Mayor Doug Rawson had encouraging words for the residents of Penetanguishene to keep in their hearts and minds over the holiday season.
In speaking with MidlandToday regarding holiday well-wishes, Rawson emphasized that his town came together as a community over the past year and a half, and acknowledged the people first and foremost.
“I always tell people everywhere I go that our community is the best,” said Rawson, adding for clarity, “it’s a community of communities”.
“Whether it’s the hockey group or the pickleball group or the church group. Seniors that get together, or youth or school. It’s a community of community, but I think everybody has everybody’s back.”
Rawson drew reference to the collapse of a structure on Main Street in 2023 where no one was seriously injured, the months that followed the incident, and the impact it had on the community.
“When I’m talking to residents,” Rawson noted, “they said ‘that person came to my aid’ and ‘that person came and gave me shelter, food, a shirt,’ something. And I think this community always comes through to help people in time of need.
“I think whether you think about that or you think about things like our arena, or our complexities with our neighbours – I think we always put community first. We don’t get personal on the issues.”
Calling his members of council “a well-functioning group that honestly puts the community’s interests at heart”, Rawson also took time to praise municipal staff for their efforts in keeping the town running.
Finally, Rawson shared his seasonal greetings for all.
“However people celebrate the holidays, whatever it is that’s special to you, or (the) tradition: hold on to those. Lean on people.
“Also, if you can help someone, whatever that is – whether it’s a phone call, a conversation, participating in the food bank – do what you can to help somebody. I’m appreciative and supportive of where we live and what we have, and I think we shouldn’t take that for granted,” said Rawson.
