Since the formation of AORS in 1961, we have been continually striving for, in the words of Melvin Dale, “better research, education, and information regarding the maintenance and construction of roads, bridges, and other municipal road related services”. Each President to oversee the operations and management of the organization has brought new ideas and perspectives to the table, resulting in the growth of AORS and the betterment for our members.
We want to ensure that the memories and words of wisdom of our Past Presidents are able to live on long past their time on the executive board, so we have started to collect and share what we can of them beyond just their photos. We are happy to take steps to curate and expand the archives of AORS for the many years to come.
Larry Maddeaux, Durham Region, 2007
After taking a Traffic Supervisors position with the City of Oshawa January 1990, I was quick to join the Local AORS Association.
I believe I started my journey with Durham Region Public Works Association in the years 1992-93. I was a very naive Supervisor with very little supervisory experience. It turned out to be the best decision of my Municipal career. The whole concept of being in the same room with knowledgeable, experienced old school Supervisors was an overwhelming experience. It was an educational experience that money could not buy.
I went on to become the Association Directors Rep. and was elected to their executive in 1995. I became President of the Local Association in 1998, and after getting more valuable experience became President of AORS in 2007.
My most memorable experience during my time with the Local Association was a road trip to Windsor, Ontario Sept.1999. We secured a Transit Coach through the Town of Whitby and travelled to the Ojibway Salt Mine in Ojibway Ontario. There we descended down into the depths of the earth where we inspected the mining operations of Windsor Salt. An amazing experience especially when we turned off our helmet lights; total darkness. We were only allowed one picture as we all stood in the bucket of the largest dozer I have ever seen. From there we travelled to the General Chemical Plant and toured the plant for another unforgettable experience.
I would not have been able to experience either of these adventures if it wasn’t for the Local Association and that is why it is of the utmost importance to keep the Local Associations alive and strong. They are the key not only to the success of AORS but also to the strength of securing experience, knowledgeable future Municipal Supervisors. — Larry Maddeaux, Past President 2007
Joseph Reid, District 8, 2024
As we all know, public works superheroes help keep communities strong by providing key maintenance of core municipal services. We ensure that our roads are in a good state of repair to ensure that our local economies vibrant, and we are entrusted to safeguard our communities’ assets. If we do not do our jobs properly, emergencies services can’t do their jobs.  By our very nature of our roles in our municipalities we are humble and let the elective officials be in the spot light – which we need too. But we need to stand up and advocate for the important role we play in local government and how we impact the residents of our communities each and every day. I was very happy to have the opportunity, to help to promote the great work we do.
Our board of directors was very progressive while I was on the executive, and shaping up to continue. I am proud of the AORS staff and during the time I was on the executive.  We were able to get staff in the OMERS pension plan. We have seen our status in the municipal networks grow.
All of this was from strategic plan. I was happy to be the Chair of the Plan 2021-2025 – Road to Success.
To quote Paul Dalton “The future is bright for AORS”.   If I was to leave one last thought about my time on the board, it would be this simple saying…. There is no ceiling on your goals and dreams….. There is no ceiling on your goals and dreams; take time to think about that as you progress in your career and path in life. I can tell you there is no ceiling for AORS and the future is bright because of all the dedicated individuals and volunteers who are passionate about AORS like me — Joseph Reid, Past President 2024