Generally speaking: Southshore Centre christened with new name

John Charles Hayter is getting his name in lights.

The city announced today that the Southshore Centre, located on Barrie’s Lakeshore Drive, will be renamed the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre.

“What can one say?” Hayter said to the packed crowd. “It’s a pleasure to be here and an honour to have this.”

The Barrie native said he didn’t have much more to say.

“This is obviously an incredible day for our community,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “General Hayter, you are a pillar in our community. It takes a whole family to do what you have done.”

Brig.-Gen. Hayter served in the Canadian Forces from 1951 to 2009. He joined the Grey and Simcoe Foresters in 1952, then began officer training at Canadian Forces Base Borden at the age of 18, before heading overseas to the Korean War.

Hayter has been an active volunteer at the local, national and international levels, holding key leadership positions in various organizations and clubs during five decades.

He has been involved with St. John Ambulance, the Veterans’ Club of Barrie and St. George’s Church, Allandale, along with playing a pivotal role in establishing Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“His tireless efforts in supporting the military and volunteering have left an enduring mark on our city,” Nuttall said.

Renaming the Southshore Centre takes place in a year with a number of significant military anniversaries, including the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary and 80 years since D-Day.

Also on hand Wednesday were Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard and Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MP Doug Shipley, along with members of Barrie city council.

For more information, click here.