A longtime Belleville councillor has been recognized for her 15 years of service to the city.
A special ceremony was held Friday afternoon to honour former Thurlow Ward Councillor Jackie Denyes and name the roundabout at Farnham Road and Maitland Drive in her honour.
Denyes says while it’s not the reason why she got into municipal politics, she’s thrilled be recognized by the city and others she shared time on council with.
“It was a magnificent honour today and it was so nice to have the three mayors I served under, be present. Mary-Ann Sills taught me all of the protocol around the horseshoe and I learned so much from her, then to have Neil the second mayor and Taso the third mayor.”
During her time on council Denyes was a strong advocate for the development of Thurlow Ward, helping to add two fire halls and redevelop the Gerry Masterson Community Centre, among other accomplishments.
A crowd gathers at the roundabout at Farnham Road and Maitland Drive, for a dedication ceremony in honour of former Belleville Councillor Jackie Denyes, on August 27, 2021. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
She says she’s extremely pleased to see the roundabout complete and making a positive impact for residents in the area.
“A lot of people were really skeptical at first and that’s why I thought I’d take them through the history today. It wasn’t a willy-nilly project, a lot of thought went into it. I go through the roundabout almost every day on my way home, so I’m thrilled.”
Among her career highlights, Denyes pointed to her time chairing the Sister Cities Committee, getting to spend time in Belleville’s sister cities of Gunpo, South Korea and Lahr, Germany.
“I’ve gone to Lahr many times and gone to Gunpo and we’ve hosted them back here with the city. Mayor Mueller in Lahr still calls me and we remain friends, and he’s no longer mayor. So, I’m really proud of that and those sorts of friendships that you make along the way.”
Along with the roundabout renaming, Mayor Mitch Panciuk also declared August 27, 2021 as Jackie Denyes Day in the City of Belleville.
Former Belleville Councillor Jackie Denyes poses for a photo on August 27, 2021. Denyes had the roundabout at Farnham Road and Maitland Drive dedicated in her honour. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Former Belleville Councillor Jackie Denyes and former Mayor Taso Christopher on August 27, 2021. Denyes had the roundabout at Farnham Road and Maitland Drive dedicated in her honour. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Former Belleville Councillor Jackie Denyes and Mayor Mitch Panciuk pose for a photo on August 27, 2021. Denyes had the roundabout at Farnham Road and Maitland Drive dedicated in her honour. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
