After 27 years in Brighton, Parks and Recreation Director Jim Millar says he is ready to retire.
Oldies 100.9 spoke with Jim before his departure.
As Jim leaves, Public Works will take over Parks and Rec responsibilities. Millar feels confident with Parks and Rec Manager Vicki Hallam taking his responsibilities.
Throughout his career, Jim achieved the Registered Recreation Facilities Administrator Designation from the Ontario Recreations Facilities Association and obtained the Certified Managerial Officer’s Designation from the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Association. From 2003 to 2008, he served as the President of the Kawartha Lakes Arena Managers Association and assumed the role of Treasurer from 2008 to 2023.
Beyond these noteworthy roles, Jim excelled in securing funding for Parks and Recreation Capital projects. Over the course of his career, the Municipality benefited from $3.5 million in grant funding from both federal and provincial government sources.
Jim said some of his favourite projects was developing the cenotaph and stage at Memorial Park in 2012 and the expansion to Brighton’s Community Centre in 2009, but Jim remembers fondly Applefest’s 40th Anniversary concert which saw Kim Mitchell and April Wine perform on the King Edward Park baseball field.
The Township thanks Millar for nearly three decades-worth of hard work and dedication. They will be holding a sendoff gathering Friday, Dec. 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the King Edward Park Arena Community Centre. Guests are encourages to wear their favourite sports jerseys. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP here https://forms.gle/u9p5t9A5xLTXopkq5
If you cannot make it but still want to wish Jim well, you can leave your best wishes online. https://forms.brighton.ca/Retirement-Well-Wishes-for-Jim….
Jim will officially leave the role December 31.
Written by: Noah Lorusso
