THUNDER BAY – Elizabeth Dougall is one of four inductees into the 2020 Women in History online exhibit, hosted by the City of Thunder Bay Archives.
Dougall, who died in 2019, was the owner of Dougall Media, but her influence reached well beyond her significant roles in publication and broadcasting.
“Elizabeth gave generously of her time and attention to numerous organizations aimed at enriching lives throughout the city.”
Also honoured were Honourary Lieut.-Col. Margaret Ruth Page, who had a lifelong career focused on public health, nursing and instruction in Northwestern Ontario and beyond; Katherine Hope Dugmore, who played a central role in the development of Prince Arthur’s Landing; and Lieut.-Col. Darla M. Oja, a decorated member of the Canadian forces who has served throughout Canada and internationally, while also supporting local community organizations, including the Military Family Resource Centre and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Special consideration was given this year, the 50th anniversary of amalgamation, to women who had made contributions since 1970.
“As we reflect upon our city’s progress and noteworthy milestones achieved over the past 50 years, we have had the opportunity to highlight contributions made by remarkable women of Thunder Bay in the more recent past,” said heritage researcher Laurie Abthorpe, in a release.
Dougall was honoured for accomplishments related to Thunder Bay business and commerce, cultural communications and community enrichment, fighting poverty. She was a long-time supporter of the United Way of Thunder Bay, St. Paul United Church, Magnus Theatre, the Salvation Army and the Northern School of Medicine.
She was a past campaign chair of the United Way of Thunder Bay, and was involved with the organization for more than a quarter of a century.
“Whenever I asked for her help, she gave it generously, without hesitation … Not only was she very intelligent, representing our community admirably, but she was also a ton of fun to be with... She had an inquisitive mind, had a visionary approach to problem solving, and a capacity to adapt complex approaches to work locally. Her enthusiasm was contagious and her belief anything is possible inspiring,” said Joanne Kembel, the former executive director at the local United Way chapter.
Dugmore, who died in 2013, signed on as manager of the city’s planning division in 2005 and two years later was named waterfront project manager, helping guide the city through the $120-million public and privately funded project.
The viewing circle in the park has been dedicated in her honour.
“Katherine’s skill in urban planning and landscape design shines through many other notable and well-appreciated projects within the City of Thunder Bay, including the Terry Fox Scenic Lookout on the Trans-Canada Highway,” her online bio reads.
Page, who died in March 2011, began her nursing career in Cochrane, Ont., and eventually led her to the Lakehead, where she took on the role of nursing instructor a Port Arthur General and McKellar General hospitals.
She later was named supervisor of public health nursing at the Port Arthur and District Health Unit and then became director of the school of nursing at Lakehead University.
Page, a nursing sister with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, HMCS Griffon, was awarded the Order of Canada in 1997.
Oja joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1992 and four years later she transferred to the 19 (Thunder Bay) Service Battalion and in 2006 was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina and the operations NCO on Operation Althea.
In 2017 she took on the role of 38 Service Battalion deputy commanding officer and two years later, then a lieutenant colonel, was named commanding officer for the unit.
Visit the city of Thunder Bay’s website for more information about the inductees and their accomplishments.
Disclosure: Dougall Media is the parent company of tbnewswatch.com
