Water treatment plant name honours Steve Carroll
Administrator | Feb 12, 2011 | Comments 5
By Ross Lees
Former County employee, the late Steve Carroll, will receive recognition he so richly deserves.
A report presented to the committee of the whole Thursday afternoon by chief administrative officer Dick Shannon recommends that Picton’s new waste water treatment facility be dedicated as the “M. Steven Carroll Treatment Facility – Picton Waste Water Treatment Plant” at official opening
ceremonies in the spring.
Shannon pointed out in his report that Carroll had worked from virtually the beginning of the project well into its construction before he retired even though he was eligible for retirement early on the project’s development. Even after his retirement, he continued to follow the construction of the
plant.
Carroll had worked as commissioner of public works and as county engineer for more than 25 years, Shannon said, adding “he was totally dedicated to the municipality.”
“In my opinion, the commissioning of this new waste water treatment facility is a study of perseverance and determination and is a hallmark of the late commissioner’s career of public service. I cannot advocate strongly enough that the new facility should bear his name in recognition of his service to the County and specifically to this much-needed project.”
Both councillors Kevin Gale and Bev Campbell complimented Shannon on his proposal.
Gale said it was a fitting proposal. Campbell added she “can’t think of a better way to honour Steve. Steve facilitated that process, was part of the exhaustive analysis of the options and ultimately produced an excellent project. It is largely because of Steve we got where we are.”
Carroll died Oct. 17, 2010 after a brief illness. He is the husband of Linda and father of Matt and his wife Laura of Stouffville and Joe and his wife Victoria of Picton.
Filed Under: Local News
I completly agree with Debra. I wish with hopeful wishes that a facility such as a waste treatment facilty not be named after any particular person as this is a dishonar to to thier service, even if they were the driving force.
Steve Carroll was so much more and should be remembered as such. He touched many generations, with the commmunity as well as personal.
Steve needs to be remembered as the “vision” of the County that he was, as well as the mentor, friend and leader that many knew him to be.
What was intended as a public tribute to the dedication of a former county employee should not be tainted by criticism. It’s impossible to name a park, building, or nature trail for every individual who has admirably served the town and county, either in a paid position or as a volunteer. If a policy regarding such action is needed as a future guideline for council, it should not be proposed on the heels of a suggestion to honour a particular individual. If members of Mr. Carroll’s family are following this dialogue it has to be hurtful and embarrassing for them. It could certainly diminish their pride and pleasure in what was intended as a gesture of recognition for a man who is remembered with respect by his former employers.
Re Debra’s comment, taxpayers of PEC do not pay for the plant. It is only wastewater ratepayers in Picton and Wellington who pay for it.
Not a good idea–would you want a sewage plant named after you??????
Lets just stick with PEC Waste water plant
Meaning no disrespect to Mr. Carroll, I find it very curious that council in the past would negate any idea of naming a park after a long term councillor and youth advocate who had spent just as many years serving the community, yet would consider naming a treatment facility after an employee who was paid well for doing his job which included the water treatment plant.
Active community personalities like Donald King served our community in council positions including Mayor, as well as volunteer positons, yet no one has rushed to the forefront to honour him. And what of Ron Everall who championed the youth initiatives in this community, serving as councillor and volunteer for years. Councillor Campbell was not in favour of any recognition for him. Neither of these men received substantial salaries to do this work.
Moving to the private sector, Jack Ward, ex county engineer, philanthropist and community champion. Jack and his wife Ruby’s benevolence certainly warrants recognition.
I beleive the water treatment plant should be called Prince Edward County Water Treatment Plant. That way it honours all of those who are paying for it and those who took an active interest in attempting to control the costs of design.
According to Councillor Gayle we had to host a hospitality suite at ROMA conference in honor of Mr. Carroll. Is that not sufficient.