The region’s longest serving council member was honoured on Tuesday.

After sitting on council since the amalgamation of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in 1995, Councillor Phil Meagher has retired.

At the final regular meeting of council’s term, Meagher was given the key to the region and an Indigenous hand carved walking stick on behalf of Council and residents.

Mayor Don Scott and councilors spoke about Meagher’s dedication and his lasting impact on the community.

“The legacy of your service will reverberate for years to come,” said Mayor Scott.

“You have distinguished yourself as an exemplary resident of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and I am proud to offer you the Key to the Region in recognition of your truly outstanding community service and dedication.”

Meagher has no shortage of awards as his career spans 4 decades, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for Public Service, a long service award from the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, an award from the RMWB for Excellence in Public Service for his efforts during the Horse River Wildfire and was inducted into the Wood Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.

Earlier this year Meagher also retired as Chief Deputy Superintendent of the Fort McMurray Public School District and was honoured with the Composite High School’s main gym being named  after him.

Meagher said he is deeply grateful to be recognized in such a way.

For the first time since 1995, Phil Meagher’s name will not be on the ballot in October’s municipal election.