Freedom of the Town

Established in 2023, the Freedom of the Town is the highest honour the Town of Ladysmith can bestow. It is awarded to individuals whose distinguished service and exceptional contributions have helped shape and strengthen the community. Bestowed only in extraordinary circumstances, this lifetime recognition stands as a rare mark of distinction.

To receive this prestigious honour, a unanimous vote by Town Council conducted via secret ballot is required and nominations for recipients can only be brought forward by members of Council.

Recipients

The Town of Ladysmith presented its first-ever Freedom of the Town honour to former mayor Rob Hutchins on December 17, 2024.

Rob Hutchins (2024)

Rob Hutchins served as Ladysmith's longest-tenured mayor from 1993 to 2014, shaping the town into the vibrant seaside community it is today. Under his leadership, Ladysmith became a pioneer in environmental sustainability, introducing universal recycling in 1995 and organics collection in 2005—both firsts in the region. Hutchins also spearheaded beautification projects, including the revitalization of Transfer Beach Park and the launch of the Ladysmith Green Streets initiative, which added 1,000 boulevard trees.

His efforts extended to the Heritage Artifact Route, new community trails like Holland Creek and Stocking Lake, and the modernization of 1st Avenue with a roundabout. These contributions earned Ladysmith the National Community in Bloom Award in 2003 and recognition as one of Canada’s prettiest small towns by Harrowsmith Magazine.

Hutchins also played a key role in helping the Council build a genuine partnership with the Stz’uminus First Nation, which led to the signing of the first Community Accord in 2007.

Links

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