Long time councillor honoured

A long time councillor’s accomplishments were honoured on Friday.

Mayor Mitch Panciuk dedicated September 25, 2020 as Selma Bochnek Day in the City of Belleville.

The splash pad at Parkdale Park was also dedicated in her name.

Bochnek was humbled to receive such a recognition but noted she didn’t do it on her own.

“And I do mean all, we all accomplished. So many of you here this afternoon and others made it possible for me to do the many things that you’ve heard I’ve been involved with.”

Panciuk jokingly said what Selma Bochnek was able to accomplish, not only in terms of what she has done for the community, but also her number of years dedicated to being a city councillor, was compared to a life sentence.

“Twenty-five years, this is a remarkable accomplishment in municipal politics and one which is rarely attained. Selma is a real pillar in our community, having touched so many people’s lives and organizations in the Belleville area.”

He said only someone selfless in their service and devotion to community could devote that many years to the betterment of the community.

She was a councillor from 1978-2000 and from 2003-2006.

Bochnek volunteered in the community prior to getting into municipal politics and continues to volunteer to this day.

Bochnek says she was blown away the city named a day in her honour along with a monument highlighting her dedication to the city.

“When Mayor Panciuk said something about honouring former members of council, in my opinion I thought he was talking about the mayors, and I said yes, I think it’s a good idea. Never did I, I was surprised when I got a call that there was going to be this day so yes, I was really taken aback.”

Bochnek was a part of getting the Christmas Sharing program, Volunteer and Information Quinte and Quinte Destination for Youth Organization running, as well as being involved with the Belleville nurse practitioner led clinic and the Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary.

“Today we recognize a true giant that the Belleville of today owes a great deal to. Selma along with her colleagues on the city council she served on have left us with an amazing city. We are grateful for their stewardship and the advantages we have today.”

Many of Bochnek’s former councillors along with former mayors Mary Ann Sills and Ross McDougall were in attendance for the ceremony.

Bochnek says she hopes she can continue to volunteer as long as she is able.