By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
The Municipality of Lakeshore officially opened Linda McKinlay Square in Comber with a ribbon cutting and celebration that honoured the contributions of long-time Lakeshore resident and Comber community member Linda McKinlay.
Members of council, local leaders, residents and representatives from Comber’s many community organizations gathered for the ceremony, which paid tribute to McKinlay’s extensive contributions to the region and her enduring impact on civic life.
“This square, and this event, is a reflection of what has made Linda so successful in serving the community of Comber, Lakeshore and the region. She connects people to get things done for the betterment of her community, and we are incredibly appreciative,” said Mayor Tracey Bailey. “Linda is tenacious, kind and determined to do what’s right in the service of others. She shows up, gives her time and makes people feel seen and valued. That kind of impact will be remembered well past today and well beyond this square.”
McKinlay expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the collaborative spirit that has shaped her decades of community involvement.
“All my life, I have been fortunate to be able to do what I like to do. I have had the opportunity to work with so many different people, in so many different situations that have truly enriched my life,” she said. “When I think back on the things we’ve accomplished, I am grateful for all that I have learned from all of you. I am truly grateful and honoured to have this square bear my name, but my work would not have been possible without all of you. I look forward to seeing this space continue to bring people together in the spirit of community.”
Located at 6311 Main Street in Comber, the new public square features fresh landscaping, a gazebo, seating areas and a digital welcome sign designed to share information and promote local events. The space provides residents and visitors with a central gathering place on Comber’s main street and is expected to become a focal point for community activities.
The square will also serve as a venue for Lakeshore’s Parks Concert Series, hosting performances by The AcoustiCats Duo on June 19 and Mathew Romain on July 24, 2026. The full concert schedule is available through the municipality’s online listings.
Background and Partnership
The property was purchased in 2024 with support from Hydro One as part of its Longwood to Lakeshore Transmission Line project. As the utility expands infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand and support the region’s agri-food sector, economic growth and system reliability, it has committed to investing in host communities to address local priorities, including cultural and recreational spaces. Lakeshore council approved naming the space after McKinlay at its May 20, 2025 meeting.
“At Hydro One, investing in the communities that host our critical electricity infrastructure reflects our dedication to long-term community well-being,” said Bonnie Hiltz, vice-president of government and stakeholder relations at Hydro One. “As we build the system needed to meet growing electricity demand, we have an opportunity to partner with municipalities like Lakeshore to support important community spaces like McKinlay Square. We look forward to our continued work together to advance local priorities and deliver value for the people of Ontario.”
A Lifetime of Community Service
McKinlay’s record of service in Comber and Lakeshore spans decades and touches nearly every aspect of community life. In her early years, she volunteered as a Brownie leader, PTA member and baseball coach. She served on the Comber Agricultural Society Board for 25 years and was a member of the Comber Chapter IODE for 45 years, including several terms as president. A longtime member of St. Andrew’s United Church, she taught Sunday School, serves on the Trustee’s Committee and continues to chair the Official Board. She also sits on the Comber and District Historical Society Board.
Her political career began as a councillor for Tilbury West, where she served from the late 1980s until amalgamation in 1999. During that time, she oversaw the development of the Comber Community Centre and the Tilbury Arena and sat on the Amalgamation Board.
Following amalgamation, McKinlay was elected to Lakeshore council in 2010 and served three terms before retiring in 2022. She chaired the Committee of Adjustment, co-founded Lakeshore’s Arts Advisory Committee and played a key role in renaming the municipality, an effort that recognized Lakeshore’s formation as a “community of communities” and honoured the histories of its former townships. She also chaired the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and the Water Source Protection Striking Committee.
Though retired from elected office, McKinlay continues to serve on Lakeshore’s Committee of Adjustment and remains an active and engaged community member. Her leadership continues to shape complex local decisions, and she was recently named the first recipient of the Linda McKinlay Award for Environmental Leadership from the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.
The opening of the square that now bears her name stands as a testament to her decades of dedication, her commitment to community-building and her lasting influence on Comber and Lakeshore.
