End of an Era: Public Health Says Goodbye to Dr. J.K. Edwards Building at 185 King Street
Written by admin, November 12, 2015
November 12, 2015 – Family of Dr. Edwards Joins Closing Ceremony
In a moving tribute to the legacy of Canadian veteran and former Medical Officer of Health Dr. J.K. Edwards, the Pet
erborough County-City Board of Health said goodbye today to the building at 185 King Street that was named in his honour and served as Public Health’s home for the past 38 years.
“Dr. Edwards played a significant role keeping our community healthy and safe, and represents Peterborough’s long and proud tradition of public health professionals who have served our residents with great expertise and dedication,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “He also served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 20 years so it is perfectly fitting that we honour his legacy on Remembrance Day during the final Board of Health meeting in the building that bears his name.”
Two of Dr. Edwards’ three children, Michael K. Edwards and Lynn Binns, joined the ceremony that paid tribute to their father. Following his twenty-year military career, Dr. James K. Edwards moved his family from Petawawa to Peterborough to become the Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health on September 5, 1972. He was the driving force behind the funding and construction of the 18,900 sq. ft. building at 185 King Street which began operations on November 22, 1976. Tragically, Dr. Edwards and his wife Peggy were killed in a car accident on December 1, 1979, and so to memorialize his significant contributions to the community, the building was dedicated in his honour on June 20, 1980.
Dr. Salvaterra said when Public Health moves on November 23, 2015 to its new location at Jackson Square on 185 King Street, it will carry on Dr. Edwards’ legacy by naming the new board room in his honour.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391