He passed up the idea of a birthday party, but Councillor Doug Shipley found a unique way to celebrate his milestone day.
The Barrie city councillor is using the money that could have been spent on a party to pay for a table at the upcoming Base Borden Centennial Ball.
"I have been looking for a charity fund to support and I will use the money that would have gone to the party to personally support this fund to the tune of the amount on this page," Shipley said.
He was reacting to a motion on the general committee meeting for Council to buy a table at the gala for $3,000.
The resolution, presented by Mayor Jeff Lehman, was allow city veterans to attend for free.
"I just can’t support tax payers going to this," Shipley said. "Hopefully, people watching tonight will also get together and support."
Councillor Michael Prowse offered to split the $3,000 cost or purchase an additional table. Councillor Peter Silveira then added his support, to the tune of $500.
"I have been very consistent on this type of thing," Prowse said. “Just because we have the ability to spend tax payers money doesn’t mean that we should.”
"No municipalities should be buying tables at fund-raisers, balls or galas."
The original motion was unanimously defeated and Mayor Jeff Lehman suggested that councillors can work out private sponsorships.
"This is quite a twist," Lehman said, after hearing Shipley's plan. "I wasn’t expecting this."
Lehman also said he will contribute cash to the gala sponsorship.
"I think your offer is immensely generous," he concluded.
The Ball will be held on June 9 at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.100yearsoffreedom.ca/en/events.html#centennial-ball
