Lakeshore Celebrates Grand Opening of Linda McKinlay Square in Comber

This weekend, the Municipality of Lakeshore officially opened Linda McKinlay Square in Comber with a ribbon cutting and celebration that honoured the contributions of long-time Lakeshore resident and Comber community member Linda McKinlay.

Members of Council, local leaders, residents, and Comber community organizations gathered to recognize McKinlay’s accomplishments and contributions to the region.

“This square, and this event, is a reflection of what has made Linda so successful in serving the community of Comber, Lakeshore, and the region. She connects people to get things done for the betterment of her community, and we are incredibly appreciative. Linda is tenacious, kind, and determined to do what’s right in the service of others. She shows up, gives her time, and makes people feel seen and valued. That kind of impact will be remembered well past today and well beyond this square.”
-Mayor Tracey Bailey.

“All my life, I have been fortunate to be able to do what I like to do. I have had the opportunity to work with so many different people, in so many different situations that have truly enriched my life. When I think back on the things we’ve accomplished, I am grateful for all that I have learned from all of you. I am truly grateful and honoured to have this square bear my name, but my work would not have been possible without all of you. I look forward to seeing this space continue to bring people together in the spirit of community.”
-Linda McKinlay.

The square features new landscaping, a gazebo, seating, as well as a digital welcome sign to help share information and events with Comber residents. The square is located at 6311 Main Street, Comber, offering residents and visitors a gathering space on Comber’s main street.

On June 19 and July 24, 2026, Linda McKinlay Square will host Lakeshore’s Parks Concert Series with performances by The AcoustiCats Duo and Mathew Romain. Check out the full Lakeshore Parks Concert Series online.

Background

The space in Comber was purchased in 2024 with support from Hydro One as part of its Longwood to Lakeshore Transmission Line project. As Hydro One builds the electricity system to meet increasing demand and support the region’s agri-food sector, economic growth and reliability, it is investing in host communities to address local priorities, including culture and recreation. At the meeting of May 20, 2025, Lakeshore Council approved the use of McKinlay’s name for the space. 

“At Hydro One, investing in the communities that host our critical electricity infrastructure reflects our dedication to long term community well-being. As we build the system needed to meet growing electricity demand, we have an opportunity to partner with municipalities like Lakeshore to support important community spaces like McKinlay Square. We look forward to our continued work together to advance local priorities and deliver value for the people of Ontario,” said Bonnie Hiltz, Vice President, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Hydro One. 

Linda McKinlay Biography

McKinlay has a long history of community work in Comber and Lakeshore. In her early years, she volunteered as a Brownie leader, PTA member, and baseball coach. She served on the Comber Agricultural Society Board for 25 years and was a member with the Comber Chapter IODE for 45 years, including several tenures as President. A longtime member of St. Andrew’s United Church, she taught Sunday School, serves on the Trustee’s Committee, and continues to serve as Chair of the Official Board. She also sits on the Comber and District Historical Society Board.

Her political career began as a Councillor for Tilbury West, where she served from the late 1980s until amalgamation in 1999. During that time, she oversaw the development of the Comber Community Centre and the Tilbury Arena and sat on the Amalgamation Board.

After amalgamation, she was elected to Lakeshore Council in 2010 and served three terms before retiring in 2022. She chaired the Committee of Adjustment and co-founded Lakeshore’s Arts Advisory Committee. Linda was instrumental in the renaming of the Municipality, an effort that recognizes Lakeshore’s formation as a “community of communities” and honours their history. Linda also chaired the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and the Water Source Protection Striking Committee.

Though retired, she continues to serve on Lakeshore’s Committee of Adjustment and remains an active, engaged community member in Comber and beyond. Through her ongoing leadership, she continues to help shape complex local decisions, and most recently became the first recipient of the Linda McKinlay Award for Environmental Leadership from the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.