Don Hadden

Given Don Hadden’s extensive political and community involvements, it’s hard to know how he found any time to devote to the operation of his Wick area dairy farm. His farming interests saw him take an active role in the local chapter of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and on the Board of the Sunderland Co-operative.

In addition to his farming interest, Don Hadden played a very active role in local, regional and provincial politics. He served four terms as Regional Councillor (1977 to 1985) and later two terms as Mayor (1988 to 1994). Related to this work, he represented the community for several years on the South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority. In the 1985 provincial election, he ran as the Liberal candidate for the Durham-York riding, finishing second.

As Mayor, Hadden is credited with leading the initiative that saw the building of a new Brock Township municipal office on Cameron Street in Cannington. Hadden’s engaging leadership style was often cited as his means to getting things done. In the words of George Graham, township Clerk; “He always made you feel like you were working with him, not for him”.

In addition to his work in agriculture and municipal politics, it is noted that Don was the first president of the Sunderland Minor Hockey Association.