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Statement from Mayor Vrbanovic and Kitchener City Council on the passing of former Mayor Morley Rosenberg

Today, the Council and staff of the City Kitchener join our entire community in extending our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of former Mayor Morley Rosenberg.  Serving as Kitchener’s 53rd Mayor from 1977 to 1982, Mayor Rosenberg first served as a City of Kitchener Alderman from 1968 to 1976, and also served on Region of Waterloo Council.

At 87 years of age at the time of his passing, Mayor Rosenberg, a lawyer by training, lived a life committed to public service.  During his tenure at the City of Kitchener he fought to preserve Kitchener’s historic City Hall, was a strong proponent for engagement with community groups, and pushed for the creation of the ward system that still serves Kitchener residents to this very day.  The preservation of the clock tower from that historic City Hall, saw it permanently placed in Victoria Park in the mid-1990’s, and being included on the city logo used today. Mayor Rosenberg was also a strong advocate for recycling, serving as Mayor in the years when the City worked with community members and the private sector to introduce the blue-box program to Canada and the world.

Subsequent to his time at the City, former Mayor Rosenberg served Ontario residents on the Ontario Municipal Board for 20 years.  Moving to Toronto many years back, Morley’s commitment to public service continued even after his time with the OMB, including serving on the City of Toronto’s Committee of Adjustment, working with community groups on planning matters and even seeking a seat on Toronto Council in 2018, at the age of 81.

On behalf of the citizens of Kitchener and City of Kitchener Council, we offer our heartfelt condolences on the passing of former Mayor Morley Rosenberg to his many family and friends in Kitchener, Toronto and beyond. May Morley’s memory be a blessing to each of you and know that the hearts of our community are with you during this difficult time.

The City of Kitchener will be lowering all flags at city facilities during the mourning period, and City representatives will attend the service and shiva in memory of former Mayor Rosenberg later this week.

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