Janice Laking Obituary, Cause of Death – Former Barrie Mayor Remembered for Decades of Public Service
The Barrie community is mourning the death of longtime civic leader and former mayor Janice Laking, who died at the age of 97. Laking was a prominent figure in Barrie public life for decades, serving on city council before becoming mayor and helping guide the community through a period of significant growth.
Remembered by former colleagues and community members as both determined and compassionate, Laking left a lasting mark on Barrie through her public service, education career and involvement in numerous community causes.
Janice Laking Cause of Death
The cause of Janice Laking’s death was not provided in the information available for this article.
No specific illness, medical condition or other circumstance surrounding her passing should be assumed without confirmation from her family or another reliable source. Her death has instead prompted tributes from people who worked alongside her and knew her during her many years of service to Barrie.
Remembering Janice Laking
Laking served as a Barrie alderman beginning in 1972 before becoming mayor in 1988. She remained in the mayor’s office until 2000, giving her one of the longest mayoral tenures in the city’s history.
Former city councillor Dave Morrison described her as an extraordinary individual whose leadership combined determination, sensitivity, passion and practicality. He remembered her as the mayor Barrie needed during a period of what he described as “turbo growth.”
Barry Ward, who served on council for 22 years beginning in 2000, also remembered Laking for her dedication to improving Barrie and her willingness to speak honestly, even when her views were difficult for others to hear.
A Life of Public Service and Leadership
Before entering the mayor’s office, Laking spent nearly three decades working as a high school teacher and physical education coach at Barrie North Collegiate. She served there from 1960 until 1988, when she left teaching to become mayor.
One of the major achievements associated with her time as mayor was the effort to preserve the railway line between Barrie and Bradford. When Canadian National Railway planned to remove the tracks, Laking worked with the provincial government and the city to help purchase the line.
The $3.1-million purchase helped preserve an important transportation connection and ultimately contributed to the future development of GO Transit service to Barrie.
Family, Community and Civic Causes
Laking was the daughter of former Barrie mayor Duncan McCuaig, who served as mayor from 1928 to 1931 and later represented Simcoe North in the House of Commons.
She attended the University of Western Ontario and married John Laking in 1952. John was associated with the longtime Barrie travel business Laking and Rhoades Travel Service.
Beyond municipal politics, Laking supported numerous community causes. She advocated for women in public office and was involved with the MacLaren Art Centre, where a gallery bears her name. She also supported the YMCA and was involved with the Sir Robert Barrie Project, which honored the city’s namesake and helped establish Sir Robert Barrie Day.
A Leader Remembered for Her Character
Laking’s years in public office were marked not only by major civic decisions but also by the personality she brought to council chambers.
During her time as an alderman, she was known for knitting during council and committee meetings, with the sound of her knitting needles becoming familiar to those around her. Once she became mayor, however, she reportedly put the knitting aside.
Former colleagues also remembered moments when Laking’s straightforward approach brought humor and firmness to municipal proceedings. Her willingness to enforce order while maintaining a serious commitment to public service became part of the legacy remembered by those who worked with her.
Funeral and Memorial Information
No funeral, visitation or memorial arrangements were provided in the information available for this article.
Additional information about services or ways to honor Janice Laking’s memory may be shared by her family or representatives if arrangements are announced.
Honoring Janice Laking’s Memory
For many in Barrie, Janice Laking will be remembered as a longtime public servant who devoted much of her life to the community.
Her years as a teacher, councillor and mayor allowed her to influence generations of residents, while her work on transportation, cultural organizations, community initiatives and women in public office extended beyond the walls of city hall.
Tributes from former colleagues reflect the lasting impression she made on those who worked with her. Her dedication to Barrie and her direct approach to leadership remain important parts of the story of her public life.
Information Disclaimer
This article is based on the information provided regarding the death and life of Janice Laking. She was reported to have died at the age of 97 and was a longtime Barrie mayor and civic leader. The cause of death was not provided in the available information. No specific illness, medical condition or circumstance surrounding her death should be treated as confirmed without information from her family or another reliable source. Funeral and memorial details may be updated if additional information is released.