City of Port Moody awards former councillor Gerry Nuttall with Freedom of the City honour

The City of Port Moody awarded former councillor and long-time community volunteer Gerry Nuttall with the Freedom of the City honour at a Special Committee of the Whole Meeting on Saturday, June 16, 2018. 

“Gerry Nuttall is a tireless volunteer who loves Port Moody and works hard to ensure we have the best community possible,” said Mayor Mike Clay. “He believes that all residents of all ages deserve a rich community life that includes friendship, connection, and access to excellent City services and facilities. Through his business and his volunteer work, Gerry has made a difference in the lives of many, and he is a true asset to our City.” 

Nuttall and his wife Barbara moved to Port Moody in 1976. They built a house on April Road, raised three children, and opened a small printing business. Nuttall quickly became a devoted volunteer in the community, as a softball coach and a member of numerous civic committees. In his printing business, he would often donate design and printing services to local non-profit organizations. 

Nuttall served on Port Moody Council for three terms. During this time, he served as chair of the Finance Committee, Arts and Culture Committee, Economic Development Committee, Parks and Recreation Committee, and Community Care Committee, and as a member of the Arts Centre Expansion Project and the Parks and Recreation Commission. 

Nuttall has also volunteered his time as chair of the Residents for a Better Port Moody, president of the Golden Spike Days Society, chair of the Burrard Thermal Liaison Committee, member of the Port Moody Police Board, treasurer for the BC Association of Police Boards, and co-chair for the Evergreen Line Art Committee. 

In 2015, along with Fred Soofi, Wayne Borthwick, and Ann Kitching – a Freedom of the City recipient who passed away in December 2016 – Nuttall formed the Port Moody Seniors Friendship Society to address loneliness among seniors in Port Moody. In October 2016, with support from the City of Port Moody and Metro Vancouver, the Society opened a gathering space and café called The Club at 101 Noons Creek Drive. The Club is a place where seniors can come and drop in to socialize, as well as take part in activities such as bridge, knitting, book club, cribbage, movie nights, trivia nights, bus trips to various locations, and Friday night socials.

First awarded in 1971, Freedom of the City is the highest honour that Port Moody can bestow on an individual or a distinguished unit of the Canadian Armed Forces. It is awarded to acknowledge a significant contribution to the community or significant achievements that have brought recognition to the City. 

Visit portmoody.ca/freedomofthecity to learn more about Freedom of the City and find a list of past recipients.