North Central Community Association head retires

REGINA – Former city councillor Rob Deglau celebrated his retirement Friday with family and friends. The well known Reginan is stepping down as executive director of the North Central Community Association.

“Somehow, I’ve had an interaction with this neighbourhood, bits and pieces at a time. Neighbourhoods are not about bricks and mortar, it’s about a whole bunch of relationships,” he said.

Friends and family say Deglau’s commitment to the community is second nature.

“Helping people, that’s what he likes to do, and he’s good at it,” said Deglau’s mother, Honey.

Deglau, who held the position for nine years, has had a hand in improving housing standards, employment training, and gang exit programs. But, for him what stands out today is something almost anyone can do.

“We were one of the first neighbourhoods in Canada to mobilize and get together, and clean up the neighborhood,” he said. “That grew to a point that, last year, we hauled out 42 tonnes of trash. We had over 100 and some volunteers, and 15 trucks.”

While he’s been out of politics for some time, his accomplishments inspired the next wave.

“When he first ran for council and got elected, I was quite impressed, and I said, ‘Here’s the average, ordinary guy who’s just trying to give back to his community,’” said Ward 6 Councillor Wade Murray.

While all the hallmarks of a retirement party were there, few believe Deglau is totally stepping away.

“I don’t think he’s ever going to retire 100 per cent,” said Honey.

Deglau plans to volunteer with the association in the future.