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PRESENTATION OF COUNCIL SERVICE AWARD TO JOHN BRASSARD
Mayor Lehman recognized John Brassard for his efforts, accomplishments and appointments during his 9 years as a member of Council representing Ward 7. He commented that Councillor Brassard played an essential role in shaping the direction of the community. Mayor Lehman noted that John Brassard was also a 30 year fire fighter in the Town of Markham during his terms on Barrie City Council.
Each of the members of Council provided comments describing their respect and admiration for John Brassard. They observed that they enjoyed working with him as part of the Council team.
Mayor Lehman provided a YouTube audition video clip of Councillor Brassard’s and his application for the Amazing Race Canada. He commented that the video clip showcased the City of Barrie and demonstrated John Brassard’s commitment to the City of Barrie.
Mayor Lehman noted that John Brassard was not afraid to push forward with a project that he believed in and that he should be proud of his accomplishments. He commented on his leadership at the Council table, noting that crime decreased by 37% during his term, noted his promotion of traffic calming measures and his ability to communicate complex issues in layman’s terms. Mayor Lehman advised that he felt John Brassard represented City Council very well and that he was losing a friend and an incredible community builder of the last 9 years.
Mayor Lehman presented John Brassard with a Traffic Calming sign representing his advocacy for traffic calming measures and a picture of the Holly Community Centre signifying the importance of the Centre as not only a recreation centre, but also that of a community gathering place.
John Brassard thanked the Mayor and members of Council for their kind words. He provided comments describing his relationship with the members of Council and noted that the relationships he had built during his time on City Council will continue into the future. He thanked members of City staff for their support, the media for their respect and provided a brief outline of the new initiatives he was involved in.
In closing, John Brassard thanked his family for their ongoing support and sacrifices they have made and commented that his term on Council was the greatest experience of his life.