WELLINGTON COUNTY – County councillor Diane Ballantyne has been recognized for her contributions to local government with an honourable mention in the 2024 Women of Influence in Local Government Awards.
“On behalf of county council and the residents of Wellington County, I would like to congratulate councillor Ballantyne on this well-deserved national recognition,” Warden Andy Lennox stated in a July 16 news release.
“As a county councillor and teacher, [she] has demonstrated leadership and strength, and has been a strong advocate for the county.”
The awards were established in 2019 by Municipal World, a Canadian magazine devoted to promoting effective municipal government.
They honour women who have made significant contributions to the field of municipal politics, and who have demonstrated grace under pressure, worked collaboratively and mentored others while affecting positive change in their communities.
Ballantyne was one of two honourable mentions this year, along with Region of Waterloo regional councillor Colleen James. This year’s award recipient was Sheilagh O’Leary, deputy mayor of St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Ballantyne’s nomination references her history as a high school teacher, who received a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and the James Forster Provincial Human Rights Award. It also makes mention of her advocacy for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and her efforts to tackle food insecurity in Centre Wellington.
“It’s an incredible privilege to receive an honourable mention from the 2024 Women of Influence in Local Government Awards,” Ballantyne stated in the news release.
“Mentoring and volunteering have been at the forefront in my dedication to public service, as a county councillor, a community volunteer and in my former role as a secondary school teacher. Truly the most meaningful part of receiving this honour is knowing that a former student of mine submitted the nomination. I would like to thank Municipal World for this recognition.”
