Corinne Lonsdale, long-time resident, past Mayor and former Squamish Councillor received the District of Squamish's highest honour the "Freedom of the Municipality" at the January 10, 2012 Special Business Council meeting. Mrs. Lonsdale is the first person to receive this prestigious award from the District of Squamish. The "Freedom of the Municipality" recognizes Mrs. Lonsdale's outstanding community contributions, her tireless support for many nonprofit organizations and for her 25 years in civic office.
Mayor Rob Kirkham presented Mrs. Lonsdale with a key representing her "Freedom of the Municipality" honour. “It is with great pleasure to present Corinne with this distinguished award," said Mayor Rob Kirkham. "Corinne has given tirelessly to the Squamish community including 25 years on Council, but what has really stood out throughout the years is her passion for the community and her dedication to make Squamish a better place to live, work and play,” continued Mayor Kirkham.
Corinne Lonsdale was born in Vancouver and moved to Squamish in 1952. After graduating from Howe Sound Secondary School she began a 30 year career with the Royal Bank, retiring in 2003.
Lonsdale was first elected to Council in 1983 in a by-election. She was reelected again in 1984, 1986, and 1988. Lonsdale took the top position and served as the Mayor of Squamish from 1993-2002. Lonsdale was elected again to Council and served as a Councillor from 2002-2011.
For over 40 years Corrine Lonsdale has been involved with numerous organizations, associations and societies.
Summary of Community Involvement, Awards and Accomplishments:
President Squamish Assembly of Canadian Daughter’s League
Provincial President and National Treasurer of Canadian Daughter’s League
Group Committee for Boy Scouts Canada
Organized Ladies Auxiliary for Minor Ball
President of Minor Ball
President/member Squamish Loggers Sports Association - 35 years
Treasurer Squamish Skating Club
President of Squamish Expo 86 Committee
President/Member Squamish Loggers Sports Association - 35 years
Director/Member Chamber of Commerce
Director Vancouver Coast and Mountain Tourism Association
Director Squamish Lillooet Regional District - 8 years
Squamish Public Library Trustee
Squamish Hospital Board
Member of the Capilano College Squamish Advisory Board
Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee - 18 years
Lower Mainland Protected Area Strategy Committee
Board of Forest Renewal BC Communities Committee
Minister’s Softwood Lumber Advisory Committee
Minister's Advisory Council Forest Practices Code Committee
Executive Member and President- Lower Mainland Local Government Association - 15 years.
Executive Member of the Soo Coalition for Sustainable Forests
Executive Member for the Union of BC Municipalities - 9 years
Royal Canadian Legion
Squamish Historical Society
Helping Hands Society
West Coast Railway Heritage Park
Awards:
Squamish Citizen of the Year -1992
Queens Royal Jubilee Medal - 2003
Royal Canadian Legion Community Service Medal -2001
Howe Sound Sports Hall of Fame
Life Member Lower Mainland Local Government Association
UBCM Long Term Service Award
As a long serving member and volunteer with the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Association Mrs. Lonsdale will be recognized for her "Freedom of the Municipality" award during the World-Class Open Loggers Sports Show on Sunday, August 5, 2012.
Freedom of the Municipality
Freedom of the Municipality is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the District of Squamish. A Council may, by unanimous vote, confer freedom of the municipality on a distinguished person or unit of the armed forces of Canada or another nation. Freedom of the Municipality is regulated by section 158 of the Community Charter.
