Outgoing Councillors attend final Kitchener Council meeting

The final meeting of the 2018-2022 City Council was held yesterday at Kitchener City Hall.

It was the last time around the horseshoe for veteran councillors Kelly Galloway-Sealock (Ward 5), John Gazzola (Ward 3) and Sarah Marsh (Ward 10), who did not run in the most recent municipal election. Combined, these three Councillors represented 44 years of elected public service on behalf of the residents and businesses of the City of Kitchener.

Kelly Galloway-Sealock was first elected to council in 2006 and served four terms in office. Her passion for neighbourhoods, trails and parks was evident during her tenure. Among other projects, she helped establish the Williamsburg and Huron community centres, and was instrumental in obtaining funding for McLennan Park and RBJ Schlegel Park. She was also instrumental in helping to modernize the Municipal Act to allow Council members to take a leave of absence for pregnancy or parental leave without the fear of being removed from office.

John Gazzola served almost 50 years in staff and elected service. A chartered accountant by profession, he was first elected in 2002 after serving in senior leadership roles, including chief administrative officer, at the city starting in 1973. As an elected councillor, his passion for finance led him to be a strong voice on Council to ensure that the City’s yearly budget increases were kept low. Councillor Gazzola also advocated for the Kingsdale Community Centre which opened in his ward in 2011.

Sarah Marsh, first elected to council in 2014, demonstrated commitment to building a more inclusive, creative, active community for everyone — with a focus on her ward in Downtown Kitchener. She was an advocate for arts, culture and social justice. As a cyclist, she promoted cycling as a healthy, economical, environmentally sustainable way for citizens to get around, and supported increasing cycling infrastructure through the implementation of the cycling grid in the downtown and beyond.

"I want to thank Kelly, Sarah and John for their years of passionate public service to the residents of Kitchener,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Each of them brought different perspectives to Council but they were all motivated by a common desire to make our community better. Their contributions to the city will have a lasting impact on their wards and the city of Kitchener.”

The inaugural meeting of the new council is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 21. Mayor Berry Vrbanovic will return along with councillors Scott Davey (Ward 1), Dave Schnider (2), Christine Michaud (4), Paul Singh (6), Bil Ioannidis (7), Margaret Johnston (8), and Debbie Chapman (9). Three newly elected councillors include Jason Deneault (3), Ayo Owodunni (5), and Aislinn Clancy (10).

-30-

For more information:

Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca