The Mount Forest Lions Club is making a $20,000 to the Mount Forest Fire Department to honor well-known politician and Lion Jack Johnson.
In a letter to Wellington North Council, Lions president Dale Small said the donation is for a multi-purpose utility vehicle needed by the fire department, “in memory of Jack Johnson.”
“Jack was a tremendous person, Lion and well known citizen of Mount Forest and the club felt this would be a good way to remember him,” Small wrote. The vehicle would have a plaque or decal on it recognizing Johnson and his contributions to the community and the Lions Club.
Johnson, who passed away in 2009, served as a Mount Forest councillor from 1968 to 1973 before winning election for mayor. He served one term as mayor from 1973 to 1975 before being elected to the Ontario Legislature as the Progressive Conservative member for Wellington-Dufferin-Peel. He was an MPP from 1975 to 1990 before leaving politics.
A $5,000 donation has already been received from the Lions with the remaining $15,000 being paid out over the next three years. On Jan. 24, council set aside the remaining funding from reserves to allow the fire department to move ahead with the purchase.
