Senior of the Year

Every year, Johnson Township, along with the Province of Ontario, honours one outstanding individual aged 65 and over as the Ontario Senior of the Year. This individual has made a significant impact on our community’s social, cultural or civic life, making Johnson Township a better place to live.

The Senior of the Year will be chosen at the April council meeting, and staff will complete the Provincial nomination form by April 30 of each year. The Senior of the Year is then honoured at a luncheon put on by the Dr. Harold S Trefry Memorial Centre during Seniors Month in June, along with leading the Johnson Township Community Days Parade on the 2nd Saturday in July, as the Parade Marshall.

Nominations can be made at any time throughout the year by sending an email to recreation@johnsontownship.ca.

2025 Senior of the Year: Frank Hicks

The late Frank Hicks — Johnson Township’s 2025 Senior of the Year. A title that reflects the incredible impact he had on our community, not just in his senior years, but throughout a lifetime of service.
While Frank may no longer be with us in body, his presence and spirit still live so clearly in the community he gave so much of himself to.
Frank was the definition of a community builder. He was a proud volunteer, a dedicated firefighter, and a respected Township Councillor. Frank’s roots in farming shaped so much of who he was. He understood hard work, persistence, and the importance of looking out for your neighbours. He was proud to be part of the farming community and brought that same steady, down-to-earth presence to every role he took on.
He did it all with that signature smile, a quick-witted joke, and a generosity that could only come from someone who truly cared. He had a deep love for his family, an unwavering commitment to his community, and a personality that could brighten the darkest of days. He was humble in his service, empathetic in his approach, and respectful in every conversation, no matter who you were. His humour was quick, his stories full of charm, and that infectious smile brought joy to any room.
He was spunky and spirited, full of laughter, and always had a twinkle in his eye — like he was just about to crack a joke or share something that would have us all grinning. His laugh was often the first thing you’d hear in a room — and certainly the last thing you’d forget. That sense of joy, that laughter, was one of his greatest gifts to us.
He didn’t do things for recognition. He gave his time and heart because he believed in this community and the people in it. To Frank, family came first, but community came a very close second. And that’s what makes this award so special — it doesn’t just celebrate years, it celebrates a legacy. Frank Hicks left a legacy of kindness, service, and good humour — one that continues to inspire all of us.
A man who gave his time freely, served his community with heart, and left us all with memories that continue to guide and inspire us. A man who truly embodied the best of rural life: hard work, good humour, generosity, and the belief that we’re all better when we look out for one another.
We are grateful for the time we had with him, and we will carry his lessons forward in the work we do and the way we care for each other. We miss him and we will remember him.

Past Recipients Include:

2024	Cheryl Larrett
2023	Zahida Croskery
2022	None
2021	Rick Barber
2020	Ann McHale
2019	Pat McKinnon
2018	Dianne Adamson
2017	Kelly Hopkins
2016	Pat & Lee Taylor
2015	Francis & Harry Brunton
2014	Bud & Betty Mills
2013	Ken Reed
2012	Arlene & Hugh Hunter
2011	Ellwood McKinnon
2010	Earl Orr
2009	Reginald McKinnon
2008	Connie Summers
2007	Robert Gibson
2006	Austin & Fay McClelland
2005	Christina McClelland
2004	Jessie & Web Bell
2003	Eric Hicks
2002	Joyce McKinnon
2001	Nellie Gjos
2000	Irene Gjos
1999	AD & Viola Campbell
1998
1997
1996	Rachel Hunter
	Stan & Florence Jones
	Stan & Marg Pollard

 

Recreation and activity updates. View the activity archives.

Johnson Newsletter

Download a copy of the monthly Johnson Township Newsletter below. You can subscribe at the bottom of this page.

Contact Us

You can email us anytime at: people@johnsontownship.ca or phone us at: (705) 782–6601, and use the extensions provided in our message.

Thanks, and we hope to hear from you soon!

 

 

Established in 1889 and home to the hamlet of Desbarats,

Johnson Township is located 60 km east of Sault St. Marie on the historic TransCanada highway.  With access to the beautiful North Channel of Lake Huron, Johnson Township is also home to several freshwater lakes with public beaches and boat ramps; a vibrant agricultural community, including a seasonal Farmer’s Market supported by the local Mennonite community; the wildlife preserves of the Kensington Conservancy; the Central Algoma Secondary School and Johnson Township Community Centre, both regional hubs for many recreational activities. The Community Centre houses a full-sized arena that is open to rentals. Johnson Township provides a year-round range of recreational events and programs.

Johnson Township Community Centre (JTCC)

For booking availability, submit a Rental Request Form: Johnson Township Facility Rental Request 2025-2026

Upstairs Hall: With a capacity for 200 people, chairs, tables, a portable bar and more, this is a great venue for parties, stag & does, family gatherings, and more.

Kitchen: NEWLY RENOVATED and fully stocked for all your needs. Available for rent with the Hall or separately.

Rink Floor: Available seasonally May – September, a full sized 85′ x 180′ rink floor. Great for large vendor events, showcases, or birthday parties. Additional sports equipment can be provided with your booking.

Pavilion: An outdoor covered space with indoor access to washrooms.

Johnson Township Community Centre (JTCC) – Ice Rental

Ice Rentals are available seasonally from October – March. Please complete the Rental Request Form for availability. Johnson Township Facility Rental Request 2025-2026

Interested in renting the ice for practice times? Contact Recreation at 705-782-6601 ex. 205 or recreation@johnsontownship.ca for contract rates when you book 5 or more sessions at once.

Looking for Advertising options at the JTCC? Complete the attachedJohnson Township Community Centre Advertising Plan 2025-2026 request for to start the process.

Gordon Lake Hall

Gordon Lake Hall is a quaint little hall, with a capacity of 50 people, and fully inspected kitchen facilities.

Available to rent for family gatherings, birthday parties, showers, exercise, yoga classes etc.

 Facility Rental Rates

Johnson Township Facility Rental Rates Oct 1 2025 – Sept 30 2026

 

Get Listed!

The Johnson Township Directory offers local businesses, services, artists, freelancers and others a chance to have a web presence on the township website. If you’re interested in participating, fill out and submit the form. It will appear in the Directory as soon as it is approved.

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