Laurentian Valley council is seen cutting a cake commemorating the township’s 25th anniversary.

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Laurentian Valley – Twenty-five years ago, the townships of Stafford Pembroke, and Alice and Fraser amalgamated to form Laurentian Valley and on Saturday the municipality welcomed residents and visitors to a birthday party celebrating a quarter century.

For several hours, the sounds of laughter and music echoed across the municipal office and works yard on Witt Road as the smell of burgers wafted through the air.

Visitors of all ages enjoyed a vast display of equipment and special vehicles, the different vendors, the children’s fun zone, the entertainment by the John Priebe Band with special guest, Canadian country music singer/songwriter Jason Blaine, and the free burgers courtesy of Uncle Jim’s Meat Market.

Mayor Steve Bennett noted past and current staff and council members were in attendance, along with members of the volunteer fire department. He thanked the various businesses that had displays or brought equipment, and Mr. Blaine for attending to perform with the Priebe Band, of which his father, Blaine McEwen, is a member.

He recognized current council members Jennifer Gauthier-Kuehl, Wendy Hewitt, Reeve Keith Watt, Brian Hugli, and Allan Wren.

“Twenty-five years ago, the councils of Alice and Fraser and Stafford/Pembroke had the vision to amalgamate to create one township, Laurentian Valley.” he explained. “Together with staff, we made it happen and joined together our two councils with no pressure from the government, but seeing the advantages and the benefits to complete this task on our own.”

Mayor Bennett recognized past councillors and staff including, councillors Rick O’Brien, Ken Brown, Debbie Robinson, Reeve/Mayor Jack Wilson, who served for 50 years, and staff members Kathy Wren, Colleen Smith and CAO Darrel Ryan. He added he would be remiss if he did not mention the former councillors who are no longer living, but who played a large role in the township – Kellard Witt, George Hodgkinson, Jim Sheedy and Gord Richardson.

“We have experienced continued growth over the past 25 years,” he stated.

“The Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre, our new public works garage and office, it’s a phenomenal building that’s the envy of many. Our new splash pad at Stafford; we’ve got outdoor arenas at Shady Nook, Alice and Fraser and Stafford Park, and welcomed many new businesses – Home Depot, Tim Horton’s, Laurentian Square Development where Michael’s, Winner’s and Sportchek, are located, and many more.”

To be a “complete municipality,” he said they must provide recreational opportunities for their residents. “Laurentian Valley is second to none,” he said with pride. “We have over 80 volunteers who sit on our park committee and over double the volunteers who help out with various activities.

“Our councils have been very supportive of our rec facilities and staff, and are proud of all our groups,” he added.

He said the township has several longstanding parks at Alice and Fraser, Stafford, Shady Nook, and Pleasant View, and have added Forest Lea and Elgin Street Parks, along with the Four Seasons Trail.

“And we are proud to support our new Fit and Feisty group,” he remarked.

Mayor Bennett pointed out the township underwent a re-branding several years ago and a new slogan “Grow With Us” was adopted.

“This has certainly done just that. LV’s on the map and the envy of many municipalities,” he added. “Laurentian Valley has seen significant growth in residential and business growth in the past few years, as we are now over 250 businesses and still growing, with a population of over 10,000 residents.”

He said the municipality continues to attract new residents who are drawn to its vast opportunities to work, play and grow, which was evident by the many families and children in attendance.

“It’s great to see and you are the future of our township,” he remarked.

He said the township has developed a Recreation Master Plan, adding the township will continue to grow with three shovel-ready residential developments set to begin this summer.

He thanked the businesses, fire department, township staff, Uncle Jim’s and staff and council for their efforts in making the day a success and saved his last accolade for Community Development Officer Chris Neff, who he said did a tremendous job of bringing the day all together.

“Chris, you have done a fabulous job. So many people have come up to me and said, ‘Wow, what a show you have put on,’” he added. “I know you had support from staff and council, but you’re the main guy here today, so thank you very much.”

Delighted With Response

Mr. Neff said Saturday’s celebration exceeded all of his expectations.

“It was incredible; it blew all my expectations,” he commented. “The attendance was incredible; the weather was incredible. “It was extra special to share with my family, especially getting to cut the cake with my grandfather (Jack Wilson),” he added. “That’s a career highlight right there.”

He estimated between 800 and 1,000 people attended, saying it was so satisfying to see many families enjoying themselves and hearing the positive comments.

“Seeing the whole team come together to make something happen for Laurentian Valley was really special. I couldn’t have done it without the whole team here, especially public works who did such a good job getting everything cleaned up and ready to go.”

He added it was also great to see some former staff and council members in attendance. “I couldn’t be happier with it,” he stated.

He noted there are not that many truly “free” events anymore, and the families expressed their gratitude on Saturday.

“I really tried to think of things kids could play, and families could have that multi-generational experience,” he said. “And having Jason Blaine show up was just amazing.”