About Dennis
Life-long volunteer, businessman and public servant dedicated to service to his community.
Through his contribution and actions, the infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, and broadband) of Norfolk has been dramatically improved. These issues are important to attracting new investment (development, industry and commerce) to Norfolk.
As a result of his activities and contacts with both the Provincial and Federal governments over $46,000,000 new dollars, have been invested in Norfolk.
Dennis strongly supports our agricultural sector. Whether the issue is putting seasonal signs on provincial highways, property assessment, woodlot protection, water use, promoting crop diversity and innovation, or seeking support from the provincial or federal government on other issues, Dennis has been and will continue to be there for our farmers.
Following the 2010 budget session Dennis proposed and Council supported a Corporate Program Review. The program is underway and will conclude this fall, at which time recommendations for efficiencies, effectiveness and economies within Norfolk County will be presented to Council for consideration,
Dennis was instrumental in the development of a five County (Brant, Elgin, Middlesex, Norfolk and Oxford) partnership identified as (South Central Ontario Region (SCOR)) http://www.scorregion.com/. Dennis is the chair of SCOR which exists to address the issues of diversifying and growing the economy of the Sand Plain (the traditional tobacco growing area) of southern Ontario.
Dennis is Vice-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Sand Plains Community Development Fund (www.sandplains.ca ). A federal government program to invest $15,000,000 over 3 years in the economy of the 5 county SCOR area.
Dennis is also the Chair of the Haldimand – Norfolk Board of Health and a member of the Board of Directors of:
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Norfolk Power Inc., working with the other Directors to ensure a “community owned” safe and secure source of electricity; and
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Norfolk General Hospital, having the objective of ensuring that NGH, as a vital piece of our community infrastructure, is the best it can be.
Pro Business
Dennis is very much a business oriented Mayor and is proud to lead a sensible, pro-development Council.
Dennis Travale grew up in Delhi, working after school in local stores and during the summer in the tobacco fields. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1963 serving in Canada and Germany.
In 1973 Dennis joined the federal public service, advancing over the years to become the Executive Director of Security for the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, serving on national and international committees.
Dennis is a co-author of the federal government’s Security Policy, has developed and taught courses on security across Canada and at Algonquin College (Ottawa) where he volunteered on the Advisory Board for the Law and Security Faculty.
Dennis has been involved in volunteer work throughout his life. In Delhi he was a Cub and Scout leader, and during his military service he was a volunteer radio announcer with the Canadian Forces Network. He is a past-president of two national organizations that provide direction, training and professional advancement opportunities for the Canadian security community.
Dennis volunteered in his Ottawa neighbourhood as the Director of Recreation, ensuring that ball diamonds, soccer fields, outdoor hockey rinks and other play facilities were built, maintained and operable. Dennis also coached and refereed youth soccer.
In July 1996, Dennis moved back to Norfolk with Barbara and their son Michael and purchased the Simcoe Answering Service, which they expanded and developed. Additionally, Dennis continued to offer his services as a Management Consultant to large corporations and governments.
Volunteer Work
Dennis volunteered:
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On the Town of Simcoe’s Economic Development Advisory Committee;
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On the Board of the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce; and
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As Director on both the Haldimand-Norfolk Housing Corporation and, the Kinvilla Housing Corporation.
Dennis was an active member of the Kinsmen Club of Simcoe where he directed the building of the Dave Russell Memorial Play Park and the Kinsmen Splash Pad, making Kinsmen Park an “accessible and inclusive” Norfolk play destination for all children.
Dennis has been decorated twice for his service to Canada and has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion (for 24 years).
Family Man
Dennis and Barbara have been married for 42 years and have a son, Michael and a daughter-in-law, Nicole.
To learn more about Dennis and his plans for Norfolk contact him directly.
