October 5, 2006
For immediate release

SARNIA – Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Sarnia Kiwanis Foundation unveiled a provincial plaque and dedicated a community heritage garden commemorating The Honourable Pauline McGibbon. The plaque was unveiled by The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario; The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust and former Lieutenant-Governor; and The Honourable Caroline Di Cocco, Minister of Culture.

Born on October 20, 1910 in Sarnia, Ontario, Pauline McGibbon was a dedicated volunteer throughout her life. She attained senior positions in post-secondary institutions and arts organizations, and was the first woman to serve as the director of four major Canadian corporations: George Weston Ltd., IBM Canada Ltd., Imasco and Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. But she is perhaps best known for being the first female vice-regal representative in Canada, serving as Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario from 1974 to 1980.

"Pauline McGibbon left a lasting imprint on Ontario's history, both in her role as Lieutenant-Governor and through her lifelong commitment to volunteerism," said Mr. Bartleman. "I am delighted to see her commemorated for her dedication and service to the people of Ontario."

Prior to taking on the role of Lieutenant-Governor, McGibbon was an active volunteer with a special interest in improving community services and fostering culture, particularly theatre arts. This led to her involvement with the Dominion Drama Festival and later the Canadian Conference of the Arts. Her interest in education inspired her to work with the Children's Film Library of Canada; the Canadian Association for Adult Education; the University of Toronto, where she served as the first woman president of the Alumni Association and the first woman chancellor; and Upper Canada College, where she became the first woman governor.

"The Ontario Heritage Trust is pleased to be in Sarnia today to celebrate the life and work of Pauline McGibbon," said Mr. Alexander. "She was devoted to improving the lives of others, and we are proud to be honouring her contributions with this provincial plaque."

"While she was Lieutenant-Governor, Pauline McGibbon focused on advancing culture and the arts," said Minister Di Cocco. "At the end of her term in office, the Ontario government established the Pauline McGibbon honorary Award in Theatre Arts as a lasting recognition of her special interests. A true pioneer in the arts, she remains one of the most remarkable women in Ontario's history."

Following her tenure as Lieutenant-Governor, Mrs. McGibbon returned to advocacy efforts. Her passions remained volunteerism and the theatre. She became a director of Massey Hall and of Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, and vice-president and honorary patron of volunteers for the latter. She became the first woman chair of the board of trustees for the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, chaired the Toronto International Festival and became the honorary chair of the Sarnia Kiwanis Foundation as it embarked on the challenge of converting her old elementary school into the Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre.

"Sarnia Kiwanis Foundation is proud to partner with the Ontario Heritage Trust to commemorate The Honourable Pauline McGibbon – an amazing Canadian whose life was defined by voluntary service towards the betterment of people and strengthening of communities. Acknowledging Pauline McGibbon's lifetime achievements in Sarnia is an honour for our community and something Kiwanis has been proud to be a part of," said Sheila Donald, Chair of Sarnia Kiwanis Foundation.

In May 1995, Pauline McGibbon suffered a stroke. Don, her husband of 61 years, died the following year. Her health gradually declined and McGibbon died on December 14, 2001, at the age of 91. She is buried next to her husband at Sarnia Lakeview Cemetery.

This unveiling is part of the Trust's Provincial Plaque Program that commemorates significant people, places and events in Ontario's history. Since 1953, nearly 1,200 provincial plaques have been unveiled.

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

– 30 –

Contact:

Catrina Colme
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Ontario Heritage Trust
Telephone: 416-325-5074
E-mail: catrina.colme@heritagetrust.on.ca