Bathurst awards keys to the city to three recipients

Mayor Kim Chamberlain presented the honorary keys to the city to three recipients. Robert Desjardins and Noella Aubé, as well as Audrey Ronalds honored at a ceremony held Thursday May 9th during an evening ceremony at the K.C. Irving Regional Centre.

Desjardins and Aubé created a publicly available walking park on their own land on Youghall Drive, that includes a paved parking lot, a swinging bridge, a gazebo look-out, and many other features that have made the walking park a privileged destination, one that is well used and enjoyed by countless families, people of all ages, and for many, their dogs as well. Their efforts have also motivated friends, likeminded individuals, and visitors to offer and assist in further developing and enhancing the walking park experience.

Ronalds is actively involved with the Bathurst Rotary Club, through its many fundraising efforts for community causes. She has spearheaded the “Spirit of Christmas” initiative over a number of years, to collect food and provide delivery to seniors in the city during Christmas time. She has also been involved in various youth committees and initiatives, either coordinating or assisting in activities such as a tree planting project in Coronation Park or many street cleanup efforts, part of city beautification projects.

“These individuals have given of themselves selflessly to other citizens and causes, and continue to do so with such heart. We’re benefactors of their generous deeds and we truly thank them for their generosity. It’s truly a gift to know of their contributions”, Mayor Chamberlain said.

The Key to the City is a symbolic honour that a municipality bestows on community members who have made an impact on the lives of the residents of the city. The recipients were nominated by Council members.