Councillor Donna Reid, who served the residents of Ward 1 since 2010, passed away this morning just before 6 a.m. at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener.
"It is with a great sadness that I extend our deepest condolences on behalf of the City of Cambridge and Cambridge City Council to Donna’s family and close friends,” said Mayor Jan Liggett.
“Donna was known for her advocacy for more inclusive policies and practices within municipal government. She fiercely protected the rights of women and championed the causes of her constituents. She leaves a wonderful legacy in our city.”
Councillor Reid is remembered for her work in making Cambridge an "age-friendly city", and supporting initiatives like free menstrual supplies in city facilities, the work of the Canadian Federation of University Women in Cambridge and advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion for all.
Born in Woodstock, Reid’s family moved to Preston when she was 16. She lived in Cambridge ever since.
Reid was a retired teacher from the Waterloo Region District School Board and served as executive director of the Waterloo County Women Teachers’ Association as well as countless other organizations including Cambridge Women’s Crisis Shelter, Planned Parenthood, the Cara Community Club and the Waterloo County Women Teachers’ Association.
She joined City Council in 2010 as Ward 1 councillor and consistently applied her personal values and experiences to her work within her ward and across the City.
Reid was re-elected to the office of councillor for Ward 1 in the 2022 municipal election.
Flags at City Hall will be lowered to half-mast in Councillor Reid’s honour. Books of condolence will be available at City Hall beginning tomorrow for staff and members of the public to express their condolences.
Details for funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
