A version of this article was originally published on HaltonHillsToday on Oct. 25.
Lifelong Actonian. Travel agency owner. Councillor. Mayor. Diamond Jubilee medal winner. Community volunteer.
Rick Bonnette has worn many hats over the years, and now he’s putting on another one as Acton’s 2023 Citizen of the Year.
The honour is being bestowed on him by the local Rotary Club, and Bonnette is quick to note that he’s in good company. His wife Josey has also held the title, along with many other local residents who’ve no doubt made the community a better place.
“I was surprised and quite honoured that the people thought enough of me to nominate me for this very prestigious award,” he told HaltonHillsToday, adding he knows the other individuals nominated are very worthy of the praise as well.
“There are a lot of good people that make this community work.”
A dinner was held in Bonnette’s honour at the Acton Town Hall Centre last night (Oct. 24), with friends, family and former political colleagues turning out in full force to celebrate all of his accomplishments.
Born in 1955, Bonnette - affectionately known to many as 'Bunny' - moved to Acton as a toddler. It was here that he developed a love for hockey, finding a home in front of the net as a goalie.
This passion for Canada’s game has always been strong with the lifelong politician, who spent about 12 years coaching ladies’ hockey - something he found very fulfilling.
“I think when you volunteer or make things happen, you’re only contributing to make the community better, and that’s the most rewarding thing.”
There’s no doubt that Bonnette played a key role in shaping the community during his political tenure that spanned 40 years.
After being encouraged by customers who visited his travel agency, he first ran for office in 1982 and served as a councillor until he won the mayor’s seat in 2003.
Within the first six months at the head of council, Bonnette had quite the task on his hands following an announcement by William Osler Health System that it planned to close the obstetrics and pediatrics units at the Georgetown Hospital.
Busloads of local residents travelled to Queen’s Park for a rally as Bonnette took his concerns to then-Health Minister George Smitherman.
“I quarterbacked the resistance, if you will,” he said, noting the issue galvanized the community and he’s proud of how it brought Acton and Georgetown residents together for a common cause.
Ultimately, a decision was made to keep the crucial hospital units open.
During his time in the mayor seat, Bonnette also firmly opposed the Province’s proposed GTA West Highway, also known as the 413, and garnered international headlines for speaking out against the ‘Buy American’ movement.
The popular politician decided last year that he wouldn’t seek re-election and passed the gavel and chain of office over to Ann Lawlor.
So what has Bonnette been doing with all of his new-found spare time?
He’s traded in lengthy council agendas for books, and has been doing some travelling with Josey and their dogs.
Never one to sit idle, Bonnette has also been volunteering his time at places like the Acton Fall Fair and Acton Terry Fox Run, and serving on the Townsend Smith Foundation’s fundraising committee, helping the local non-profit bring a hospice residence to north Halton.
“It (the hospice) is something that’s near and dear to my heart,” he said.
Bonnette was selected for the Rotary Club of Acton’s recognition by a committee consisting of three former Citizens of the Year.
“The accolades came pouring in for Rick,” the club said in a press release. “He is described as a positive builder of our local and larger community, an outstanding public servant and a great representation of our community. Rick embodies the spirit of Acton and exemplifies the values of a true Citizen of the Year.”
