Sarnia council has unanimously endorsed a proposal to rename Sarnia Bay Marina the "Andrew S. Brandt Marina at Sarnia Bay."
The news received a round of applause for Brandt Monday -- who was watching from the gallery.
"How could I vote not to support it, he's the man who's my role model," said councillor Andy Bruziewicz. "You're a legend."
Andy Brandt served as City Alderman from 1971 to 1974, Sarnia’s Mayor from 1975 to 1980, and went on to represent the city as a Member of Provincial Parliament. He also acted as interim leader of the Progressive Conservatives from November of 1987 until May of 1990 when Mike Harris took over.
During his time in office, Brandt helped secure funding to build the marina, Highway 402 and the Norman Street hospital site.
Councillor Brian White called Brandt an inspiration.
"This may be my only opportunity to honour somebody who I feel has been a great influence on the community that we live in, the community that we love," said White. "Somebody who continues to -- long after his public service has officially ended -- continues to be an ambassador for our great city."
Staff have been asked to work with the marina operator and coordinate community dollars to revitalize the marina.
"I think it's a wonderful thing, and a wonderful recognition and to have someone of the stature of Mr. Brandt put his name forward so that we can be the benefit of it with monetary donations coming to refurbish the Sarnia Bay Marina -- how generous is that," said Councillor Anne Marie Gillis.
It's hoped a fundraising campaign can raise $1-million dollars to fix up the marina -- which opened in 1985.