Two long-time northern leaders have been named winners of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Air Ronge mayor Gordon Stomp and former Buffalo Narrows mayor Bobby Woods have both been recognized for their long years of dedicated service.
Stomp has served as mayor of his community — almost exclusively since 1972.
He says the opportunity to meet people and bring development to the village are two of his favourite things about coming to work:
“Well seeing achievements within our community. Small achievements are big for our community. Also meeting people and getting to understand where other people are coming from in different parts of the province.”
Woods says he was surprised to hear his name chosen as a winner of the medal.
The Buffalo Narrows resident has served his community for 15 years as well as serving on New North, SUMA and various provincial boards including the Northern Revenue Sharing Trust Account.
He says he’s enjoyed working with the public and was encouraged to take a run at the mayor’s chair by a former leader in the village:
“I was convinced by the late mayor Richard Waite to run and I did and with his support and the support of the community I got in, made a few changes and started the Buffalo Narrows Economic Development Corporation.”
Woods says he appreciates the recognition and is honoured and humbled to receive the award.