Former Ward 3 Councillor Moya Johnson Passes Away After Battle with Cancer

Town flags to be lowered in mourning.

Halton Hills, ON - With deep sadness, the community of Halton Hills mourns the loss of former Ward 3 Councillor Moya Johnson. Moya passed away last night after a courageous battle with cancer after entering palliative care last weekend. Moya represented the residents of Ward 3 for over 20 years and was well known for her strong commitment to providing responsive and accountable representation and service.

Moya's Career and Contributions to the Community

Moya was a healthcare professional for over 40 years, working as a nurse and planner. She was dedicated to making Halton Hills a healthy community. Moya and her husband Rick have lived in Halton Hills for over 40 years and have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Moya's tenure as a councillor was marked by her numerous accomplishments and leadership roles. She served as Chair of Vision Georgetown, Vice-Chair of Conservation Halton, and Chair of the Planning, Public Works, and Transportation Committee. Moya was also past Chair of Heritage Halton Hills, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Fire and Emergency Services Committee.

Moya was awarded the 2013 Cultural Roundtable Award for her work on Doors Open Halton Hills, and in 2009, she received the Canadian Urban Institute's "Local Hero" Award for her contributions towards making Halton Hills more accessible for people with disabilities.Moya's Vision for Halton Hills Moya's vision for Halton Hills was to create a safe, accessible, and dynamic community that was committed to protecting and enhancing the environment, respecting the character and built form of existing neighbourhoods, promoting meaningful public participation in planning, and providing quality public services for all members of the community. A Fitting Tribute to Moya Johnson In September 2022, Halton Hills Town Council moved to rename a Mill Street Parkette after Moya in recognition of her contributions to the community. Regional Councillor Somerville described Moya as a "dedicated and passionate" advocate for Halton Hills who was always concerned about the health and safety of residents. Mayor Ann Lawlor who placed a picture of Moya beside her tearfully spoke at the beginning of the February 13th council meeting, "Moya was a beloved colleague, friend, and community advocate. She was proud to represent the residents of Ward 3 Georgetown for over 30 years. Moya was passionate about helping people, and her first career, lasting 35 years, was in healthcare following a nursing degree. It is no surprise that she later took on a second career serving her community by becoming a town councillor. Her time on Council was notable. Moya was a thoughtful and insightful leader that could get results. The Town’s pioneering anti-smoking bylaw was championed by Moya very early in her town council career . As Chair as the towns advisory committee for accessibility, she championed to get closed captioning for Halton Hills Council meetings through Cogeco. She advocated and succeeded in getting ambulance services to Acton. She was instrumental in managing gravel trucks off Maple Avenue. She chaired the heritage committee for many years, heralding the presentation of our unique cultural heritage and architecture. Moya was all about doing the right thing and caring for the town and not just those who lived in her ward. It’s fitting then, that in 2009, Moya was selected for the prestigious local hero award from the Canadian Urban Institute for her work on improving accessibility in her community. Moya leaves behind her husband Rick, 3 children, grandchildren, and many friends, and her council and healthcare colleagues also cherish her memory. She will be missed but remembered for her legacy and community building, and we are looking forward to honouring her with the soon to be completed Moya Johnson Parkette in Ward 3. Our Town Council offer our heart felt condolences to Moya’s family, and our town flags will be lowered during this time of mourning, and now we will reflect, and remember Moya in a moment of silence." Regional Councillor Somerville stated, “I served with Moya for 25 years. I was immediately struck by her dedication and passion for Halton Hills. She served the town, and on Regional committees during her whole 30 years on council. Moya was always concerned over the health and safety of our residents. She always did her homework and contributed greatly to our discussions. She also acted as our “tele-health” nurse. When any of us had a medical question or issue she would walk us through what it was and give us the right questions to ask for treatment.” The Town Council offered their heartfelt condolences to Moya's family, and the town flags will be lowered during this time of mourning. The Moya Johnson Parkette in Ward 3 will be a fitting tribute to Moya's legacy and community building.