TITLE
PRESENTATION OF COUNCIL SERVICE AWARDS TO COUNCILLOR BONNIE AINSWORTH (WARD 1), COUNCILLOR ROSE ROMITA (WARD 2), COUNCILLOR PETER SILVEIRA (WARD 5), COUNCILLOR STEVE TROTTER (WARD 6), COUNCILLOR ANDREW PRINCE (WARD 7) AND COUNCILLOR ARIF KHAN (WARD 8)
Mayor Lehman recognized the accomplishments of the outgoing members of Council who were present at the meeting.
Mayor Lehman recognized that Councillor Bonnie Ainsworth served four terms on City Council, including 1998-2000, 2001-2003, 2010-2014 and 2014-2018. He noted some of the Committees that Councillor Ainsworth was involved with during her Council terms. Mayor Lehman noted that a person would always know where Councillor Ainsworth stood on a matter. Mayor Lehman highlighted her desire to preserve the character of the east end of the City and how she was a champion for the improvement of roads.
Mayor Lehman presented Councillor Ainsworth with a framed print of the Duckworth Street road design, along with an actual piece of asphalt from Duckworth Street.
Councillor Ainsworth shared how she loved being a City Councillor, but noted that she believed it was time to move on. She commented that Councillors need to stand up for the people who elected them. She shared her feelings associated with her feeling that it was an honour to help and serve the community. Councillor Ainsworth thanked Mayor Lehman for his leadership over the last term of Council.
Mayor Lehman recognized Councillor Rose Romita’s term on Council from 2014-2018. He noted that in addition to Council and numerous Committee responsibilities, she was a downtown business owner, an advocate for the homeless and hosts a Christmas Dinner program that is eagerly awaited by the community annually.
Mayor Lehman presented Councillor Ainsworth with an aerial photo of Ward 2 from Eye in the Sky Photography.
Councillor Romita shared her feelings associated with it being a pleasure and honour to serve on Council. She indicated she will continue with her Christmas dinner and advocating for the homeless. Councillor Romita thanked staff for their assistance over her term on Council.
Mayor Lehman recognized Councillor Steve Trotter for serving five terms on Council spanning 1995 - 2018. He noted that in July 2017 Councillor Trotter was appointed to replace Michael Prowse on Council. The Mayor highlighted Councillor Trotter’s deep knowledge of the City, detailed work on Ward issues, making sure to follow up on matters and the importance of seeing the big picture.
Mayor Lehman presented Councillor Trotter with a framed print showing the historic map of Barrie from the City’s 150th Anniversary along with a plan of the City from the mid-19th century.
Councillor Trotter shared that it has been an honour to serve on Council again and noted how after 25 years he has come full circle back to Ward 6. He spoke about how serving on Council is not about politics, but about building community and listening to what people want and what they are saying.
Mayor Lehman recognized Councillor Arif Khan for serving two terms on Council starting with the 2012 by-election and the 2014-2018 term. The Mayor noted Councillor Khan immersed himself in the work of City Council and Committees, while still continuing with volunteer work and coaching youth sports. He noted that Councillor Khan always supported community events and demonstrated clear leadership during the Little Avenue fire in the spring of 2018. The Mayor also noted that in today’s age of sound bites and tweets, you always got the full answer and complete sentences from Councillor Khan.
Mayor Lehman presented Councillor Khan with a framed print of the road design for the Harvie Road / Big Bay Point Road Highway 400 Crossing, along with a microphone.
Councillor Khan shared how he has cherished the experience of being on City Council. He encouraged the future Council to be bold; challenge staff, but trust them; challenge developers and builder to raise the bar as buildings will be here for a century. He commented that Council should make their mark, while not undoing progress and to finish what has been started and to go after what they want, while continuing to be respectful.
Mayor Lehman concluded the Council Service Awards by thanking all outgoing Councillors for their service and dedication to the City of Barrie. He noted that all of Council believes in the City and are committed to the work of the City.