Permit
In 2026, the Town of Hampstead inaugurated a new chapter in its history with the first presentation of the Order of Hampstead, the Town’s highest civic distinction.
This inaugural ceremony honoured individuals whose service, leadership and commitment have left a lasting mark on Hampstead. Through their memories and reflections, the ceremony also offered something invaluable: an opportunity to hear our Town’s history through the voices of those who helped shape it.
In honouring individuals whose contributions have left a lasting mark on Hampstead, the inaugural Order of Hampstead ceremony gave something meaningful back to our community. For one afternoon, our Town’s history came to life through the memories, stories and values of those who helped shape it.
The first medal was presented to the sisters of Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, in tribute to his service, courage and ultimate sacrifice. Surrounded by a strong SPVM delegation who came to stand in solidarity with the family of their colleague who fell in the line of duty last June, his loved ones reminded us that behind the uniform is a person, a family and a memory that endures. It was a deeply moving moment that affirmed one thing with certainty: he will not be forgotten.
Then, Hampstead’s story unfolded through the voices of those who served it.
Our master of ceremonies, Councillor Michael Goldwax, spoke of how meaningful it was for the Honourable Judge Barbara Seal to receive this recognition. Her contributions extend well beyond her years on Town Council. A former Citizenship Judge, she served in that capacity for 12 years and has remained deeply involved with numerous cultural, educational and community organizations. Her longstanding commitment to public service was recognized in 1993, when she was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.
Yet it was her Hampstead roots that held particular meaning that day. Barbara Seal reflected on how profoundly her years of public service as a Town Councillor had shaped her. Her memories brought back a time when service to the Town often extended well beyond the Council chamber and became a family affair, including through recreation, with her husband volunteering his time with ski lessons. Her story reflects a life in which municipal service, community involvement and a broader commitment to others have always gone hand in hand.
Abraham Gonshor, in turn, chose to share the honour. In his remarks, he paid tribute to the women and men with whom he had the privilege of serving, as well as to Mayor Irving Adessky. The years appear to have done little to change the man many within the administration still remember: warm, jovial and deeply committed to his community. He spoke of his involvement in community events and his enduring desire to bring people together. Among his memories was the first distribution of latkes during the menorah lighting, recalling an earlier Hampstead while reminding us that some of the traditions we cherish today began with simple gestures that brought neighbours together.
Lillian Vineberg also shared a reflection filled with conviction, lessons learned and cherished memories. She spoke of the importance of standing with the Jewish community, while also supporting all communities that make up our society. Looking back on her municipal responsibilities, she reflected on what she learned while overseeing the Town’s finance portfolio and how formative that experience became in her own journey.
She also shared one of the more human lessons of public life: learning to agree to disagree, recognizing that differences of opinion are part of the decision-making process while never losing sight of the shared responsibility to make decisions that strengthen and uplift the community. A family story about the poppy, worn on jackets and displayed on the walls of the Community Centre, brought together personal and collective memory in a particularly touching way.
Perhaps that is where the true significance of this inaugural ceremony was found. The Order of Hampstead did more than recognize remarkable journeys. It gave us the opportunity to hear the stories behind them. Behind the titles, years of service and distinctions are memories, convictions, seemingly simple gestures and individuals who, each in their own way, have left an enduring mark on Hampstead.
*As the fifth recipient of this inaugural cohort, David Sternthal will receive his medal at a later date, when his own years of service and commitment to Hampstead will likewise be recognized.
The ceremony also marked another important moment of civic recognition with the presentation of Keys to the Town to the Royal Montreal Regiment and the Canadian Grenadier Guards. Both regiments share a longstanding relationship with Hampstead and had previously received the Freedom of the City, one of the most significant honours a municipality can confer upon a military unit.
The Keys recognize and celebrate that enduring relationship, as well as the mutual respect, history and traditions that continue to connect these regiments with the Hampstead community.
Royal Montreal Regiment
Canadian Grenadiers Guards
Through its very first ceremony, the Order of Hampstead reminded us that the history of a Town does not live in its archives alone. It lives in those who served it, in those who remember, and in the legacy they pass on to those who will carry that work forward.
