- INDUCTED INTO THE RAMARA HALL OF FAME
Mr. Charles Joseph Healy, a lifelong resident of Mara Township, was instrumental in establishing a landmark provincial park within the township of Ramara ? the first provincial park ever, in Mara Township as well as in Ontario County. Born in Atherley, Mr. Healy was a farmer all his life and in 1942 married the former Anne Maheu. Charles Healy served for 11 years on the Mara Township Council, six of them as Reeve and was Warden of Ontario County in 1967. Being Canada?s Centennial Year, it was a year of celebrations, and Charles Healy presided over many events and ceremonies throughout the County. Sept. 16, 2015 Sgt. Robert John ?Flash? Clayton Warden Charles Joseph Healy Page 2 .. Press Release Wall of Fame continued It was during his political tenure as reeve on local council, that he was made aware of the availability of a parcel of land, located in Atherley on Lake Simcoe at Prophet?s Sandy Beach and Mr. Healy?s vision of a park began. The council of the day however, thought that it was too big a project for the township, so Mr Healy approached Ontario County and suggested the property in Atherley would be an ideal site for a park for the County. A special committee was formed to present the proposal to the provincial government. Reeve Charles Healy, sat on this committee. A proposal was then taken to the Ontario Provincial Government, Department of Lands and Forests, Parks Division. Following a site visit by provincial officials, negotiations to purchase began. It took much foresight and dedicated persistence, to have Mr. Healy?s dream become a reality. In 1963 the Province of Ontario purchased 100 acres of land from George Symington and William and Edith Jackson, and in 1965 Mara Provincial Park was opened to the public. The provincial park has been a treasure in the Township of Ramara, welcoming 30,000-40,000 visitors per year. It employs 18 staff, including students. A member of St. Columbkille?s Church he also belonged to the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus and the Third Order of St. Francis. Mr. Healy passed away January 17, 1969. Information contributed by Wall of Fame nominator Rita Healy James, for the Charles Healy family.
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