UNITY — A 28-year career on Unity’s town council ended this fall when Councillor Don Robertson did not submit nomination papers.
Robertson, who first ran in 1988, decided to pass the baton on to others when municipal election time came up this fall.
When Robertson first became an alderman for the Town of Unity in 1988, his oldest daughter Raegan was 11 and his youngest daughter Brooke was 10, and wife Maureen was on staff at Unity Composite High School.
When asked why he initially ran for council, Robertson replied, “I decided to put my name in the hat when Paul Bast – who was on council – talked to me about it. Having been born and raised in Unity and serving as recreation director for eight years, I knew how council operated and wanted to be a part of it.”
“There have been many changes in these last 28 years,” Robertson says.
Highlights he cites include the new pool, new town hall, new hospital, Parkview Place, the facilitation of four doctors, new recycle, landfill and lagoon, rink extension, expansion of ball fields and handicap accessible sidewalks.
Of the last item he says, “This is something that is taken for granted but it makes such a huge difference to those in need.”
There has also been building of grain terminals, cemetery upgrades, community growth and ongoing new infrastructure such as paving, repaving and new sewer lines.
Robertson was one of the other original committee members for Parkview Place.
With reference to the new pool, Robertson noted, “I was around for the original pool as I was the manager (1967). This is where I met my wife in 1968 as she came to teach swimming.”
Robertson says he has worked under five different mayors, beginning with Con Keohane, then Eileen Sword, Peter Warwaruk, Kathy Johnson and most recently, Sylvia Maljan. As well, he worked with three town administrators, Barry Thomson, Jim Weninger and now Aileen Garrett.
There have also been challenges, Robertson says.
“Working with government and dealing with infrastructure was a huge challenge. There are always so many hoops to jump through and so many delays. The collapse of the sewer lines, the paving projects, the new water lines and water well — all of these projects require research, financial obligations, accountability, plans and astronomical budgeting.”
Still, Robertson looks back on his tenure with pride.
“I am most proud of all the projects that have been accomplished during my tenure, but actually the one that comes to mind is the extension of the rink. I co-chaired that project with Kathy Johnson and saw it to fruition. The challenge came with co-ordinating all the clubs and overseeing the fundraising projects,” he says.
“I really enjoyed the Wall of Fame project as chair,” he adds. “Our committee developed the criteria and co-ordinated the banquet and Wall of Fame area, which has now included a number of inductions and an expanded area to showcase those inducted.”
He says an enjoyable aspect of the position is working with different councillors, mayors and staff, exchanging ideas and taking ideas into action plans.
Robertson says after 28 years of service it was time to move on to other things.
“I know the town is in good hands with the new mayor and council. My wife and I are doing more travelling now and it is so fun being with my grandchildren.”
Robertson chuckles, saying, “I have to learn to tie skates again, as my grandson is playing hockey now.”
Robertson has advice for those currently serving on council.
“It is so important to be open minded and logical. Everyone on council will have their own opinion and everyone needs to be heard. Decision is based on what will make Unity a better town.”
In closing Robertson adds, “It was an honour and privilege to work with so many great people, mayors, councillors and staff and also on so many different projects. I want to thank everyone who helped me along the way.”
