City recognizes long time employees

At their May regular meeting, city council took time to celebrate the contributions made by 34 veteran employees who have reached the impressive milestone of 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45 years service with Kawartha Lakes and its municipal predecessors.

The recognition ceremony was hosted by Chief Administrative Officer Ron Taylor and Kawartha Lakes Mayor Doug Elmslie.

“I am thrilled we are taking the opportunity to recognize and appreciate all our municipal staff throughout the city and especially here today we want to recognize milestones and achievements of those employees that have long standing here in Kawartha Lakes,” Taylor said.

Taylor told the assembled crowd that May is designated as employee appreciation month by the municipality and that “it is a good time to reflect on who we are working with, what we are doing, and what we are accomplishing.”

“I think it is important that we have this reminder in our calendars, so we don’t take something like this for granted,” Taylor said. “There are many people (who) are doing great work and contributing to the city.”

Taylor told council that the city is blessed with a significant number of long-time employees. Those receiving recognition for 25 years service included Kimberly Page, Craig Shanks, Marielle van Engelen, Dustin Heacock, Valerie Knights, Jeremy Thomas, Tim Groen, Ryan McIlmoyle, Jason Teel, Randy Watson, Sara Avery, Karen Barter, Beverley Binks, Shannon Clarke, Kally Robinson, Connie Traill, Jeffrey Waldron, and Heather Saigeon.

Elmslie echoed Taylor’s comments about all the long-time employees as he prepared to recognize those city staffers with at least 30 years service.

“It is certainly my pleasure to recognize these folks with more than 25 years service,” Elmslie said. “I do not take it as a slight that they picked the oldest guy in the room to do it. I think it says something when people work 25 years or more for the same organization. It not only speaks to their loyalty and dedication, but it also says something about the organization that they are working in that they feel comfortable and they are enjoying their work, they enjoy coming to work and they enjoy their colleagues and friends and it becomes a lifestyle.”

Elmslie recognized Shaun Davidson, Brian Beukeboom and Cindy Minaker for 30 years of municipal service and Paula Fisher, Tim Brasier, Brian Junkin, John Pearson, Jane Davis, Cathy Hamill-Hill, Cliff Archer, and John McRae for thirty-five years service. Danny Barr, Larry Blodgett, and Jody Clements were recognized for 40 years service with Wendy Ellis and Roger Gostlin receiving plaudits for 45 years of municipal service.

“You have our thanks and gratitude for your dedicated service to Kawartha Lakes,” Elmslie said. “We appreciate every minute you stay with us.”