Don Robertson has been named chair of the Hamilton Police Service Board for 2025. He was confirmed in the new post after being acclaimed at Friday morning’s monthly board meeting.
Robertson takes the gavel from Col. Geordie Elms, the provincial appointee member who stepped into the post after the April 1, 2024 departure of provincial appointee Pat Mandy, whose six years on the board ended when her appointment was not renewed, and after a few weeks with interim chair Fred Bennink at the helm.
Bennink, a five-year member, was forced to leave at the end of April due to new regulations imposed by the Community Safety and Policing Act that prohibit a former auxiliary officer from serving on the board.
Robertson, a Lynden native who lives in rural Ancaster, was appointed to a three-year term on the board on April 21, 2024. According to his bio posted on the HPS Board website, he’s been a Realtor since 1974 and is owner and General Manager of the Dundas Real McCoys. His community involvement includes sitting on the board of the Ontario Hockey Association. He is also a past-president of the Lynden Lions Club and is a former vice president of the Ontario Liberal Party.
Elms highlighted the work done by board administrator Kirsten Stevenson for shepherding the board through the reorganizations over the past five years. He also thanked Chief Frank Bergen for leading “from the front.”
Elms will remain on the board until the end of his appointment, on March 6. He has chosen not to extend his term.
Robertson recognized Elms’s experience and knowledge in helping him prepare for the role.
Also at Friday’s meeting, city council member Esther Pauls was acclaimed as vice chair.
“I will do my best, and I will support the chair,” she said at the meeting.
The Hamilton Police Service Board is made up of seven members, including three appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, three council representatives and one citizen member appointed by council.
