Former Kitchener Mayor Morley Rosenberg dies at 87

Former Kitchener Mayor Morley Rosenberg has died. He was 87.

Rosenberg was a lawyer. He served as Kitchener's mayor from 1977 to 1982. Before that, he served as a city alderman from 1968 to 1976 and also served on regional council.

Rosenberg ran in the Toronto municipal election in 2018 in Ward 19, the Beaches-East York. He also served on the Ontario Municipal Board for 20 years.

His obituary with Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel in Toronto said Rosenberg died on Tuesday.

He is remembered by family and friends as a "truly incredible man."

"Morley had a huge and generous heart that matched his courage, wisdom and many accomplishments as a lawyer and politician. A man of strong values, many talents and a great sense of humour, he always stood up for what he believed in. His unique, strong spirit and determination was unparalleled," his obituary says.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and city council issued a statement Thursday to recognize Rosenberg's work in the city. The statement said Rosenberg "fought to preserve Kitchener's historic city hall, was a strong proponent for engagement with community groups, and pushed for the creation of the ward system that still serves Kitchener residents to this very day."

Rosenberg advocated for the preservation of the clock tower from the former city hall, which is now in Victoria Park.

"Mayor Rosenberg was also a strong advocate for recycling, serving as mayor in the years when the city worked with community members and the private sector to introduce the blue-box program to Canada and the world," the statement from Vrbanovic and city council said.

A funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday in Toronto.