Jim and Sheila Stewart Have Served the Community For More Than a Half Century

By Ralph Tweedie, Manotick Kiwanis Club

As Kiwanians, we have pride in our community. Often, Kiwanis members support their neighborhood as individuals or as members of other community service organizations.

One such member is Jim Stewart, in partnership with his wife Sheila. They have been actively involved in our community for over 50 years. Jim and Sheila moved to Manotick in 1972.  

On moving to Manotick, Jim joined the Manotick Curling Club and soon served as its treasurer. He held that position for seventeen years as well as 10 years as treasurer for the Ottawa Valley Curling Association. The Ontario Curling Association honoured Jim with its Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated service.

Jim, in partnership with Karl Bilyj (another Kiwanis member) had a key role in launching the Little Rocks Curling Program for ages 6 to 11 and purchasing their equipment. Office Pro has helped sponsor many of the Little Rock teams and this program has produced multiple champions.

Jim played Old-timers Hockey and in the 1975-76 season was a founding member of the Manotick Old-timers League.

In 1978, Jim was the first president of the new Kinsmen Club of Manotick. Sheila was the first president of the Kinettes. The Kinsmen soon became the sole organizer of Dickinson Days. Jim managed the pancake breakfast and Sheila the craft fair. In the 90’s, the Manotick Kiwanis Club took on organization of Dickinson Days and Jim still runs the pancake breakfast. The Kinsmen Clubs of Canada presented Jim with its Life Member Award.

In 1983, Jim and Sheila purchased Manotick Office Pro. Over the years, their business has supported the community. They stock books from local authors, sell tickets for fundraisers and promote charitable events. They sell our Kiwanis Cook Book, Christmas cakes, shortbread cookies and chocolate truffles. They often donate their time, efforts and prizes for local teams and events.

During the 80’s, Jim served for 6 years as a Rideau Township councillor and was Mayor of the township from 1991 to 1997. He also served as councillor for the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. Jim was a Chief Election Official twice for the province and served as second in command federally on seven occasions.

 Jim has had a long association with the Miller’s Oven Restaurant. As mayor, he was involved in fundraising and purchasing the building from the Rideau Valley Conservation Association (RVCA). He was chairman of the Miller’s Oven volunteer board for seventeen years and seven years as treasurer. He is a Chartered Accountant and has volunteered as treasurer/auditor for several local groups including the BIA.

As former mayor, he is most proud of bringing city water and the fire hydrants to the village. Subsequently, land was purchased and the fire station was built.

Jim and Sheila proudly support the local businesses that help make Manotick such a great place to live.

Featurd Image: Jim and Sheila Stewart of Manotick Office Pro are also big supporters of the community.