BPLA's Brian Heagle named Citizen of the Year

A civic tip of the hat to a busy volunteer

It’s often said: if you want something done, give it to a busy person.

Which is likely why 46-year-old Burlington lawyer and BPLA member Brian Heagle was named Burlington’s Citizen of the Year for 2009. While others describe him as “likable, sharp, generous, engaging and leader” he’s quick to add his own self deprecatory, “too-tall lawyer.”

BPLA President John Boich – another strong civic volunteer – agrees. “He’s all of these things and still retains the common touch. That’s the mark of someone who truly cares.”

Born in Hamilton and raised in Burlington, Heagle and his wife have five children ranging in age from 12 to 20. The Feltmate Delibato Heagle Lawyers partner is also an instructor, editor, writer and public speaker.

A Hamilton Spectator story notes that Heagle has been involved in several local organizations over the years, including: Burlington's Sound of Music Festival, Burlington Basketball, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, BurlingtonGreen, Halton Multicultural Council and the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. After seven years on the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford board, he now chairs the Board.

YMCA president and CEO Jim Commerford said Heagle has helped the national office determine national priorities and played a key leadership role in the merger of the Brantford YMCA with the Y of Hamilton/Burlington. Heagle brings humour, legal background and an analytical mind to the YMCA table, he added in the Spec story.

"When you have an organization coming together, it requires a lot of trust and Brian was able to build that trust between both organizations and allow us really to come together to better serve all of our communities."

Heagle has also been a director on the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital Foundation board for a year. Noting Heagle's place on Burlington’s inclusivity committee, Foundation President Chris McGarvey said such experience lets him bring multiple perspectives to the table, better enabling the board to understand community needs, from socio-economic to diversity.

"He is like a big warm blanket that wraps around everybody and takes everyone into consideration,” the story quotes McGarvey. “He's brought a lot of balance to our board."

Heagle modestly explains how he does it, noting his business partners allow him to take the time for his volunteer pursuits and his wife encourages and supports that too.

"I'm naturally drawn to various causes and interested in the community,” he says. "When I feel that I can make a difference, I pursue it and I really love working with people."

The award will be presented, with a slate of others, at the Civic Recognition Awards ceremony on May 20 at the Burlington Convention Centre. The awards – presented by the city and the service clubs of Burlington – recognize residents who make Burlington a better place.

RON DENNIS