The Town of The Blue Mountains (TBM) is considering planting three trees and installing a plaque at town hall, in memory of former deputy mayor Rob Potter.
Potter, who died in November, tirelessly contributed to the community across decades of work as a community news editor and, more recently, through municipal politics.
The idea to commemorate the trees on his behalf stems in part from his work with the town's sustainability advisory committee and The Blue Mountains Sustainable Path, a 2010 document that seeks to foster sustainable growth and practices in TBM through 2060.
The idea to commemorate Potter with the trees was discussed at last week's sustainability advisory committee meeting.
"The notion ... is a wonderful connection to Deputy Mayor Potter's passion and commitment to the sustainability path of The Blue Mountains, not just the document 10 years ago, but the ongoing presence," said councillor Andrea Matrosovs.
Committee co-chair Pamela Spence thought that the trees would be a fitting way to commemorate Potter's work.
"I want to recognize his many years, not just the recent four years of influence on the community, [but also] his involvement with the sustainable path. I think planting [trees] with a plaque, memorializing that work is very fitting."
"It's carbon sequestration, it's a legacy that Rob, I think, would appreciate, and planting it on town hall soil would be, again, very fitting."
The committee stated it would accept donations through the town's finance department to erect the memorial plaque and trees, though it has the budget to cover the costs.
"Any donations would just offset the amount that we have available," said manager of sustainability and solid waste Jeff Fletcher.
While the motion to plant the trees has not yet been approved by council, the committee moved that councillor Andrea Matrosovs would bring the item up for discussion at council in the new year.
