Jack Young Civic Award Presentation

Waterloo Region – Regional Chair Ken Seiling presented the 2012 Jack Young Civic Award to former Regional Councillors Wayne Roth, Grace Sudden and Lynne Woolstencroft on behalf of Regional Council at the Council meeting this evening.

 The Jack Young Civic Award is the Region’s highest honour and is presented every two years to the person or persons in Waterloo Region who best exemplifies the high standards of political and civic life exhibited by Jack A. Young – the first Chair of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo – during his years of public service. It is a uniquely Region of Waterloo Award that celebrates and recognizes the contributions of people directly connected to Regional government and its programs and services or Regionally created or administered organizations.

“The selection committee was struck by the broad scope and length of time of the recipients’ involvement in our community,” said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. “The contributions of Wayne, Grace and Lynne during the many years of their Regional public service have had a lasting and positive impact on the citizens of Waterloo Region.”

-Wayne Roth has dedicated an exceptional portion of his life towards political and civic service. Wayne’s common-sense approach is a trade mark of his success. Serving as a member of Waterloo Regional Council and Mayor of Wilmot Township for 13 years, as well as on the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board, the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Region’s Museum Advisory Committee, he has contributed in decision-making in numerous program areas that positively affect and contribute to the well being of citizens across Waterloo Region. As a member of Regional Council, Wayne always demonstrated his deep appreciation for and commitment to protecting the unique rural-urban balance cherished in this community.

-Grace Sudden has always been motivated by a sincere desire to make life better for the citizens of Waterloo Region. She served on Regional Council representing Woolwich for 18 years and was later appointed by the Region to serve on the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board. Grace chaired Health and Social Services Committee for 14 years and was a founding member and Chair of the Waterloo Region Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council. She was also a valuable member of the team that developed the concept and laid the groundwork for the Sunnyside Home redevelopment. Always proactive, Grace made a conscious effort to get out into the community – to talk to people and learn first-hand their issues, concerns and ideas for change.

-Lynne Woolstencroft is well known for her commitment and actions to make local government more accessible to its citizens. Lynne served on Regional Council representing the City of Waterloo for 12 years – 3 of those years as Mayor. She chaired the Region’s first Environment Committee which oversaw the concept and design of the Region’s landfill site in Waterloo. She also served on the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board where her collaborative style helped foster a better relationship between police and staff. She was appointed by Council to the Grand River Conservation Authority where her passion for the natural environment helped to highlight the importance of regional wetlands and water resource protection.

The recipients’ names have been engraved on the Jack Young Civic Award plaque and their picture will be displayed in the lobby of the Regional Administrative Headquarters, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener until November 30, 2014.