A FITTING TRIBUTE

ACTON COMMUNITY HALL TO BE RENAMED AFTER BONNETTE

A man who pushed for town reform for 40 of its 50 years of incorporation is being recognized as the inspiration to rename the Acton Community Hall.

Rick Bonnette, a lifelong resident of Halton Hills who served for decades as councillor and mayor, played a crucial role in several major town projects, including leading the charge against proposals to build a 400 series highway through town and saving the Georgetown Hospital.

Halton Hills town council approved a motion moved by Coun. Clark Somerville, seconded by Mayor Ann Lawlor, to rename the community hall at the Acton Arena and Community Centre in honour of the former mayor.

After decades of standing for the community, Bonnette said he was "humbled" and "honoured" to associate with the "community room" on this level.

"It is a perfect place to name something after me, as I had spent many years in ball hockey and ice hockey, playing, coaching and fundraising for both the Acton arena and the last two ice pads in Georgetown," said Bonnette.

During his service, Bonnette helped realize the "largest fundraising capital campaign that the town had to date to that time," said Somerville.

"Former mayor Rick Bonnette was the only councillor or mayor who has served with every mayor of Halton Hills in its history," said Somerville.

The political enthusiast rolled up his sleeves at 27 years old and has received Ontario's Long-standing Service Award in 2008 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He served 18 years as a regional councillor, three years as a local councillor and over 19 years as mayor.

Bonnette also gained international recognition for speaking out against the "Buy American" movement.

Councillor and lifelong friend Bob Inglis said, "He could delegate things well and he always looked for consensus."

Mayor Lawlor shared admiration for the progressive

approach Bonnette took toward the community.

"I ran for office because I wanted to continue with the kind of leadership he had provided," Lawlor said.

Since retiring, Bonnette

says he has replaced extensive municipal agendas with leisure books, travelling and "a ton of walking." Bonnette can also be found skating at the arena and doing cross-country skiing.

While adjusting to the

retired life after decades of working up to 70-hour weeks, Bonnette said he is exploring volunteer options for the future.

In consultation with Bonnette, town officials are working to finalize the hall's name.