Town Councillor Ralph Robinson Retires with Honour

Ralph Robinson was feted at the Oakville Conference Centre, celebrating his retirement as Ward 1 Town Councillor for the Town of Oakville. With 36 years of service to the residents of Oakville, Ralph dedicated his time not only to the preservation and way of life throughout Oakville but also in Ward 1 Bronte, Oakville!

Best stated in Ralph’s own words, he has been a faithful advocate, tirelessly doing his best to make sure the happiness of the residents and businesses of Bronte.

Mayor Rob Burton with Ralph Robinson & Mrs. Robinson, Photo Credit: Janet Bedford

Mayor Rob Burton with Ralph Robinson & Mrs. Robinson, Photo Credit: Janet Bedford

“Putting people first’ has been and continues to be my priority. Through public meetings, telephone calls, emails and in person discussions, I have remained accessible and open to listening to what Ward 1 residents want, finding the answers that you need, and doing my best to put those priorities into action,” stated Ralph.

Ralph always walked his talk. Everyone love him because of this! I have taken the liberty of extracting this list from his website. It speaks volumes about the personality and passions that Ralph dedicated his life to: In his words, “Thank you for helping me to continue to put people first in our ward.”

Before Ralph Robinson and his family came to Oakville he was actively involved in politics in Halifax, Nova Scotia and St. John’s, Newfoundland. He brought to his role as Oakville's Ward 1 Town Councillor diverse political, volunteer and business experience skills.

Accomplishments of Ralph Robinson

Town appointed Director, the Bronte Business Improvement Area

Community

1. Co-founder of the Bronte Walk About
2. 11th Canadian recipient of the prestigious “Hal Rogers Fellow” (HRF) Kin award for outstanding leadership and service to the community
3. Nominated and elected by his peers to be a Life Member of the Association of Kinsmen Clubs
4. Honorary Chair – Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion
5. Coordinator, Terry Fox Run
6. Community Spirit Award Committee
7. Member of the Bronte Community Consultation Committee
8. Board Member, The Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
9. Board Member, The Oakville Public Library
10. Recipient Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal

Diversity

1. Halton Multi-Cultural Council Environment
2. Negotiated the Petro Canada lands for South Shell Park
3. Chair, Bronte Creek Environmental Assessment Steering Committee
4. Headed up the Mayor’s Advisory Group (MAG) to study the Natural Trail Standards
5. Founding member of the Lake Ontario Shore Line Algae Action Committee
6. Founding Member and Chair of the Community Advisory Committee To Petro Canada

Heritage

1. Spearheaded and the installation the Bronte Commercial Fishermens’ Memorial

Recreation/Sports

1. Founding Director, Oakville Sports Hall of Fame
2. Life Member, Past President, Ombudsmen – Oakville Minor Hockey Seniors
3. Representative on Oakville’s Senior Advisory Council Youth
4. Bronte Youth Centre advocate and developer

Bronte Village Business Improvement Association - Photo Credit: Janet Bedford

Bronte Village Business Improvement Association - Photo Credit: Janet Bedford

Tributes flowed to Ralph from Mayor Rob Burton, colleagues, friends and family, all united in saying that Ralph helped in any situation. He was thanked for his support and mentorship to many.

Ralph was flanked by his wife Marie and large family, who noted that Ralph is also a dedicated family man - one who always makes time for them. Thank you, Ralph. You have made the lives of everyone you touched richer.

Enjoy your richly deserved retirement Ralph, you earned it!