Tommy's #1 SHANIA TWAIN SuperSite Message Board

Vic Power named to Order of Canada
Posted By CHELSEY ROMAIN, THE DAILY PRESS 
 

Serving his community for several decades, Vic Power has passionately cared for his community, as a resident, city councillor and mayor.

Now the former Timmins mayor finds himself in company of the country's greatest, as a member of the Order of Canada.

It's tradition that began in 1967, to recognize significant contributions to Canadian society. Power's contributions have not gone unnoticed.

"To be honoured by the best country in the world, it doesn't get any better than that," Power toldThe Daily Press."I am very much honoured by this award."

With roots to the city that go back to the beginning, Power's parents were among the original settlers in the City of Timmins. Always with an interest in the city, Power was first elected to city council in 1966. It was was the start of a political career that spanned more than 30 years.

"I'm very appreciative of the fact that residents of Timmins provided me with the opportunity to serve for so many decades," Power said.

"Certainly this honour is to be shared with the City of Timmins, whatever I've been able to accomplish would not have been done without the co-operation and support of my colleagues on council and administration at city hall for so long."

A graduate of the University of Windsor and a member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Toronto, for many years Power was head of the guidance department at Timmins High & Vocational School.

"I've always been amazed by his commitment to the city, and his phenomenal memory," said current Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren. "This is a great honour and it's long overdue."

But receiving awards for his years of work is not new to Timmins' longest serving mayor. In 2001, Power was awarded membership on the Honour Roll of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and in 2002 received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition to the community. In 2006, the year he retired from the Office of the Mayor, Power was a recipient of the Municipal Long Service Medal from the province in recognition of his 32 years serving in municipal politics and later was awarded the President's Award from the Chamber of Commerce.

As 12 years as an alderman and 20 years as mayor, his career achievements list the downtown revitalization program, the founding of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation, the planning for the TeleTech Call Centre, the Shania Twain Centre and the successful completion of the "Debt Free" program.

"I'm so happy he received the Order of Canada," said John Larche, who was named a member six years ago. "It's recognition for all the things he's done, in school and as mayor."

Larche and Power have known each other for more than 25 years, and being a former prospector Larche said Power did whatever he could for the mining industry, lending a hand whenever needed.

"He's just been a hell of a nice guy," Larche said.

On Tuesday it was announced Power was among 42 Canadians being named to the Order of Canada. A ceremony to present the medals will be held at a later date. While he was unsure how his name was entered into the selection process, Power said he appreciated the fact people were thoughtful enough to think of him.

"He has an appreciation for what Timmins has to offer," said Laughren. "He has always been a believer in Timmins and he's a guy who realized what our community was built on."

Power is among several others from Timmins who have received the honour over the years including Frank Mahovlich, Conrad Lavigne, Carlo Cattarello, Corinne Miller, Larche, Michael Barnes, Don McKinnon and Frank Dottori.

"In Timmins we have a history we should be proud of, and a future we can all look forward to," Power said.

http://www.timminspress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1368737