Halton, ON – It is with great sadness that we learn today about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, as announced by Buckingham Palace on Thursday afternoon. She was 96.
Throughout her reign the Queen has been a symbol of strength and commitment to duty and public service. Elizabeth became Queen in 1952, at the age of 25, and presided over the country and the Commonwealth, including Canada, for seven decades. Those 70 years as monarch were recognized during this year's Platinum Jubilee events.
At the time of her coronation in 1953, fewer than 20,000 people lived in the communities that 21 years later would become Halton Region. Today, more than 624,000 people call Halton home.
The Queen came to Halton in 2002 during the Royal Tour for her Golden Jubilee, visiting the Oakville campus of Sheridan College to explore its world-renowned computer animation program. In Halton, as elsewhere, she was met by admirers of all ages.
The flags at Regional facilities have been lowered to half-mast today to honour The Queen’s service and dedication to this country over the last seven decades. The flags will remain lowered until sunset on the day of her funeral.
This loss will be felt across the Commonwealth countries and the world. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family and those mourning her loss at this time.
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 624,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.