Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the passing of former Barrie mayor Janice Laking, a true community champion who passed away last week at the age of 96.
Janice devoted her life to serving our community, first as a high school teacher and guidance councillor at Barrie North Collegiate Institute, then as a Barrie city councillor, and later as Barrie mayor from 1988 to 2000. As mayor, she led Barrie through a period of extraordinary growth. Janice spearheaded the transformation of the former Royal Victoria Hospital into Victoria Village, and played a key role in preserving the CN Rail corridor in Barrie.
Janice remained deeply involved in our community long after her time as mayor. She was a steadfast supporter of the MacLaren Art Centre and the YMCA. She also served as an honorary colonel of the CFB Borden 16 Wing unit and was a citizenship court judge.
While her contributions to our community will be long remembered, her most enduring legacy is the loving family she leaves behind: her seven children and 11 grandchildren. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to her family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing Janice Laking.
Please join me in honouring the life and legacy of service of a truly great Canadian.