Richmond Hill
February 19, 2009, 2008 By: Adam Mc Lean www.yorkregion.com

Town's trophy case expands by two

It was an award-winning evening for the Town of Richmond Hill Feb. 17, as Mayor David Barrow and town councillors were awarded the United Way municipal challenge award and also the Roger Brown award from the Canadian Public Works Association.

Both presentations were made by Italo Brutto, commissioner of engineering and public works, and both involved Mayor Barrow accepting the impressive hardware.

Commissioner Brutto, who also acted as the town's 2008 United Way campaign chair, said receiving the municipal challenge award was a direct reflection of the efforts put forth by his fellow town employees, who managed to exceed original expectations and raise $56,036, despite a tough economy.

Town staff organized and participated in many different events, drumming up support and dollars for the United Way.

Events included bake sales, bingo, 50/50 and raffle draws, dragon boat races and money was also raised via town staff payroll deductions, among other initiatives.

"What I take most pride in is that 48 per cent of the money raised for the United Way came directly from town staff. That is no small feat and it is definitive evidence of the quality of people we have here.

"Not to mention, we can also take pride in the fact that in the category of large municipality, we edged out some of our neighbouring municipalities such as Vaughan and Markham," Mr. Brutto added to the delight of council.

Mayor Barrow received the plaque recognizing the town's efforts, saying: "This is a tremendous honour to our town and credit to our employees. It shows what a caring group of people we have here who took the opportunity to make lives brighter. The challenge now falls on the shoulders of Ms Bassios. No pressure, Ana," Mayor Barrow joked, explaining commissioner of planning and development Ana Bassios will lead the town's United Way campaign for 2009.

The second accolade for the town, the Roger Brown award, was also presented by Commissioner Brutto to Mayor Barrow in the form of a trophy.

The award presented each year by the Canadian Public Works Association Ontario chapter was for the town's participation in National Public Works Week and recognition as the best overall public works program in Ontario.

"This award is for our 125 public works staff who make a daily impact on the well being of the community and display excellence in events and public services," Commissioner Brutto said.

"We beat out Mississauga for this award," he added.

Mayor Barrow took the large trophy in his arms and praised the town's public works department.

"We often say that our level of government is that which is closest to the people and that is true.

"What our public works department does affects residents every day and it is not just the work done, but also their willingness for communication and to provide understanding through tours and open houses, which goes a long way to help benefit our communities," Mayor Barrow added.

The Roger Brown award will stay in the town's possession for year, unless of course, they win again next year.

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