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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, August 7, 2014 | 6 `As they say, the rest is history': Councillor Keith Bird by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Spotlight "Connected to your Community" atching Oakville evolve over the last four decades as a Town and Regional councillor has been one of the most rewarding parts of his job, says Keith Bird. "It's been a labour of love," the 72-year-old told the Oakville Beaver as he re ected on his long career in public service, one that began in 1976. Bird takes pride in knowing he played a part in bringing the Towne Square clock tower to downtown Oakville. Remembering the day he expressed interest in the clock as he ipped through a catalogue with then-Burlington Mayor Walter Mulkewich, the veteran politician said he brought the idea to the table a few years later when the Town of Oakville undertook a millennium project. "The rest is history, as they say," he said, noting that it was just a small street furniture type of idea that has now become a symbol of the downtown. The veteran councillor recently announced he will not seek reelection in the Oct. 27 municipal election. Although it has been a very gratifying role, one from which he admits it is dif cult to walk away, he believes now is the right time to step back from public service. Just as it was a family decision to enter politics, he said it is a family decision to retire from it. "It has been a great privilege and honour to represent and serve the residents of southeast Oakville on council for 36 years, and I am now looking forward to spending more time travelling with (my wife) Gail and enjoying time with our grandchildren." With the challenges the town will be facing over the next few years, he said he's looking forward to seeing how new council members address the issues. Issues remain the same "The problems today are not dissimilar to the problems of the past," he said, adding trying to balance growth and keeping Oakville's charm and character has been a reoccurring debate. When Bird entered politics, council was split on how to deal with the development of downtown Oakville, he said. Some thought it should look like a mini Toronto with tall buildings and more density while others wanted to keep the quaintness and character of a small town. He said building the rst heritage district was also a challenge with residents hesitant about how this would affect the value of their homes and their livelihoods. But once in place, others began to see the value in maintaining the charm of the community. "It was an incredible process that people got over the fear," he said. Now, the town boasts four heritage districts, with the latest one -- downtown Oakville -- established just last year. Other career highlights for Bird include working with countless volunteers and community leaders who work tirelessly to Keith Bird preserve and enhance the great features of Oakville, such as the cherished downtown, heritage districts, trails, valleys, parks and waterfront. Bird said he made some great friends from simply knocking on doors and getting to know the community. Being part of the ght against a power plant being built in Oakville four years ago has also been memorable, Bird added. Recalling those who gave up their time to rally by the hundreds at Queen's Park and push back on a decision that needed to be reversed, he said. "That was an emotional moment for me. It still is. "Standing there, I was really proud," he continued. "A lot were from this particular ward. I went by bus with them and to get that many people mobilized on an issue, I'd like to feel I had a little part in getting the wheels running on that." It's those kinds of memories, he added, that he'll continue to hold onto as he steps out of his role as a councillor. He's proud of also having contributed to putting in place the W Standing there, I was really proud. A lot were from this particular ward. I went by bus with them and to get that many people mobilized on an issue, I'd like to feel I had a little part in getting the wheels running on that. Councillor Keith Bird Ward 3 nancial policies and practices that have ensured future generations would not be overburdened with excessive debt and infrastructure renewal costs. The councillor said he'll sorely miss being in public service and working with politicians, many of whom have become great friends outside of council chambers. A friend's perspective One of those friends include Milton Mayor Gord Krantz, who said Bird has not only made an impact on the community of Oakville, but all of Halton. Having known him for more than 35 years, Krantz, who has been in public service for more than 50 years, said he and Bird, for the most part, always seemed to be on the same page when it came to the issues that affected their respective municipalities and Halton. Bird served for quite a few years on the Halton Region Police Services Board and took an active role in dealing with budget pressures, said Krantz. "He dealt with them well and quite fairly, too," said the Milton mayor, noting there was some adverse publicity for his stance to the "double-digit increases" that were being proposed at the time. "Keith was one of the very few that stood up and said `I don't think it's right, I don't think it's proper,'" said Krantz. The two are also on the Halton Region Conservation Authority board and Halton Regional council together. Milton's mayor said they have both always had the environment in mind and are of the same mindset that residential growth should be balanced with industrial and commercial growth. Krantz said he wishes Bird and his family well. "I'm certain he'll be missed by his constituents there," he said, noting that he suspects Bird will enjoy some well-deserved time on the golf course, and with his grandchildren and wife. Over his 36 years in elected of ce, the veteran municipal politician has served with four different mayors and more than 100 different councillors. Bird noted one common characteristic they all shared was a commitment and desire to make Oakville the best community in Ontario. "I want to thank my family, friends and supporters who have afforded me the unique opportunity to serve this wonderful community," he said. 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