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Unofficial “Mayor of Downtown Chilliwack” honoured by MLA in legislature

Harold Zinke has worked for 19 years to keep Chilliwack’s streets clean and events running smoothly

Harold Zinke is one of Chilliwack’s most well-known faces, as a downtown street ambassador.

And on Tuesday morning, MLAs from across the province learned what makes him so very special to the community. Chilliwack MLA John Martin paid tribute to Zinke, who has worked for the Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association for the past 19 years.

Many will recognize Zinke as the friendly smile you see downtown, as he cleans the streets and helps promote upcoming BIA events.

“Harold is one of Chilliwack’s most recognizable faces,” Martin told the legislature. “A person who was formerly on social assistance and once on the verge of homelessness. Harold is Chilliwack’s street ambassador and a familiar sight downtown with his trusty wheelbarrow and an ever-present friendly smile.”

He spoke in the legislature about Zinke’s accomplishments, including being named Employee of the Year by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce in 2007, and Citizen of the Year by the Optimist Club that same year.

“For almost 20 years, Harold has kept the streets of downtown Chilliwack spotless, and he routinely assists with the setup and the takedown of Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association events,” Martin said.

“His contributions to the community — that I am proud to represent and I’m proud to call home — have not gone unnoticed,” he added. “Affectionately known as the mayor of downtown Chilliwack, whether he’s keeping the streets clean, washing windows or watering outdoor plants, Harold Zinke is just one more reason that Chilliwack punches above its weight.”

“Will the House please join me in recognizing one of Chilliwack’s very finest, Harold Zinke.”

In addition to his regular workload for the BIA, Zinke is one of many who spend countless hours ensuring events such as Party in the Park and the Classic Car Show go off without a hitch.

To see the full speech MLA John Martin made to Harold Zinke, watch the attached video.


@CHWKcommunity
jpeters@theprogress.com

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Harold Zinke enjoys a St. Patrick’s Day pancake breakfast benefitting the Salvation Army back in 2012. (BIA photo)
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Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I began my career in 1999, covering communities across the Fraser Valley ever since.
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