Longtime Ottawa city councillor Diane Deans has entered palliative care after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Her successor as councillor for Gloucester-Southgate, Jessica Bradley, shared the news in a media release Thursday afternoon. She described Deans’s dedication to public service and “countless” contributions to the city.
“Diane is a woman who has lived boldly, led fearlessly, had the courage of her convictions, and left her mark on this earth,” said Bradley, who was previously a political adviser to Deans.
“Diane will be leaving behind a legacy that will long serve to inspire us to strive to make this city a better place.”
Deans was a city councillor for about 28 years, first elected in 1994. She chaired several high-profile committees including the transit commission, and was the first woman to chair the Ottawa Police Services Board.
Bradley said she and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe will bring forward a motion to rename the Greenboro Community Centre in Deans’s honour.
“The Centre is just one of the many contributions that Diane has made and this recognition will serve to not only honour her memory but to remind us all of an amazing woman who truly made a difference,” Bradley said.
Deans was first diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Bradley noted that her battle has been both public and courageous.
She said Deans is in the care of an expert medical team and is being supported by her husband, daughter and grandson.