The gallery at Mississippi Mills council chambers was filled with councillor Denny Ferguson’s family, past council members, staff, and dignitaries recently to celebrate his retirement from politics after 35 years of public service, representing the residents of Pakenham. It’s a milestone only a small handful of elected members across the province can match. In the next council, Tavis Joron will take up the task after being acclaimed to the position.
Mayor Christa Lowry, area MPP John Jordan, councillors, and Ferguson’s son, took to the podium to wish him well and thank him for his many years of dedicated service. Elected long before social media made its presence, Ferguson was well known for his promise to return every phone call, albeit with a warning that the caller may not like his answer, as he was also known as a straight-shooter that minced no words. Ferguson said after 35 years it was time for a new face.
Ferguson easily made the transformation from Pakenham Township council to Mississippi Mills’ horseshoe after amalgamation in 1998 and continued to seamlessly and effectively represent his community. Even his highlights of helping to create new community facilities involved work to keep them up during his exceptionally long term of service.
For 35 years, Denny Ferguson has had a front-row seat to the changes that shaped his community — from the days of Pakenham Township to the creation of Mississippi Mills and beyond. Now he is stepping away, leaving behind a legacy measured not just in years served, but in the community he helped shape.
Hear our complete conversation with Ferguson below.
Story by Brian Turner
