Room Renaming Recognizes Former Mayor Rick Bonnette for Years of Service

HALTON HILLS, ON – Yesterday saw a gathering of friends, family and past colleagues to honour former Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette for his years of municipal service. The Acton Arena Community Hall was officially renamed the Rick Bonnette Community Hall following a unanimous decision by Town Council. 

Bonnette’s recognition comes well earned. First elected when in his twenties, he was a local Acton Councillor for three years, then Regional Councillor for 18 years and served as Mayor for 19 years. During his tenure in public office, Bonnette championed local issues, from sustainability and green development to protecting the Georgetown Hospital and limiting 400 series highway expansions through the community. He received Ontario’s Long-Standing Service Award in 2008 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

In 2018, Bonnette gained international exposure in a bid to counter sentiments around United States actions that would see tariffs applied to Canadian goods. Bonnette put forward a Council resolution that sought to "take proactive action to support and protect Canadian interests" becoming synonymous with the ‘buy Canadian’ campaign. Bonnette retired in 2022. 

"I have known Rick for over 20 years and worked on Council with him for over a decade,” said Mayor Ann Lawlor. “He has been a passionate and progressive leader, a champion for business and an advocate for community organizations! I am delighted we could perpetually honour his contributions to the Town with a room renaming. Of course, the room had to be one that is prominent in the Acton Arena.”

The room renaming falls under the Town’s Facility Recognition Program that provides the opportunity to celebrate and recognize significant contributions from individuals, corporations, businesses, or groups by naming rooms within Town facilities.

About the Town of Halton Hills

The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto.  The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine.
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