We have sad news from the local political scene.
Late last (Sunday) evening Belleville City Councillor Pat Culhane died suddenly at Belleville General Hospital surrounded by her family.
Councillor Culhane had been a nurse and a supervisor at BGH for over 50 years.
She was first elected to council in 2006 and re-elected in 2010. She ran for mayor in 2014, losing by just 161 votes and then was elected as a councillor again in 2018.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk describes Culhane as a passionate advocate for, and defender of all residents in Belleville, especially the most vulnerable.
Funeral arrangements are not yet known.
There will be a book of condolences in the front lobby of City Hall for residents to sign which will be given to Councillor Culhane’s family. It will also be posted on the City website and social media.
Flags are also flying half-mast at Quinte West City Hall as Council and staff mourn the loss of Belleville Councillor Pat Culhane.
Council and staff extend their deepest condolences to the Culhane family and to the City of Belleville.
“Pat will be remembered as a devoted, kind and loving member of Belleville City Council,” says Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison.
“Pat’s spirit encourages us all to strive to do a little better for all we serve.”
City flags will remain lowered until the day of interment.
BELOW IS THE ENTIRE STATEMENT FROM BELLEVILLE MAYOR MITCH PANCIUK
It is with deep sadness that I announce the sudden death of Belleville City Councillor Patricia Culhane. She passed away late Sunday evening surrounded by family at the Belleville General Hospital where she had spent over 50 years of her life caring for others in our community as a pediatric and emergency nurse, and then as a supervisor. We are grateful to all of the emergency medical staff for their efforts.
All of Belleville City Council joins me in extending our condolences to her son Tim and her large family here and across the world.
The City of Belleville has lost a passionate advocate for our City and a defender of all our citizens – especially those who she considered the most vulnerable. Pat always took the view that her seat at the Council table gave her an opportunity to be a voice for her community and she was determined to exercise it. Whether you agreed with her or not — we always knew where she stood and she was able to articulate her position clearly and effectively. We have lost an important member of our Council and we will feel this loss for many years to come.
Funeral arrangements are being considered by her family and the City of Belleville will cooperate in whatever way possible during this time of COVID-19. More information will follow when it is available.
Councillor Pat Culhane was first elected to Belleville City Council in the 2006 Municipal Election and re-elected in 2010. She sought election as Mayor in the 2014 election narrowly losing by only 161 votes. After a four-year break during which she did contract nursing in the Arctic, she returned to City Council in 2018 where she served on numerous committees and represented Belleville on Committees of Hastings County and the Quinte Source Water Protection Committee.
The Flag at Belleville City Hall and municipal buildings will fly at half-staff until her interment.
Belleville Councillor Pat Culhane speaks at a City Council meeting on November 25, 2019. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Councillor Sean Kelly was shocked and saddened hearing the news late last night.
“Pat served this city with passion, she wanted the best for everybody. She was a leader I mean 50 years at BGH and she worked in nursing, that tells you a lot about an individual. I’m shocked today and it’s a big loss for the city.”
Jack Miller, who served two terms on council with Culhane called her an “incredible woman” and she always fought for the less fortunate in the community.
“I remember every thing that came along of a social nature at council and especially at budget time she would fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves or for those less fortunate. The City of Belleville has lost a true champion and one of the biggest hearts in the city.”
