Doug Holyday enjoyed 'camaraderie' of Toronto council

Doug Holyday paid credit on Tuesday to the colleagues he has worked alongside at Toronto City Hall, as the former deputy mayor was honoured with a key to the city.

"I truly did enjoy the friendship and the camaraderie that I had with the members of council over the years," said Holyday, who recently was elected as the MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore.

"We didn’t always see eye to eye as you know, but I’ve really never really had a real bad word with anyone here that ever lasted and I am just so pleased to have met so many fine people."

Before presenting Holyday with the key to the city, Mayor Rob Ford praised his dedication to serving the public and to his record as a politician.

"Taxpayers are happy to know they have Doug Holyday in their corner fighting for them every single day," Ford said.

The mayor said that Holyday, whom he described as a long-time friend, has been "both an inspiration and a mentor of mine."

Until his recent byelection victory, Holyday had been serving as the city’s deputy mayor and as the councillor for Ward 3 Etobicoke Centre.

Council will soon be holding a special meeting to decide whether to hold a byelection, or simply appoint someone to replace Holyday on council.

Coun. Norm Kelly has been appointed to take over Holyday's former position as deputy mayor.

Holyday said that it had "certainly has not been dull" serving as Ford's deputy, mentioning the frequent media inquiries that involved the mayor.

Ford said that Holyday "stood beside me through thick and thin" as the deputy mayor.

"Very, very few people would do that."

Holyday said he planned to keep his key to the city on display "for the rest of my life."