Newmarket's Dave Kerwin retires after 4 decades of political service

Yorkregion.com
July 9, 2018
Teresa Latchford

After serving Newmarket for nearly four decades, Dave Kerwin is hanging up his political hat.

The current Town of Newmarket Ward 2 Coun. was first elected in 1976 and served until 1994 and was elected again in 1997 and has continued to serve until he recently announced his retirement come the municipal election in October. But stepping down from his position on town council doesn’t mean this town has seen the last of Kerwin.

“Newmarket is tattooed on my soul,” he said. “I have no intention of leaving this beautiful town.”

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Newmarket has changed and evolved so much between his start at the political table and now. Kerwin said there is so much to be proud of. He was an advocate for the renovation of the Old Town Hall on Botsford Street, which now serves as a hub for gatherings, the arts and culture.

He is nothing less than proud of having a hand in the revitalization of Newmarket’s historic Main Street followed by the completion of Riverwalk Commons, a space thousands of residents and visitors enjoy every year.

“The revitalization of downtown took 30 years but now it’s so vibrant,” he said. “Being at Riverwalk on Canada Day and seeing so many people enjoying what we constructed, well there’s nothing more satisfying.”

He listed off the construction of the Magna Centre, the purchase of the Stickwood Walker farm and the creation of the Tom Taylor Trail as accomplishments he hopes generations to come will enjoy.

In recognition of his dedication to the environment, the town named a trail after him in the northwest quadrant.

“While I had a hand in all these things over the years, I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of my family, community, fellow councillors and town staff,” he said.

While he isn’t sure what the cards hold in the long term, Kerwin first plans to travel with his wife Erika to Australia to visit family for a few months.

“The years he has served leaves a trail of victories,” Mayor Tony Van Bynen said. “Dave is a good boy scout, leaving the camp in better shape than when he arrived.”