Brock Mayor Debbie Bath-Hadden passed away early yesterday morning at home with her husband and family by her side, following a long and courageous battle with cancer, the township announced.
“We find ourselves in a place of profound sadness as we struggle with the news of the passing of Mayor Debbie Bath-Hadden,” said Deputy Mayor Ted Smith. “Mayor Bath-Hadden was a decisive leader who always put the needs of our community and residents first. She spent many years in public service as a strong champion of township and regional issues and served the community with devotion.”
On October 6, 2020, Mayor Bath-Hadden released a statement advising the community that while she remained committed to her responsibilities, she also needed to focus on her health and address some medical issues. Then on November 20, Mayor Bath-Hadden thanked the community and municipal staff for their tremendous support but also that she would be taking a formal leave of absence from her role as Mayor of the Township of Brock to better concentrate on her health. Township Council approved the mayor’s leave of absence on November 23.
Bath-Hadden was elected Mayor in 2018, becoming the first female Mayor in Brock Township history. Her political career started in December 1997 when she was elected as the Ward 4 Councillor and served for three (3) consecutive terms until 2006. Bath-Hadden was then elected as the Regional Councillor from December 2010 until 2014.
During her years on Council, Bath-Hadden was successful in bringing Brock its first Zamboni, Summer Day Camp program and annual Charity Golf Tournament. One of her biggest achievements was securing funding from the federal government for a Community Employment Centre in Brock.
Mayor Bath-Hadden was a strong community advocate and volunteer, working alongside community organizations, ball and hockey associations, agricultural groups and the Girl Guides of Canada. Mayor Bath-Hadden also served four years as the Chair of the North Durham Relay for Life Committee.
The township expressed its deepest sympathies to Mayor Bath-Hadden’s family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.
A book of condolences is available online at www.townshipofbrock.ca/condolences. Flags at all township facilities will be lowered to half-mast in her memory. Additional details will be communicated on the township website as they become available.
Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier said he was “truly saddened to learn of the passing of Mayor Debbie Bath-Hadden”.
“Mayor Bath-Hadden was a trailblazer in her community of Brock Township, and great colleague. I feel fortunate to have served on Regional Council alongside her.”
Debbie was serving her first term as Mayor. Previously, she served as Regional Councillor/Deputy Mayor as well as Ward 4 Councillor for three terms.