listen to the news 24/7 when you're driving around town?
I listen to the radio and I'm always listening to the news. But on the weekend I treat myself to music. I like Top 40. I like to be plugged into what's hip and hot at the time. I'm singing behind the wheel, too!
What's your best and worst driving story?
Last year I didn't put snow tires on my car. I remember in the Toronto area there is a hill going up York Mills trying to get on the DVP and there was a bus that was stuck. I was so upset for putting off getting my winter tires. I was supposed to be somewhere and I got stuck. A good Samaritan got out of his car and started pushing my car. I felt embarrassed and silly for not having put my snow tires on.
The best story was picking up my car in Toronto. I was on nights then and driving home to my Mom and Dad's place in Hamilton. It was 11 o'clock at night in the summer, opening up the sunroof and taking my Mom out for a drive. She just thought that she was in heaven! It was a good moment.
Have you had any tickets with your Bimmer?
Yes. Because my shift recently changed. "It was an honest mistake, officer." He didn't think it was an honest mistake. I was leaving the gym – I was so proud of myself that I had gone to work out at 6 am. I'm pulling onto a road in my neighbourhood and I had never noticed you're not allowed to turn down this street between 7 and 9 a.m. It was 7:04 in the morning and he dinged me with a massive ticket. I was in shock. Really? Four minutes after 7. Now, I slowly drive up to that road and take a peek. He's there almost every day. He's waiting for me. I know better now. He can't outsmart me.
Was the cop harder on you because he recognized you?
I was absolutely unrecognizable at that point. If you saw me after a workout I don't look like this!
The interview has been edited and condensed
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Petrina Gentile