Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Tel: 250-245-6400 Fax: 250-245-6411 Email: info@ladysmith.ca
Ladysmith, BC — The Town of Ladysmith is pleased to announce that Rob Hutchins, former mayor, will be awarded the inaugural Freedom of the Town honour.
The Freedom of the Town is Ladysmith's highest and most prestigious civic honour. A special ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 17, at the Ladysmith Seniors Centre, 630 2nd Avenue following the conclusion of the Regular Council Meeting, which begins at 5:30 pm.
Rob Hutchins served as mayor from 1993 to 2014, the longest tenure in the town's history. During his 21 years as mayor, Ladysmith blossomed into the vibrant, beautiful seaside community it is today and emerged as a leader in environmental sustainability after becoming the first community in the Cowichan Valley to introduce universal recycling in 1995 and the first in Western Canada to implement organics collection in 2005.
"Rob Hutchins' dedication to our community has left a lasting legacy that will be felt for generations to come. Many of the qualities and achievements that Ladysmith takes great pride in today can be traced back to the leadership and vision of Mr. Hutchins. It is a privilege to recognize his contributions with the Freedom of the Town honour,” says Acting Mayor, Tricia McKay.
As mayor, Hutchins launched the Heritage Artifact Route and spearheaded the Ladysmith Green Street initiative, which saw the planting of 1,000 boulevard trees. He led numerous beautification projects, including the revitalization of Transfer Beach Park with the Amphitheatre and Spray Park. He also oversaw the second stage of 1st Avenue's revitalization, which added a modern roundabout, and played a key role in developing new community trails like Holland Creek and Stocking Lake. As a result, Ladysmith received the National Community in Bloom Award in 2003 and was recognized by Harrowsmith Magazine as one of Canada’s ten prettiest small towns.
In addition to beautification projects, Hutchins championed critical infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of the Frank Jameson Community Centre, the Rocky Creek Light Industrial Park, and the Community Services Centre. He 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.
In addition to his work as mayor, Rob worked as a teacher and counselor in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District for 33 years, teaching a range of students from grades 3 to 12. He also contributed to many community initiatives, including co-chairing the Cowichan Watershed Board, serving on the Cowichan Valley Regional District Board, and chairing a hospice task force. After stepping down as mayor in 2014, Hutchins served one term on Ladysmith Council.
In 2023, Council established the Freedom of the Town honour to recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the community and have played a significant role in shaping Ladysmith. To receive this prestigious honour, a unanimous vote by Town Council conducted via secret ballot is required.
"The Town of Ladysmith is proud to bestow the first-ever Freedom of the Town honour on Mr. Hutchins. His vision and leadership helped shape Ladysmith into the beautiful, vibrant, environmentally conscious, and inclusive seaside community that it is today," says Nicholas Pescod, the Town’s Communications & Engagement Specialist.
For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land. Former Mayor Rob Hutchins
-30-
Media Contact Nicholas Pescod Communications & Engagement Specialist npescod@ladysmith.ca 250-268-0606