PARIS PAST

Eddy, in a news article from 2018 reflecting on his enduring dedication to community development, remarked,

"I’ve always enjoyed being part of the process, part of the structure that gets things done. When you’re building a community, you look for ways to create jobs and homes for people. That takes work, and there is a process involved, and as Mayor, you get to be part of that.“

A retired municipal administrator, Eddy resides on Kitchen School Road in Paris and is a father of three adult children and a grandfather of seven. His extensive experience in municipal governance spans decades, encompassing roles both as an administrator and an elected official

Eddy's illustrious career includes serving as the first Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the former Hamilton-Wentworth Region, followed by his tenure as the clerk-treasurer for Middlesex County. His journey in elected positions saw him as the reeve of the Township of South Dumfries, a dedicated member of Brant County council for 15 years, and the esteemed Brant County warden in 1981. Moreover, Eddy's political footprint extended to provincial realms as he represented the former riding of Brant-Haldimand as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for three years

His pivotal role as the mayor of the amalgamated County of Brant commenced in 1998, a position he clinched through successive re-elections in the 2000, 2003, 2006, 2010, and 2014 elections.

Beyond his mayoral duties, Eddy has been actively engaged in various community organizations, serving as a member and president of the Brant Children's Aid Society (now Brant Family and Children's Services), president of the Brant Woodlot Owners Association, president of Brant Waterways Foundation, president of Enterprise Brant, and a member of the Grand Valley Educational Society.

Reflecting on the county's progress, Eddy highlighted the significant advancements in industrial and residential development. The Brant 403 Business Park, a hub for major companies like Adidas and BGI retail, stands as a testament to the county's economic growth initiatives.

However, challenges loom on the horizon, particularly in response to potential fiscal constraints imposed by the provincial government. Eddy expressed concerns over the implications of cost-cutting measures by the new provincial administration, emphasizing the need for preparedness and adaptability in the face of evolving circumstances The cancellation of a renewable energy project for Penman's Dam underscored the potential impact on ongoing projects within the county, including crucial infrastructure initiatives like road and bridge repairs

As Brant County navigates these uncertainties, Eddy's unwavering leadership and strategic vision laid a solid foundation for the community towards sustainable growth and resilience in the face of changing political landscapes.

His bid for a seventh term as Mayor at the age of 87 signified not just a personal commitment but a testament to his enduring legacy as a dedicated public servant and a champion of Brant County's prosperity