Back to Search
Jeff Mills – Community Builder Award
Anyone who has met Jeff Mills understands his passion for the health and well-being of Mississippi Mills knows no bounds – especially when it comes to exploring it on two wheels!
He has dedicated his life to community development projects that enrich the place he calls home, whether through his work with Carebridge Community Support (formerly Mills Community Support) or as a committed volunteer. Recently retired at the end of 2022, he shows no signs of slowing down!
In his time with Carebridge, Jeff’s main focus was inclusive asset-based community development, realizing that the people of Mississippi Mills are its greatest asset. He helped lead the charge on affordable housing projects and championed the Stan Mills Centre, a seniors’ centre located within Carebridge’s Country Street complex. Started during the pandemic, Carebridge’s MM Together movement and popular grocery delivery program were other initiatives with Jeff’s stamp on it.
Through his love of cycling, Jeff was a driving force behind the creation of Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month, to encourage a healthier community and a stronger focus on active transportation. Bicycle Month gave birth to other initiatives, including the Silver Chain Challenge and the Eastern Ontario Active Transportation Summit.
The Augusta Street Park and its renewal is another project close to Jeff’s heart. His efforts incentivized the community to transform the space into a vibrant, multi-use park featuring the NBA Cares basketball court, Neighbourhood Tomato community gardens and the popular Five Wednesdays in July concert series.
In all honesty, it’s easier to name a project or community group that Jeff hasn’t been involved with! Bridging Generations Pakenham, Community Friendship Oven projects, the resurrection of the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, the Neighbourhood Tomato community gardens, Great Veggie Grow-Off, Age Friendly Wellness Trail, and countless others have all benefitted from his energy.
Seven letters of support were received with Jeff’s nomination. Here are a few comments from some of the people who know him best:
-
“Jeff’s skills are to bring energy to an idea, identify champions, support the grassroots development with concrete resources and connections and then let it fly on its own wings. This is truly community development at its best!”
-
“I think the best indicator of Jeff’s passion for making the world a better place around him is that now that he is retired he is doing exactly what he was doing when he was paid to do it.”
-
“Through the relationships he has cultivated and the community service groups with whom he has worked, Jeff continues to push for impactful community development. We are so fortunate to have such a dynamic community builder advocating for positive change in our communities and he deserves this award in recognition for all his fine work.”
Congratulations, Jeff. Thank you for always being a selfless volunteer and community ambassador in our Municipality.
