Thanks and farewell from Councillor Jim Hart
I would like to begin by thanking everyone who came out to Rouge Beach Park on Saturday, October 6 to pay tribute to the late councillor Ron Moeser. The trail naming event and sign unveiling ceremony was held in conjunction with the annual Ron Moeser 5/10k Waterfront Run organized by the West Rouge Sports and Recreation Association.
In addition to the Moeser family, we were joined by Mayor John Tory, our local MP Gary Anandasangaree, MPP Vijay Thanigasalam and many local residents and friends.
On behalf of the Moeser family and my office, I would like to thank everyone who provided input and support on this initiative. Considering Ron’s many years of service and dedication to making our community a great place to call home, I believe this will be a very fitting and lasting tribute to his legacy.
I would like to give special mention and thanks to David Adamson, President of the Highland Creek Community Association, for his heartfelt speech. I would also like to thank two very active members of our community, Gary Dale and Barbara Broadley of the West Rouge Sports and Recreation Association. The great work they do in organizing the annual Ron Moeser Run event is greatly appreciated.
Being a City of Toronto councillor was certainly nothing I ever imagined doing. Becoming one because of the loss of my friend Ron Moeser was tragic, yet it was an honour to complete his term. Ron gave almost three decades of his life to public office and we can thank him for preserving the green and beautiful community that we all cherish.
On a more personal note, I would like to say that serving as councillor in the ward that I have lived in with my wife Joan and two children for the last 21 years has been a wonderful experience. It has opened my eyes to the many hard-working volunteers we are blessed to have in our community. Civic engagement leads to stronger, more vibrant communities and policy development and we are certainly fortunate with an abundance of community members who want to make a real difference.
I want to thank all of the people I have crossed paths with while in office and wish each of you and your families happiness and good health.