Mayor Siscoe Releases Statement Regarding Passing of former Mayor, Alan Unwin

It is with deep sadness that we received news of the passing of former Mayor of St. Catharines, Alan Unwin.

Unwin's unwavering commitment to serving the public was evident throughout his career, from his position as Principal of Carlton School and Ferndale School in St. Catharines to his leadership of the St. Catharines Transit Commission in the mid-1980s.

His dedication to the community was further showcased when he successfully campaigned for Mayor in late 1994, emerging victorious among nine other candidates in a fiercely competitive election. Unwin's influence stretched beyond the local sphere, as he took on the role of chairman for the Ontario Urban Mayors Caucus in 1997, playing a key part in discussions with the provincial government of Mike Harris regarding service cost distribution.

During his tenure, he took pride in numerous achievements, such as securing substantial provincial and federal funding for the enhancement of the Henley rowing course into a top-tier facility. Additionally, he guided the city through the aftermath of the death of Kristen French, aiding in the ongoing healing process of the City and its residents.

His legacy is honoured at the starting point of the Green Ribbon trail – as a tribute and memorial to the hardship the community endured. Furthermore, Unwin was the initiator and inaugural head of the Large Urban Mayor’s Caucus of Ontario – a group advocating for and progressing issues affecting larger urban areas of the province with both levels of government. This organization remains active to this day (now known as Ontario’s Big City Mayors – OBCM), carrying on the work that was initiated during his time as Mayor of St. Catharines.

“Alan Unwin’s legacy of service and advocacy has left an indelible mark on the fabric of our community, inspiring myself and hopefully others to follow in his footsteps and continue the important work he started,” said Mayor Mat Siscoe.

Unwin’s political acumen and commitment to public welfare were truly admirable, and his passing is a significant loss to the St. Catharines community and beyond. His ability to navigate the complexities of governance with finesse and his tireless efforts to champion causes that uplifted the lives of many will be remembered for years to come.