Linda McKinlay Honored as Comber’s Hometown Hero with New Square

Linda McKinlay, a dedicated community leader and retired municipal councillor, is set to be honored with a new public square in Comber. The recognition celebrates her decades of service and commitment to the southwestern Ontario community, where she has been an influential figure for over five decades.

Linda McKinlay, 82, began her political journey in her forties after a neighbor encouraged her to run for local council. “I just left the coffee shop and a bunch of us have been talking and we want you to run for council,” the neighbor said. At the time, McKinlay was a mother of four and worked at Mastronardi Produce. Despite her initial hesitation, she discussed the opportunity with her husband, Mark McKinlay, and ultimately decided to take the leap. She was elected to the municipal council of what was then known as Tilbury West Township in the late 1980s.

During her tenure, McKinlay was one of the few elected women in local politics and served until the county amalgamation in 1999. She played a pivotal role in developing community facilities, such as the Comber Community Centre and the Tilbury Arena, and was influential in the renaming of the new municipality, which recognized its diverse communities and rich history.

After a brief hiatus, McKinlay returned to politics in 2010 as a councillor for Lakeshore, representing a broad area that includes Comber. She served three terms before retiring but remains active in her community. Currently, she is a member of the committee of adjustment and continues her volunteer work, focusing on initiatives for children and education.

Throughout her life, McKinlay has embraced volunteerism. She has held various roles, including serving as a Brownie leader, a PTA member, and a baseball coach. Her commitment to the community extends to her 25-year involvement with the Comber Agricultural Society, where she continues to support the annual Comber Fair, one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs.

McKinlay’s dedication also includes a long-standing membership with the Comber Chapter IODE, where she contributed to fundraising efforts for children’s programs. Tragically, the organization diminished in numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with membership dropping from over 100 to just four.

As a longstanding member of St. Andrew’s United Church, McKinlay has taught Sunday school and served on the trustees’ committee. Her leadership extends to the Comber and District Historical Society and the Thames-Sydenham drinking water source protection committee.

The new public square in Comber, expected to open later this year, will be named in her honor. The initiative is part of a project purchased in 2024 under a community support agreement with Hydro One. It will feature landscaping, a gazebo, seating, and a digital welcome sign to promote community events and information.

“We are proud to honor and recognize a leader of the community of Comber by naming this new space after Linda McKinlay,” said Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey during the square’s ceremonial groundbreaking in July. Bailey emphasized McKinlay’s significant contributions to both Comber and the wider Lakeshore area.

Reflecting on her upcoming recognition, McKinlay expressed her desire to use the moment as an opportunity to highlight Comber. “I’m so intent on not watering up that day,” she said. “I kind of think it is an opportunity for me to put a spotlight on Comber.”

Linda McKinlay’s tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to her community serve as an inspiring example of local leadership and volunteerism.