News

Community Grieves Passing of first North Grenville Mayor Don Cameron

Monday, 11 January 2021 08:23

January 9, 2021

NORTH GRENVILLE, ON – It is with profound sadness that Council, alongside the community grieve the passing of Mr. Donald Cameron, age 80, who served as the first Mayor of the amalgamated Municipality of North Grenville. Mr. Cameron passed away peacefully at his home.  

“On behalf of all residents and business leaders in North Grenville, my Council colleagues and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Cameron’s family and colleagues,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford.

“There is no doubt Mr. Cameron’s legacy looms large,” Peckford added.  “We join in mourning the loss of this leader who demonstrated tremendous dedication and commitment, and who helped to shape what our community is today.”

Mr. Bruce Harrison, who succeeded Mr. Cameron as Mayor, offered this comment, “Don Cameron was the best person to be elected as Mayor of North Grenville in our inaugural year of amalgamation. It was a pleasure to work alongside Don in laying the foundations of our community, building the future with action and vision.”

Mr. Cameron was deeply committed to public service throughout this life. He served as an influential Councillor and Mayor with the Township of Oxford-on-Rideau, and was elected North Grenville’s first Mayor after amalgamation in 1998.  He also served as a Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

“We appreciate how pivotal Mr. Cameron was in the acquisition of the Ferguson Forest Centre in the late 1990s. As Mayor of Oxford-on-Rideau, he fought tenaciously to ensure such a valuable asset was not sold by the province to private developers, but instead retained by the community. In fact, it was the Township of Oxford on Rideau that instigated the purchase of Ferguson Forest Centre.” 

As North Grenville’s Mayor, Mayor Cameron’s first task was to ensure a smooth transition in the aftermath of amalgamation, which required a great deal of trust and leadership.

It should also be noted that the fist North Grenville Council meeting coincided with the 1998 Ice Storm – a no doubt difficult way to start a new chapter. But Mayor Cameron rose to the challenge, and he did throughout his tenure.

North Grenville’s flags at the Municipal Centre have been lowered to half-mast in Mr. Cameron’s honour.

- 30 - 

For more information contact:
Jill Sturdy, Corporate Media Relations Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
613-258-9569 ext. 168

Annual Events

  • May
    Spring Plant Sale

    Kemptville Horticultural Society holds their Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, May 16th from 8:30am to noon at the Ferguson Forest Centre. Come early for best selection or take advantage of the 2 for 1 deal after 11am.