The mayor of a southwestern Ontario community is dead following a boating mishap about 35 kilometres south of Pickle Lake.
Provincial Police were called to a boat in distress on Lake Saint Joseph around 11 o’clock yesterday morning.
OPP say a barge transporting fuel had capsized and the lone person on the vessel didn’t survive.
The victim has been identified as 64 year old Jonathan Grace of Goderich.
Grace had been on town council for 17 years, the last four as mayor and was prepared to seek another four years in office.
A statement from his municipality said Grace was a strong leader and decision maker and an integral in many projects.
The cause is under investigation with support from OPP and the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of the Environment.
Members with the Northwestern Emergency Response Team, Underwater Search and Recovery Unit and Nishnawbe Aski Police assisted in the initial investigation.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the OPP, at 1-888-310-1122.
