Every Community has a handful of names that are well-known to both long time residents and newcomers alike. In Richmond Hill, Barrow is such a name. David Barrow was born and raised in Richmond Hill. He attended McConaghy Public School, Richmond Hill High School and Ryerson Polytechnical Institute prior to entering the family business and Richmond Hill municipal politics.

In 1964, Elgin Barrow, Dave’s father, purchased Herrington Insurance under the name Barrow Insurance Service. Elgin lived his entire life in Richmond Hill and was deeply involved with the community until his death in 1985. This involvement was recognized when the Elgin Barrow Arena Complex was named in his honour. Dave, through his years of community involvement, has clearly followed in his father’s footsteps.

For several years Dave successfully ran the family business until it was sold in 1999.

Dave’s political career began with his first term as Councillor of Ward 4 in 1978. He remained Councillor through to 1985 when he returned to the family business. Dave re-entered political life in 1997 by winning a Regional Council seat. He was elected Mayor on November 13, 2006.

Dave is happily married to Tomye Anne. He knows what a great place Richmond Hill is to raise a family. His children, Jennifer and Greg both live and work in Richmond Hill. The Barrow’s are very excited about the newest member of the clan and fourth generation Barrow, Jack, born in the summer of 2006 to Karen and Greg.

Dave has been involved in his community for over 30 years. He has been recognized by both the Town and the Chamber of Commerce for his contributions. Dave was a founding member of the Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade, the Richmond Hill Terry Fox Run, the Richmond Hill Road Watch Committee and more recently the Richmond Hill Community Sport Council and the Richmond Hill Intercultural Committee.