MP Earl Dreeshen presented Mayor Jim Romane with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Feb. 19 in council chambers for his involvement in civic life.
Romane was selected by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in the final round of nominations for the medal, which commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Queen's ascension to the throne.
ìI've seen the things you've been doing, Jim,î Dreeshen said, noting municipal work is extremely important. ìIt's a selfless act that's so significant.î
The mayor was nominated to receive the award based on the town's involvement in the New Deal for Cities and Communities, the use of money from the Gas Tax Fund, participation in the Building Canada Plan and the Economic Action Plan.
ìIt's an honour to me to represent council,î Romane said. ìAll the council members deserves the credit for this.î
The $9-million architectural gem of a library that sprang up in Innisfail recently was a result of participation in the Building Canada Fund.
Last year Innisfail used money from the gas tax to pay for the construction of a resource road behind No Frills, which will be completed this year to facilitate better flow of industrial traffic through town.
The award is meant as a way for the country to honour the Queen as she simultaneously recognizes important contributions and achievements by Canadians. The medal itself was designed by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin and manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint.
ìI'm quite thrilled,î Romane said of the award. ìIt's nice to see the federal government recognize those efforts by the community.î
Dreeshen said a key component in implementing his government's touchstone Economic Action Plan was the willingness of municipalities such as Innisfail to work together to get projects going to help stimulate the economy.
ìThere were no headaches,î he said. ìWe wanted to get local tradespeople working and hiring.î
The FCM was asked to identify 4,000 worthy medal recipients across the country, to acknowledge the efforts of people who have dedicated themselves to their communities and the municipal cause.
ìIt's a case of history ñ and not forgetting our history,î Dreeshen said of the award. ìIt's a recognition of the people who have built this country.î
