A tree has been planted in Civic Park at Town Hall to honour the memory of former Mayor Jim Gartshore, who passed on June 19 at the age of 90. Family, friends and colleagues attended the ceremony.
He began his municipal career as a Town Councillor from 1972 to 1975 and was Mayor from 1975 until 1980. Under Mayor Gartshore’s leadership as mayor, a number of major facility and infrastructure projects were initiated and completed, including the opening of the Whitby Operations Centre, the Whitby Seniors’ Activity Centre and Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village; the establishment of the Port Whitby Marina and Harbour; the relocation of the Whitby Public Library; the introduction of a new water plant in the Town; the creation of Rotary Centennial Park; and, the development of the Brock Street bridge.
Mayor Gartshore also oversaw the opening of the new Town Hall building at 575 Rossland Road East in 1977, making him the first mayor to serve in the new building.
Mayor Gartshore was not only a visionary for Whitby Council, he also championed local support for community projects and was made a lifetime member of the Whitby Kinsmen Club, formerly serving as club president and district governor, said a town statement.
