“Councillor Garcia was a leader who believed in the power of community and worked tirelessly to champion the causes that mattered most to the people he served. His dedication to issues like the arts, maintaining the heritage of Port Dalhousie and enhancing access to our beautiful Lake Ontario and beaches left an indelible mark on our city.” – from a Statement circulated on Monday, December 9th, 2024 by St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe
From the City of St. Catharines with a Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper
Posted December 10th, 2024 on Niagara At Large
A Few Words of Tribute From Doug Draper – As I struggle to write these words, I am still trying to process this.
Carlos Garcia
When I opened my inbox in the late afternoon of this past Monday, November 9th to an email with the heading; ‘City of St. Catharines Pays Tribute to Councillor N. Carlos Garcia’ I froze for a few seconds before saying; “Oh no. Don’t tell me what I think I am about to read. I can’t believe it.”
I would not be surprised if many others who received this news reacted the same way.
With the sudden, untimely passing of Carlos Garcia, a professional urban planner and (alongside his good friend and fellow council colleague Bruce Williamson) a representative on St. Catharines council for Port Dalhousie (Ward 6), his city and all of Niagara have lost a very wise and caring voice for growing our communities in ways that are people-friendly and affordable, and that protect and preserve their history and character.
Words like “passionate” and “principled” may seem overused at times, but Carlos was the living definition of what those words mean when it came to his efforts to protect and preserve our man-made and natural heritage in this region.
In those efforts, he locked arms with others across Niagara who shared his values, including Patrick Robson, a former planner for Niagara’s regional government, and Pamela Minns, a long-time, leading member on the City of Thorold’s Heritage Committee – two other of our region’s greatest community activists that we lost earlier this year.
As reporter who has tried to raise awareness about the need to protect what we have left of our heritage in Niagara, they were always people that I could call and learn so much from. And I know I am not the only one who will forever remember and miss them.
Niagara At Large will have more on the passing of Carlos Garcia if and when there is a memorial gathering organized for him.
In the meantime, my condolences to his family and many friends.
R.I.P. Carlos. You, of all people, deserve it.
Now here is the tribute from the City of St. Catharines –
Carlos Garcia at the iconic old carousel in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines
The City of St. Catharines is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Councillor Carlos Garcia, who represented Ward 6 (Port Dalhousie) since his election to City Council in 2014.
Councillor Garcia’s dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the community have left a profound impact on St. Catharines, and flags have been lowered to half mast at all City facilities until further notice in his honour.
Councillor Garcia’s contributions extended across numerous committees and task forces. Since this term of Council started in 2022, he served as Chair of the Budget Standing Committee, a member of the St. Catharines Hydro Inc. Board, the Performing Arts Centre Board, the Canine Control Hearing Committee, the 2029 Welland Canals Project Task Force, and the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force.
During the 2018 to 2022 term, Councillor Garcia was the Chair of the Cultural Pillar Committee while also serving on the Canine Control Hearing Committee, the Organizational Effectiveness Task Force, the Performing Arts Centre Board, the St. Catharines Hydro Inc. Board, the 2029 Welland Canals Project Task Force, the Development Studies Task Force, the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force, and the Surplus Lands Development Task Force.
From 2014 to 2018, his early contributions to Council included membership on the Port Dalhousie Business Association, the Advisory Committee Review Task Force, the Budget Standing Committee, the St. Catharines Hydro Inc. Board, and the Vicious Dog Appeal Committee, which was later renamed the Canine Control Hearing Committee.
In addition to his municipal responsibilities, Councillor Garcia served on Niagara Regional Council, after being appointed Oct. 1, 2009, through to the end of the term in 2010. His regional leadership further underscored his commitment to addressing complex issues and improving the quality of life for residents across Niagara.
As Chair of the Budget Standing Committee, Councillor Garcia played a pivotal role in establishing St. Catharines’ inaugural multi-year budget, a significant milestone in advancing the city’s financial sustainability and planning. His leadership in this capacity will leave a legacy of accountability and progress.
Throughout his tenure, Councillor Garcia was a passionate advocate for heritage preservation, environmental stewardship, and responsible urban planning. His work reflected his steadfast dedication to maintaining the cultural and historical fabric of the community he served in Port Dalhousie.
The City extends its condolences to Councillor Garcia’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as they become available.
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe has issued a statement reflecting on Councillor Garcia’s contributions and legacy. It can be read in full here – <https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/news/statement-from-mayor-siscoe-on-the-passing-of-councillor-n-carlos-garcia.aspx>.
To read two related tributes posted on Niagara At Large, click on the following links – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2024/02/01/niagara-has-lost-one-of-its-most-passionate-advocates-for-heritage-preservation/
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