Diane Brennan is the 33rd person to be named Freeman of the City in Nanaimo. (City of Nanaimo)

By Ian Holmes

Huge honour

Retired politician receives prestigious Freeman of the City designation

Oct 4, 2021 | 8:51 PM

NANAIMO — Local governments can’t offer a higher honour than what was bestowed upon former longtime City councillor and social advocate Diane Brennan.

She received the distinguished Freedom of the City award from Mayor Leonard Krog at the Monday, Oct. 4 council meeting, in recognition of more than 40 years of community service in Nanaimo.

“I was just mostly surprised beyond belief. I did not consider that I would ever be given an award like that,” Brennan told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Brennan, born and raised in Victoria, moved to Nanaimo in 1976. She said her family’s upbringing of caring for less fortunate people helped define her life, an approach emboldened while attending university in Vancouver.

Prior to politics, Brennan had a long career in Nanaimo spearheading numerous social causes, including providing legal advocacy for the disadvantaged and preserving housing for the vulnerable.

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The former local school board trustee served on Nanaimo City Council between 2002 and 2008, as well as from 2011 to 2018, serving on numerous committees.

After the provincial government of the day made significant cuts to B.C.’s social safety net., Brennan wanted seat at the Nanaimo City council table.

“I was an anti-poverty activist and a woman, both traits were scarce commodities at City Hall in 2002. The council of the day did not spend much time on social or equity issues, I wanted to change things,” Brennan said during her acceptance speech.

As a rookie councillor Brennan tabled a motion to legalize secondary suites in Nanaimo, marking one of the first communities in the province to make the key designation.

“If you think about it overnight changed the stock of affordable housing for individuals and families in Nanaimo. That was my most proudest moment.”

She continued pushing for the disadvantaged during her 13 years on council.

Diane Brennan during an acceptance speech for her Freeman of the City designation. (City of Nanaimo)

An emotional Mayor Leonard Krog credited Brennan for her tireless community contributions, including to help secure an agreement with the province for 140 low barrier housing units.

“Those have proved highly successful in different locations throughout our community. She has devoted herself to our community for many decades as her accomplishments demonstrate, even when there were some extreme challenges along the way,” Krog said.

Councillors had numerous accolades for Brennan, specifically pointing to her contributions as a fearless leader.

Coun. Erin Hemmens admired how Brennan conducted herself on council, particularly as the previous volatile administration publicly unravelled.

“What I observed in you was: quiet, strength, steadiness, calmness and grace. And when I think of leadership at this table I think of you. It’s my pleasure to be here tonight following in your path,” Hemmens said.

Brennan thanked her family, former colleagues and community members for helping to advance her work.

She was handed a medal and will appear among other Freeman of the City recipients outside the Shaw Auditorium at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

Another perk includes free parking privileges in City parkades, on-street parking and parks.

“I love it, I love the free parking,” Brennan chuckled.

Brennan received a required unanimous vote from City Council in June to become the 33rd Freedom of the City recipient, which is an 81-year-old tradition in Nanaimo.

Brennan is still active in public life. She sits on the board of directors for Island Health.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes