Mayors from Pickering to Clarington remember legacy of Queen Elizabeth II

The death of Queen Elizabeth has elicited heartfelt responses from most of Durham’s municipal leaders, who remembered Britain’s longest-serving monarch as one who devoted her life to service.

In Clarington, where the ties to the monarchy go back to 1988 when Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister, visited Bowmanville for the unveiling of the newly renovated Town Hall. A ceremonial chair used by Princess Margaret remains in place today in Council Chambers.

“On behalf of Council and the Municipality of Clarington, I want to express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, Britain, and the rest of the Commonwealth on our collective loss,” said Mayor Adrian Foster. “As the longest reigning monarch in British history, the Queen has been a constant presence and the leading figure of our time. Her steadfast commitment to duty, the people, and her work has been a source of admiration and inspiration. All flags in the Municipality have been lowered, and we will be sending an official letter of condolence on behalf of all of Council and the Municipality to the Royal Family. Together we mourn the loss of our Queen.”

Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell was also saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth. “Her life has been devoted to our service with wisdom, dignity, grace and humility. Her 70 year reign has earned the trust and respect of generations of Canadians,” he said. “On behalf of the residents of Whitby, we join the world in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the entire Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this difficult time.  Our flags have been lowered to half-mast in honour of The Queen. A Book of Condolences will be placed at Town Hall for residents to express their thoughts and gratitude.”

Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier said it is with “great sadness” that Canadians mourn the passing of the Queen. “On behalf of Ajax Council, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Royal Family and all Canadians,” he said. “The Queen dedicated her life to the service of the people of the United Kingdom, Canada, and the other Commonwealth realms. For more than 70 years, she has served as a unifying presence, anchoring our sense of national identity and pride. “

“As Canada’s Head of State, The Queen has played an important role in our sense of identity. She has been ever present in our day-to-day lives, from appearing on our currency, to New Canadians swearing their allegiance to The Queen, to the role of her representative in our governments.”

“In remembrance, books of condolence will be placed in the lobby of Town Hall and Ajax libraries in the coming days, and the flags at Town Hall and all Town facilities will be flown at half-mast until the funeral. Residents who wish to leave flowers in her memory may do so at Ajax Heritage Square at the monument honouring the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.”

All flags at City of Pickering facilities will also be flown at half-mast to recognize the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, said Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan, who said books of condolences will be set up at City Hall, the Central Library, and the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex to provide residents with the opportunity to express their thoughts, prayers, and reflections.

“Over the course of her extraordinary 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II has become a much loved and respected figure around the world. Steadfast. Constant. Dutiful. She was renowned and revered for her devotion to a life of service, as well as her numerous charitable endeavours.”

“While we mourn the loss of this great sovereign, her enduring legacy shall forever inspire both in hearts and minds.”

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter also Mayor Dan Carter expresses his deepest sorrow on the passing of the Queen and said flags have been lowered to half-mast at City Hall and City facilities to honour her memory.

“This is a moment of great sadness for Oshawa and all Canadians who have been inspired by Her Majesty’s lifetime commitment to service,” Carter said. “While we feel her loss deeply, we will continue to honour her legacy of showing kindness and compassion for others.”

Community members are invited to sign a condolence book online at Oshawa.ca or in-person at three City locations. Books of condolences will be available as of Friday, September 9 at Oshawa City Hall, Delpark Homes Centre and South Oshawa Community Centre.

God Save The King.