Huge crowd out for Emil Kolb’s retirement

November 14, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
Everything has to come to an end, including Emil Kolb’s time as chair of Peel Region.
Kolb, 78, will be retiring from the post he has occupied for 23 years early next month, but Friday evening saw his retirement Hootenanny, and the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton was packed with people bringing him and his wife Beryle best wishes for the future. He has been holding these annual events for several years, with proceeds going to various children’s charities.
Fred Biro, executive director of the Peel Regional Police Service Board (who was also Emcee for the evening), commented that over the years, the Hootenanny has raised more than $2 million.
Peel CAO David Szwarc reflected on the time Kolb has occupied the Chair’s office.
“The world in 23 years is a radically different place,” he observed, adding Kolb’s presence has been “the only thing unchanged in that very changing environment.”
“You have never looked at problems,” Szwarc told Kolb. “Instead, you have always tried to pick out opportunities.”
He also wished the Kolbs the best for the future.
“We wish you both a retirement blessed with good health and happiness,” he said. “You have so much to look back on with pride.”
“Anyone who knows Emil knows he holds Caledon near and dear to his heart,” Biro commented as he introduced Mayor Marolyn Morrison.
She recalled her first election victory in 1988, when she became a school trustee. Morrison said Kolb was one of the first to congratulate her and invite her to his office (he was mayor of Caledon at the time).
“I was petrified,” she recalled, adding she had never met him.
Morrison recalled Kolb was very down to earth as he made her feel comfortable, assuring her she could call him any time.
After becoming a Regional councillor in 1994, Morrison said she learned a lot from listening to Kolb’s wisdom and the way he dealt with issues. Many of the policies Caledon is benefitting from, including the tri-nodal growth strategy, started with Kolb, she said.
“Emil looks at all things and he weighs it and he’s always fair,” Morrison said. “That’s a leader.”
She added she’s always been impressed with Kolb’s innovative and forward thinking, wonderering “Why doesn’t my brain work like that?”
Peel Regional Police Chief Jennifer Evans thanked Kolb for his years chairing the Police Services Board.
She also observed there have been a lot of changes since the service was formed 40 years ago, with the Region’s population growing from 334,000 to more than 1.3 million, making it one of the fastest growing and diverse communities around.
“We are known for excellence in policing,” she declared, adding Kolb’s forward thinking has been a major contributor to that, with his determination to advance the interests of residents of the region.
Evans also observed Kolb is the longest serving Police Board member in Canada, having been appointed in 1992. He’s also the longest serving chair, having taken the position in 1996.
Evans pointed out Peel has the third largest police service in Canada.
“Thanks to Emil, we may be third in size, but we’re first in everything else,” she declared.
Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion, who is also stepping down early next month, reflected that she and Kolb are the only members left from the original Regional council that was formed 40 years ago.
“He and I started together, and we’re leaving together,” she remarked.
“If you want a job done and you want it done in a very efficient and effective way, call a farmer,” she added.
McCallion praised the leadership Kolb brought to the position. She said he would listen to debates, “then he would take charge of the issue in his very effective, slow way.”
“Emil has been the best,” she said as she thanked him for all his contributions to the community. “In my opinion, Peel Region is the best region.”
Former Premier Bill Davis was pleased to see McCallion finally agreeing with Regional government.
“I’m delighted to be here,” Davis said. “I’ve known Emil a long time and I know what he’s accomplished.”
He also thanked Kolb for the leadership he’s demonstrated. “You’ve been an excellent chairman of the Region,” he said.
Amanda Schaefer and Karen Davis spoke of some of their times with their grandfather (the Kolbs have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren), recalling his endless supply of gummy bears, and his seemingly endless energy. They projected that any “honey-do” list waiting for him will be exhausted by spring.
Kolb looked to the future in his remarks.
“Children are our future,” he observed, pointing to the importance in Canada of making sure all young people get the best possible education, stressing that the funds raised from his Hootenanny has always gone to children’s charities.
“I know that 50 years is a long time,” he said, adding he has met a lot of special people over the years.
“It is true when I started my political career in 1965 I had no intention of ever being a politician,” she said.
Kolb also reflected on his time at the helm of Regional council.
“I believe I have done what I committed to when I ran for regional Chair,” he remarked, adding the Region paid off its debts and has since built reserves, to the tune of about $1.9 billion. “That will take us a long way into the future.”
Kolb also praised the work of staff, both at the Region and in the police service.
“I’ve been able to accomplish a lot in my career,” he commented, adding the advice, “Always stand tall, tell the truth and always take the heat when it’s necessary to take it.”
“Public service really matters,” Kolb declared, adding he went to work every day believing he could make a difference, and that no problem couldn’t be overcome.
“My family has always been my source of strength,” he said, crediting his wife for what he has achieved. “She cleared the path ahead of me.”