Flags at Half Mast | May 20, 2026

The flags at Township facilities will be flying at half mast today, May 20th, in memory of James Wallace Gardiner, who passed away on May 15th.

James served as a volunteer firefighter with the Seeley’s Bay Fire Department (later Leeds and the Thousand Islands Fire Service) for 50 years. From age 16 to 21, whenever the wind blew in the right direction and he could hear the sirens on the farm, he would run to help at the station. Officially, at age 21, he became a firefighter and served for 40 years, including several years as Deputy Chief. No longer able to fight fires, he became an auxiliary member, driving the trucks and running the pumps for another five years. James also served his community in many other volunteer positions.

Township Council and Staff express our sincere sympathy to James’ family, and thank James for his many years of dedicated service to our community.