Delroy Prescott
Delroy Prescott Moving to the Island with his parents in 1967, Delroy Prescott attended Manitoulin Secondary School where his father Don was technical director. He attended college, made moves to other parts of the province for employment and in 1987 came full circle to move back to the Island and in 2007 began working for the township. Wearing many hats, Mr. Prescott held the positions of financial assistant, bylaw officer, fence line reviewer, weed inspector, livestock compensation evaluator and for three years was the marina manager. Mr. Prescott semi-retired last winter and continues to serve as part-time Municipal Law Enforcement office for the Town of Gore Bay. “Manitoulin has been a great place to grow up and raise a family,” said Mr. Prescott. Feeling fortunate to have found employment on the Island, he has devoted much of his spare time to the sports community where he has filled the roles of official, organizer and executive. With his parents both in their 80s, Mr. Prescott helps out, however “the challenges for them and other seniors continues to grow,” he shared. “I feel all Island municipal councils should be working together to increase the availability of assisted living facilities.” “Having previously been elected to Billings council in 1997, I already have the experience and knowledge to seamlessly fill a spot at the table,” stated Mr. Prescott. “I would join council without any personal agenda, pet projects or axes to grind, but rather with an open mind and collaborative spirit,” shared Mr. Prescott, “and a genuine desire to help people resolve issues collectively.” “Council should have an agenda that reflects where we want our community to go and how we want to see it grow. Council should not,” he said, “become an island unto itself, it needs to be continually engaging our citizens; to build their trust by providing accountability, transparency, approachability and integrity.” “I believe that a proactive and progressive council, working with the input and support of its ratepayers can develop a collective vision for our community, balancing both resident and seasonal, that will allow Billings to flourish and grow,” Mr. Prescott stated. “I like that people can be as busy as they want with community events, clubs, sports, cultural and artistic performances, fishing and hunting or just sharing their time with all the great neighbours who also embrace the ‘Island lifestyle’,” shared Mr. Prescott. Mr. Prescott is currently the treasurer of the Billings library board. “I am particularly proud of being part of the library board that has, with the support of council and the wonderful fundraising efforts by the Friends of the Billings Library, managed to turn its financial position around and continues to be a community oriented partner and meeting place that promotes the joy of reading and life long learning.” “Being a volunteer with Manitoulin Special Olympics has provided me with some of the most rewarding moments of my life,” shared Mr. Prescott. “These athletes and their dedicated coaching and support staff can teach all of us a lot about the true nature of sportsmanship.” The diversity of opportunities here “are as varied as the people that have chosen to purchase property in Billings. Our township provides a great balance of family residential, retirement, farm, waterfront cottages, and vacant recreational and hunting land. It is important to remember that well over half of all taxpayers in Billings are non year-round residents,” said Mr. Prescott.
