A D250 holiday party

A celebration to honour longtime councillor Harry McInroy and 20 other outstanding citizens will be held on Dec. 18 at Cole Harbour Place.

The Democracy 250 Holiday Reception and Celebration is being held to mark the 250th anniversary of the first parliament in Canada.

"It is also a great time to thank someone like Harry McInroy, who represented Cole Harbour on municipal council for more than 27 years," said MLA Becky Kent, who is hosting the event along with fellow MLA and Leader of the Opposition Darrell Dexter.

"It is wonderful to have a holiday reception together and honour those who have made our community so special from both our ridings."

Each MLA in the province was provided with 15 medallions and the criteria for their use in honouring constituents in 2008. The strong focus of the D250 initiative is on youth, democratic renewal, reaching the next generation of voters and encouraging a public dialogue on the importance of democracy.

And although Kent said she wishes she could have honoured everyone who has contributed to their community, she said it was a privilege for her to pick the outstanding citizens from so many categories. Youth, seniors, community leaders, women, disabled persons and those who have contributed in areas that create positive impacts on the community will be recognized.

McInroy said he is looking forward to reflecting on his years of public service.

"I know so many people in the community and I feel a camaraderie with so many folks that I encounter on the streets, in the shops and all around," said McInroy. "That just continues to make Cole Harbour what it has always been to me, my home, my friends and my comfort zone."

The celebration is open to the public and takes place at Cole Harbour Place in the Westphal Room from 7 p.m. till 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18.

joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca