'A man of the people': Goderich mourns passing of Mayor John Grace
The Town of Goderich, Ont. is mourning the loss of Mayor John Grace Wednesday morning.
According to a press release from the Town of Goderich, Lake Huron communities are paying tribute to the Mayor of Goderich who OPP confirmed died in a boating accident.
OPP received a call in regard to a boat in distress about 35 km south of the Township of Pickle Lake. The barge which was transporting fuel had capsized.
In a statement issued early afternoon by the Town of Goderich, the town mourns Grace’s loss, but remembers him as a dedicated leader.
“Along with the community, Town Council and staff are mourning the loss of our Mayor and friend John C. Grace,” the statement says. “The Town acknowledges John’s devotion and contributions to the Town of Goderich. John enhanced the fabric of the Town and enriched the lives of many, far beyond our community.”
Grace’s political career spanned many years, having served as a councillor and deputy mayor for the Town of Goderich for 17 years, and serving as mayor since 2018.
Details are currently slim, but according to the Facebook group Goderich Citizen's Exchange, Grace died in a boating accident at Pickle Lake, located north of Thunder Bay.
It was reported that Huron County Council held a moment of silence for Grace on Wednesday morning.
Calling him a “man of the people,” the release says that Grace was a “strong leader and decision maker” who worked tirelessly for the Town of Goderich, including the rebuilding of the town following an F-3 tornado in 2011, and most recently, through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We acknowledge his immense contributions, his admirable personality, and his ability to connect and share commonality with so many,” the release says.
“John Grace has left an indelible mark on the Town of Goderich. He loved this town, this community where he grew up. He worked tirelessly to make it a better place,” Jennifer Verdam-Woodward, chair of the Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron, also said in a statement.
According to his LinkedIn page, Grace was a lifelong resident of Goderich, and had owned and operated many small businesses, having been involved in the tourism industry for more than 30 years.
“He was a great friend of the business community,” she added.
The circumstances surrounding Grace’s passing have not yet been released.
“John was a bright light, and he will be dearly missed,” the release says. “Our sincere condolences go out to John’s wife Wendy, their three boys, daughter-in-law, and grandson.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.