By Marianne Wood, Bruce Peninsula Press
The Silver Quill is awarded by the Ontario Community Association (OCNA) or News Media Canada to individuals who have served the news media industry for at least 25 years.
On November 1st, at the annual OCNA Independent Publisher’s Retreat, John was presented the Silver Quill Award, recognizing his more than 35 years as Publisher of the Bruce Peninsula Press.
In 1985, John was an unemployed hippie bird biologist with a house in Tobermory, a pregnant wife and no job prospects east of the Rockies. John borrowed more than he could afford and set up a small graphics and printing business in his home. In the spring of 1988 John started The Tobermory Press Newsletter. In March of 1991 the name was changed to the Bruce Peninsula Press and the publication started covering the two southern townships.
John has been a dedicated community volunteer with our local Chamber of Commerce, serving many terms on the Board of Directors. John has lent his expertise to many local organizations and community groups, including Sources of Knowledge, The Men’s Breakfast, St Edmunds Bruce Peninsula Museum, and the local community Christmas Bird count. John is a strong advocate for quality journalism, municipal transparency, and community involvement.
Semi-retired now, John continues to cover local Municipal council and write a regular opinion column.
