Lackie bids farewell to TLTI council

Longtime councillor Jeff Lackie formally said goodbye to Leeds and the Thousand Islands council on Monday night, offering thanks, reflection and a touch of humour as he closed a 15-and-a-half-year chapter in municipal politics.

Lackie's recent resignation, less than a year before municipal elections on Oct. 26, triggers a succession process that will see his council colleagues choose who fills his seat for the remainder of the term.

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Speaking as a delegation during the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands council meeting on Monday, Lackie expressed gratitude to fellow members of council, staff and residents who supported him throughout his tenure.

“I’m here to thank all of you for the time we have had here at the council table,” he said, noting the role the position played not only in his life, but in his family’s as well.

“Family generally lives this life as well.”

Lackie, who first joined council in 2006, reflected on the township’s growth and key milestones he witnessed and helped shape over the years. Among them were infrastructure upgrades in Lyndhurst, revitalization efforts along the Bay of St. Lawrence, the creation of a joint recreation group with the Town of Gananoque, and the development of the township’s recreation department.

He also pointed to the township’s first acquisition of a fire boat and his involvement in senior administrative decisions, including participating in the hiring of current MPP Steve Clark during a brief term as the township’s chief administrative officer.

“We’ve grown a lot since I first started,” Lackie said.

While stepping away from council, Lackie confirmed he will continue serving the community in a new capacity.

“I’ve made arrangements to become the provincial appointee to remain on the OPP Board,” he said.

His departure creates a vacancy on the Ontario Provincial Police board representation, meaning another member of council will be appointed to ensure the township maintains its seat.

“I just want to thank the people who put me here,” Lackie added. “I wish you all well moving forward – and I’m not going to lie, I’ll be watching.”

The remark drew laughter from the council table.

Members of council took turns recognizing Lackie’s contributions, with Coun. Brian Mabee calling it a privilege to serve alongside him.

Deputy Mayor Terry Fodey, visibly emotional, credited Lackie as a steady and guiding presence for newer members of council.

“You were the long-term guiding hand when we all got here,” Fodey said. “You showed us what we needed to do and accomplish and the direction we needed to take.”

Fodey also highlighted Lackie’s longevity and dedication to residents, joking that the township should give him a permanent seat inside Escott Hall following its reopening so visitors could continue to benefit from his knowledge.

Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke described working with Lackie as “a true pleasure,” adding that his impact extended beyond council chambers.

“I consider you a friend, above all else,” she said. “You care, and you chose to put your hand up and make a difference, and for that we’ll all forever be grateful. To do this assignment as long as you have takes a lot of grit and determination.”

The province's Municipal Act allows a council to appoint a qualified person to fill a council vacancy.

A notice on the township website invites qualified applicants for the council position to submit their names to township officials, with forms accepted until Wednesday, April 29 at 4 p.m.

Council will hear from all applicants at its May 12 meeting.

Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.