Beattie retires from Cornwall police board
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The Cornwall Police Services Board bid a fond adieu to one its members Thursday, as William (Bill) E. Beattie attended his final meeting.
Beattie, one of two members of the board appointed by the province, has been a member of the board since January 2019. His term was extended to September of this year by the province. He has not re-applied to remain on the board.
Chair Coun. Elaine MacDonald presented Beattie with a gift on behalf of the board, and thanked him for his service, noting that he has not just given his time to the police services board but also a number of other community organizations and agencies, calling his work in the community stalwart.
“You are an admirable citizen; your commitment to civic participation and engagement provides a good mentoring model for everyone to know and admire,” MacDonald said.
Chief Shawna Spowart also thanked Beattie for his contributions, characterizing his contributions to board discussions and meetings as thought-provoking. She referred to Beattie’s consistent support for the service to get into using hybrid vehicles to lower fuel costs and is carbon footprint.
“Rest assured, you’ve left a legacy,” Spowart said, warm-heartedly sharing she would be reminded of him and his advocacy every time she thought about the police response to speeding.
Beattie received his compliments with humility, extending his own thanks to his board colleagues and police service staff and saying Cornwall is very fortunate to have the police service it does.
“I’ve enjoyed the time that I’ve spent here, and I hope I’ve done an admirable job and contributed properly, in a truthful and honest way,” Beattie said. “What more could I ask for, and what more could I say?”
Beattie said he remains involved in one civic matter, as one of the long-standing members of the Cornwall Community Woodhouse Museum Board, which is one of Cornwall city council’s advisory boards.
Beattie’s departure marks the start of a period of change for the Cornwall police services board.
The Oct. 24 municipal election will see members elected to the 2022-24 term of council, which selects two police services board members— the mayor is a member by default, and council appoints a second member, meaning by December the police services board could see two new people in the city’s seats.
Current board vice-chair Michel Payette is the other provincial appointee, whose term will come to an end in January 2025.
Individuals living within Cornwall, who can pass a comprehensive police records check, understand the role of the board, are involved in the community, and have good communications skills can apply through the Ministry of the Solicitor General / Public Appointments Secretariat. Appointments are made by the cabinet, on the advice of the secretariat.
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