COBDEN — When four municipalities were amgalmating into one 14 years ago, a contest was held to come up with the best name.
The municipalities were Cobden, Ross Township, Westmeath Township and Beachburg.
Councillor Allen Dick said Gary Johnson called him advising his submission won and he hadn’t received the certificate of recognition or dinner for two prize.
During last Wednesday’s council meeting, he said the late Alvin Stone, who was Reeve of Ross Township at the time, had told Mr. Johnson he had won and would receive the certificate and dinner for two package.
“I believe, Mr. Stone passed away not too long after that and it was something that was fogotten and nobody pushed for it,” Coun. Dick said.
He said the person should be recognized for coming up with the name.
“I know it’s in the past, but I thought I should bring this to council’s attentionn,” he said.
Mayor Jim Labow said it was the transition board prior to amalgamation who hosted the contest.
Reeve Don Rathwell agreed, saying he chaired the transition team and about 10 names were entered and one was chosen in 2000.
Mayor Labow said the records will have to be reviewed to see who had won.
Coun. Dick said all Mr. Johnson wants is the certificate of recognition.
Charlene Jackson, who was in council chambers, asked to be recognized to talk about this, since she was aware of what had occurred back then.
After receiving permission, she said the contest was through the transition committee and it was Lana Johnson, Gary’s daughter, who had come up with the name.
“There was a competition and there was a prize to be given at the time, but I don’t know what it was,” she said.
Ms. Jackson said she couldn’t remember what the prize was, but it should be in the minutes of the transition committee.
Mayor Labow is hopeful staff will be able to find the minutes and find out exactly what should be done.
“We definitely need to put the right name on the certificate,” he said.
