Town councillors, staff, and friends and family of Bill Marks gathered at the trail between Parkside Court and Compton Crescent Wednesday evening for the unveiling of the Bill Marks Trail and Greenspace.
Marks had previously been the lead hand at the Bradford Post Office but is known in the community for his work as a former town councillor (1986-1992) and avid volunteer. Among his volunteerism, Marks has coached hockey, served as president of the softball league, worked with Big Brothers, and is a major part in the BWG Local History Association.
“This is very fitting to be able to have Bill’s name on a plaque representing a greenspace and trail coming into Bradford,” said Mayor Rob Keffer. “Bill has always been involved in the community on many levels. Thank you for your many years contributing to the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. This sign dedication will be a lasting reminder to the people of this town of your many contributions.”
Marks was a founding member of the history association and in 2001 he was part of the WEGWHIST project, that put together the seminal two-volume history of West Gwillimbury, ‘Governor Simcoe Slept Here.’
“It’s an amazing book and an amazing accomplishment,” said Keffer. “When you look at the volunteers involved with that, they brought the community together, and Bill you were a big part of that, so thank you."
In 2007, Marks received the Volunteer of the Year award from the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. In 2011, he was inducted into the South Simcoe Wall of Honour at the Museum on the Boyne in Alliston and in 2015 he received the Ontario Heritage Award for lifetime achievement at Queens Park from the lieutenant governor.
“This was unexpected, and I just can’t believe it,” said Marks. “I’d like to thank the mayor and members of council. When I heard about the sign going up and what council had done, I couldn’t believe it, so I had to come and see it for myself. When I saw it, it gave me such a big boost. I’m at a loss for words. Whenever you’re out here, sit down, it’s a beautiful view, and just enjoy life and how good it is in Bradford. People really enjoy this area and I’m glad that it’s been put into conservation like this and won’t be rammed full of homes. It’ll be here for a long, long time—forever I hope.”
As a volunteer in Bradford for decades, Marks explained why he’s so passionate about volunteerism and how it’s the foundation of community and will become even more important as the town grows.
“I can’t wait to see bigger and better things in Bradford, it’s a growing town,” Marks said. “We just have to keep thinking positive but if people don’t step up and we don’t have volunteers, nothing will ever happen. It doesn’t take much, even if it’s just an hour per week.”
“Words of wisdom from Bill,” said Deputy Mayor James Leduc. “It’s about building a community through volunteerism, and Bill you’ve represented that so well.”
