Diane Deans: ‘She was a fighter, both in her battle with cancer but also for the people of Ottawa’

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City councillors voted Wednesday to rename the Greenboro Community Centre in honour of former councillor Diane Deans.

Deans worked tirelessly for her community, championing initiatives to improve the quality of life in Gloucester, said a tearful Coun. Jessica Bradley, the current councillor for Gloucester-Southgate, which Deans represented for almost 30 years. 

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Deans died Tuesday, just two weeks after entering palliative care for ovarian cancer.

Renaming the community centre on Lorry Greenberg Drive will not only honour Deans, but will be a reminder of a woman who made a difference, said Bradley, who considered Deans to be a friend and mentor.

The news of Deans’s passing was a devastating blow, Bradley told councillors.

“She was a fighter, both in her battle with cancer but also for the people of Ottawa,” she said.

“Diane was never on council to take up a seat, but to make a difference. She fought hard every day to ensure good governance and financial stewardship. And she was never afraid to ask the tough questions.”

Deans used her voice and paved the path for women, said Bradley. “I was fortunate and will be forever grateful to have Diane’s mentorship for over a decade. I can say firsthand that Diane’s leadership was fierce, her advice was sage, her courage immeasurable and her strength unparalleled.”

Other councillors also paid tribute to Deans on Wednesday, speaking of her as a stalwart colleague, a beacon for women in politics and a fun-loving friend.

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Bay Ward Coun. Theresa Kavanagh said she looked to Deans for advice and inspiration when she first decided to run for city council in 2018. When Deans was first elected, there were few young women running for municipal politics, said Kavanagh. Deans offered an example, she said.

“Frankly, I kept thinking to myself, when I saw her in action, that I wanted to be Diane when I grew up — even though she’s a year younger than me. She was so well-spoken, she looked at things very carefully and saw the importance of them,” said Kavanagh. “And she was doing what was best for the city and for her residents all the time. It was always there and she did not let go. I use the word tenacious. That’s the word for Diane. She stuck to it. When she knew something was right, she would fight for it.”

Kavanagh wore a t-shirt that read ‘Excuse me, I’m speaking’ to city council on Wednesday, a reference to the Kamala Harris-Mike Pence U.S. 2020 vice-presidential debate.

“But it was so fitting for Diane as well. You could not close down Diane. You could not shut her up when she has something to say.”

Deans was an outspoken critic of the secrecy around the construction of the Confederation Line LRT, often sparring with former mayor Jim Watson. In February 2022, she was ousted as chair of the Police Services Board after she and the board hired an outsider, Matt Torigian, former chief of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, to take the helm of the Ottawa Police Service after Peter Sloly resigned during the winter 2022 convoy protest. Deans and the board had not informed Watson or council.

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River Ward Coun. Riley Brockington said he visited Deans recently and asked her what she considered her greatest accomplishment as a city councillor. She replied that she took great pride in being the first woman to chair the Police Services Board. On another visit, she added that she also took pride in representing people she felt had no voice.

“I used to introduce her in River Ward as the ‘conscience of council,’” said Brockington.

“We’ve lost a good friend, mentor and a champion for a number of social issues. But Diane was simply a very good person.”

READ MORE ON DIANE DEANS:

Longtime councillor Diane Deans won’t run for mayor and will leave city hall after this term

On the eve of their departure, outgoing city councillors look back with pride and some regrets

Gloucester-Southgate ward result: Jessica Bradley follows in the footsteps of her mentor, Diane Deans

Rideau-Rockcliffe Coun. Rawlson King said Deans’s journey was one of resilience, courage and unwavering determination.

“For five years, she faced ovarian cancer with remarkable strength embodying the spirit of a true fighter,” said King. “Throughout her battle, Diane remained a beacon of hope, inspiring us all with her bravery and fortitude.”

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Others remembered her sense of fun.

“She was one of the most fun people you would ever meet, said Capital Ward Coun. Shawn Menard. “She would regale you with tales of 20 years ago over a glass of wine. You could really hold onto that sort of thing,” he told city council, recalling her office, beautifully decorated with comfortable couches.

“She was so welcoming, but she would have fun,” said Menard. “And that’s a reminder that this job is hard. She was fierce when it mattered, but she also had a lot of fun on this job. So we have to remind ourselves to have more fun in what we do.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he saw Deans only a few weeks ago and believes it’s a fitting decision to honour her by naming the Greenboro Community Centre after her.

“I think it’s a very fitting and appropriate tribute to someone who served a long time on city council and clearly was a role model, too.”

In an interview after thecouncil meeting, Bradley said Deans was aware of the plans to rename the community centre and was pleased. Deans had worked hard to expand the centre and have a library in that location, said Bradley.

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Deans had hoped to be able to listen in Wednesday when the decision was made, and even perhaps be present at the dedication.

“I know she sees it as a good legacy to leave behind and she was very much in support of the renaming,” said Bradley. “While she’s not here with us today, she had planned — or would have liked — to watch the proceedings today. I think she had hoped she would make it to the renaming ceremony. Unfortunately, there was a sudden turn and it wasn’t possible.”

Of all the lessons she learned from Deans, the most important is to have the courage of your convictions, said Bradley.

“Do what you know is right for the city and the community, and carry that through,” she said. “If you follow that through and do the work, you’ll do right by your community and the city. Don’t be afraid to speak up.”

A celebration of life will be held at the Infinity Centre on May 25. A book of condolences will be available at city hall and the Greenboro Community Centre from May 21 to 23.

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