Walter Borthwick

Walter Borthwick

Mayor of Wasaga Beach

(1978-2003)

Born in Brantford, ON, in 1944, Walter Borthwick moved to Oakview Beach (now part of Wasaga Beach) with his family when he was a 10-year-old boy.

The Borthwick's ran a local grocery store and gas station on Mosley Street, a few blocks west of the current-day Schoonertown Bridge.

Walter attended high school in nearby Collingwood and after graduation started working at the family business. Shortly after, he married Elaine, his high school sweetheart, and they had three daughters.

While in school, Walter developed an interest in politics and in 1969 accepted an appointment to the Village of Wasaga Beach Planning Board. While involved with the board, he worked on a joint exercise with the province to create a Provincial Park in Wasaga Beach.

In 1973, provincial legislation established the Town of Wasaga Beach. Walter ran for office and in 1974 was elected as a town councillor in the newly created municipality, which had a population of 4,000 people. Following two terms as a councillor, Walter ran for mayor – a job he held for the next 25 years.

Walter led the town through a period of significant change. Under his leadership as mayor, water and sewer investments, new roads, substantial residential and commercial growth, as well as new schools, parks, a new library, were all established. The result of this change was a more diverse, vibrant, and year-round community.

When Walter left office in 2003, the town’s population was approximately 16,000 people and Wasaga Beach was one of the fastest growing communities in the country.

Walter was passionate about his community and took great pride in leading change that would benefit everyone. By way of his political career, his family business, and his commitment to volunteerism, Walter became acquainted with many people. He passed away on January 23, 2022. He will be remembered both personally and professionally by all who crossed his path.

Please see below for key highlights of Walter’s life:

• Moved to Wasaga Beach in 1954.
• Appointed to Village of Wasaga Beach Planning Board in 1969.
• Elected Councillor for Town of Wasaga Beach in 1974 for 2 terms.
• Elected Mayor of Wasaga Beach in 1978 and served in that office for 25 consecutive years until 2003.
• Masonic member of Northern Light Lodge No. 2066 - 50 year Freemason.
• Referee with Ontario Hockey Association for 12 years.
• Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Board Trustee for 12 years, then joined the CGMH Foundation Board and served for 8 years including 2 years as Foundation Board Chair.
• Appointed in 1998 by the Province to the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) and Board Chair in 2001.
• Board of Directors appointment for Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities in 2006.
• Charter member (1984) of the Wasaga Beach Rotary Club- President 2007-2008 and Paul Harris Fellow.  
• Avid Golfer- Huge Toronto Argonauts Fan- Travel Enthusiast and a Connoisseur of a fine Single Malt Scotch.
• Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend of many.
• Wasaga Beach’s biggest fan.