Wellington’s Jim Dunlop was presented a municipal civic recognition award at the September 25 Council meeting by Mayor Steve Ferguson. Mr. Dunlop was recognized for his outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to the community during turbulent times, in particular the amalgamation of the townships.

“As the County’s Warden in 1997, you guided us through the last term before amalgamation, demonstrating exceptional leadership during a pivotal time. Your commitment to our community continued as a Councillor for Wellington Ward, serving three terms, always prioritizing the needs of the people,” Mayor Ferguson said. He noted that Mr. Dunlop’s nickname, “The Senator,” was appropriate given the length of his tenure and mentorship of new councillors.

In addition to serving his community at the Wellington Town Hall and later Shire Hall, Mr. Dunlop could be found inside the old Dukedome during the depths of winter or the softball diamond during the height of summer. He coached and/or managed winning Wellington entries in the ranks of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and the Ontario Amateur Softball Associations in the 1970s and 80s. 

In the ’70s, Mr. Dunlop led minor Dukes entries to OMHA titles at the Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget levels. In 1976, Mr. Dunlop led an effort to send a local minor hockey team on a tour of Switzerland. The club was named the Gazette Maple Leafs, in honour of this newspaper’s sponsorship. 

Later in life, Mr. Dunlop took an active role in the governance of the Wellington Dukes Junior A Hockey Club, serving as President, and perhaps the most important unofficial one of them all: making sure Foster Bailey made it to and from the hockey games safely.

“Beyond your political achievements, your passion for sports and youth development is evident through your extensive involvement in local athletics which have inspired countless young individuals to pursue their dreams and stay active. Additionally, as an active member of the Elks in Picton, you have consistently shown your dedication to community service and support,” the Mayor added.

In his professional life, Mr. Dunlop finally turned in his hard hat at Essroc Cement after 34 years with the company, starting as a labourer, working his way to Maintenance Clerk and eventually to Personnel where he served as a Health and Safety Resource Manager.

Off the ice, Mr. Dunlop’s biggest assists came in the creation of the new Wellington and District Community Centre. He led a $1.5 million fundraising drive for the new arena. More recently, his involvement and support in the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital’s Back the Build Campaign Cabinet were instrumental in advancing a new hospital to benefit the community for generations to come.

“I didn’t expect this. Usually a handshake and a pat on the back is good enough for me,” he said, looking out at many of the OMHA champions he coached. “It always amazes me how sport can unite people, turn them into life-long friends and create opportunities to give back to the community.”

Past councillors Kevin Gale, Barry Turpin and Gord Fox were in the gallery for the presentation, as were Mr. Dunlop’s wife, Mary, and his daughter, Krista.

Bob Snider led those starry OMHA championship Dukes teams on the ice. In politics, sport, in the community, and in life, his coach was a winner, he said.

“Jim has been a champion family man, a champion of Prince Edward County and a champion of the human spirit all his life,” said Mr. Snider.