Let's talk about Walter

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Consultation has concluded

The City issued a request to residents to submit their fondest memory of Brantford's beloved Lord Mayor Walter Gretzky. The response was overwhelming as several stories and photos were submitted. Using some of those submissions, a tribute video was created to honour Walter Gretzky and his contributions to Brantford and its residents.

Let's talk about Walter video


The Let's Talk about Walter video is one of the many ways the City will honour the legacy of Brantford's beloved Lord Mayor. In 2020, the City renamed the newly renovated Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course in his honour. Later this year, a

The City issued a request to residents to submit their fondest memory of Brantford's beloved Lord Mayor Walter Gretzky. The response was overwhelming as several stories and photos were submitted. Using some of those submissions, a tribute video was created to honour Walter Gretzky and his contributions to Brantford and its residents.

Let's talk about Walter video


The Let's Talk about Walter video is one of the many ways the City will honour the legacy of Brantford's beloved Lord Mayor. In 2020, the City renamed the newly renovated Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course in his honour. Later this year, a portrait of Walter will be unveiled at the golf course that bears his name. Additionally, Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant is currently raising funds to create a tribute bust in Walter's honour with plans to feature the special tribute at Brantford's new City Hall at 58 Dalhousie Street.


Do you have a story about Walter you'd like to share?

Please tell us about a personal experience that you or someone you know had with Branford's Beloved Lord Mayor, Walter Gretzky. Thank you for sharing. 

Thank you for sharing your story with us.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
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    by Sylvia Dicesare, over 3 years ago

    It was my mom's 85th birthday and we were at Kings Buffet and when the waitress came over with cupcake and lit candle singing happy birthday Walter got up and came over to wish my mom a happy birthday and had their picture taken together - it was on my mom's fridge until she passed a few years ago.

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    by Kethomps, over 3 years ago
    I was a young mom with a 4 year old and 1 year old twins in my mini van on our way home from Cambridge. Suddenly one of the tires blew out and I had to pull over on Hwy. 24. This was before I owned a cell phone and I couldn't take all of the kids with me to try to find a pay phone. I knew I would have to try to change the tire. I got out of the van and started to get the spare tire, jack etc.. out of the back. No body was stopping... Continue reading
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    by Janet Annable, over 3 years ago
    I stood in a long line-up with Walter at the Dollar Store on a Saturday afternoon. We started to chat and he proceeded to tell me that he had to come out to the store because his cat told him he needed cat treats. He was balancing a few things without a cart so I offered for him to put his things in my cart. He declined and told me about giving the doctor a hard time when he was getting diagnosed with Parkinson's. He had a very nice chat and it wasn't until later on that I wondered why... Continue reading
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    by Sherry Montani, over 3 years ago
    Growing up in Brantford was special. There is so much wonderful history to learn about and Walter has been a great part of that.

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    I didn't make any difference to Walter what level of hockey the kids were playing, whether it was house league or triple A, he was always giving them tips on their games.

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    by Alexandra Boyd, over 3 years ago

    In May 2019, The Glass Slipper Company was approached by the organizers of Hike for Hospice to help them with their annual fundraiser. We were delighted to bring them one of our princesses, debuting the iconic gold ballgown of our Rose Princess at the most appropriate event we could think of. Yellow is the colour often used to signify support for cancer patients, survivors and their families, displayed in ribbons and that year, the t-shirts provided by the event organizers.


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    by Deanna, over 3 years ago
    For my husband’s first Father’s Day, 24 years ago, I sent a letter and a card with a self addressed envelope and asked Walter to please sign and send it back, so that it would arrive in time for Fathers Day.

    I was very disappointed when Father’s Day arrived and there was no card from Canada’s Hockey Dad. I heard all the stories about how nice he was and I’d met him a few times and he casually knew my husband from his work as a teacher at North Park Collegiate, so I was really shocked, but, he of course... Continue reading

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    by Chaitanya Deepti Gera, over 3 years ago

    Mr. Walter Gretzky visited Brantford General on 18 December 2014. My son was born 2 days prior. Mr. Gretzky visited to gift the babies stuffies ( a Rudolph) because it was Christmas time. That was the first time we had known him. We were an immigrant family fairly new to Brantford. Mr. Gretzky continues to be my son's role model. Since then we have always been inspired by his kindness and commitment to the local community. We have always watched/seen him doing many charitable activities, spreading joy among kids. Always cherished his pictures in news. I am so thankful to... Continue reading

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    by ShyloMayes, over 3 years ago

    We travelled together many weekends for NHL Alumni tour hockey games. I would sing and entertain after . Walter would come up every gig , and tell the story of why Amazing grace was written , and we would perform it for the event . Moving experience 💕🙏



    -Kraig Nienhuis

    Former NHL hockey player/ current guitarist/singer entertainer

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    by Zig Misiak , over 3 years ago

    One of my fondest memories was when Wally and I were co-Parade Marshall’s in the Ancaster Heritage Parade in July of 2019. I dressed Wally in one of my War of 1812 uniforms, including a sword; he loved history. We were running late getting there, but the parade would not leave without us. As I tried to get through the massive crowd of people that were surrounding Wally, I suddenly felt a pain in my backside. I initially thought it was a hornet that stung me, but as I turned around, I saw Wally standing there, holding my sword. He... Continue reading

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