At a City Council meeting on June 10th, the Council announced that, in accordance with a policy, they would be naming 7 residents and one organization as Freemen of the City.

Candidates nominated for this ceremonial role are recognized for at least 15 years of dedicated service to the community in fields such as education, business, politics, community service (including work with the city and individuals with disabilities), religion, recreation and athletics, culture, communication and media, and heritage and culture.

A ceremony took place at the Rodd Hotel on June 26th at 6:30 PM to honour the following individuals:

• Sherre Allison
• Bill Fraser
• Tilly O’Neill-Gordon
• Artie Morris
• Greg Morris
• Hal Somers
• Janet Creighton
• Big Brothers Big Sisters

All that were nominated were approved by two-thirds of the council or more.

Check back as bios of the recipients will be added as they become available.

Bios of the Recipients

Hal Somers – FOC Bio

Hal Somers is a long-standing entrepreneur, leader, and community builder whose contributions to the Miramichi region span over three decades. Known for his steady vision, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to community betterment, Hal has grown from a single dealership owner to one of the largest private employers in the region — all while remaining deeply rooted in local causes.

Hal’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1991 when he reopened the Mercury dealership after it had gone bankrupt. Over the years, through determination and strategic reinvestment, he expanded his business footprint. He purchased the former Ford dealership in 2000, followed by the Mazda store in 2005, and eventually the Chrysler dealership in 2018 — a longtime personal goal inspired by family legacy. Today, Hal oversees three major dealerships in the city, employing over 100 people and contributing significantly to the local economy. Even as his sons take on greater ownership, Hal remains active in a mentorship role — proudly calling himself the "Chief Storyteller."

While his business accomplishments are impressive, it is Hal’s community work that truly defines his legacy. He has served as Chair of the Miramichi Regional Hospital Foundation for nearly a decade, helping grow the foundation's assets from virtually nothing to over $7 million, supporting vital healthcare improvemeeis by adding a Banketrol III system for ICU, breast biopsy machine, CT scanner, Vien viewer and more.  He was a founding board member of Start-up Miramichi, helping emerging entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, and served multiple terms with the Miramichi Chamber of Commerce, advocating for the region’s economic growth.

Currently, Hal leads the fundraising campaign for the Arbec Wellness Centre, a project set to transform the city’s recreation and event infrastructure. His leadership has been essential in rallying community support and laying the groundwork for future development.

Beyond his formal roles, Hal is known as a generous mentor and steady voice in the community. Whether through commercial real estate, advisory boards, or quiet encouragement behind the scenes, he uplifts others with empathy, integrity, and practical wisdom.

A devoted family man, Hal has been married to his wife Brenda for 44 years. Together, they have raised two sons — both of whom are now active partners in the family business — and they enjoy time with their five grandchildren, all living locally. Family remains at the core of Hal’s life, just as community remains at the core of his work.

Hal Somers is more than a successful business owner. He is a builder — of businesses, of people, and of community. His vision, generosity, and dedication make him a truly deserving nominee for the Freeman of the City Award.

Tilly O’Neill-Gordon – FOC Bio

Tilly O’Neill-Gordon has spent her life in service to her community—as an educator, a Member of Parliament, and a passionate advocate for the people of Miramichi. From classrooms to Parliament Hill, Tilly brought with her a deep understanding of the heart of this community, and a determination to secure a stronger future for its people.

During her time as MP for Miramichi from 2008 to 2015, Tilly played a critical role in securing the Federal Pay Centre for the city—one of the most transformative developments in Miramichi’s modern history. Her leadership, relationship-building, and tenacity helped bring over 1,000 stable, well-paying federal jobs to the region. That decision not only changed lives, but it also changed the trajectory of the entire community.  It has been the foundation of economic and community renewal and growth we have experienced over the last decade since then.

What was once an area facing high unemployment and population decline is now a city marked by growth, revitalization, and renewed opportunity. Families were able to stay, others came home, and new residents brought diversity and energy to the region—all supported by an economic foundation that Tilly helped to build.

Tilly’s commitment to service has always extended beyond politics. As a long-time school-teacher, was President of the St. Michael’s Parish Council and a member of the Church choir.  She is known for her warmth, her generosity, and her deep belief in  community. She embodies the values of dedication, public service, and love for the people she has always represented with heart.

Tilly O’Neill-Gordon is more than a public servant—she is a transformative leader whose contributions have shaped Miramichi for generations. It is with deep respect and appreciation that we honour her with the Freedom of the City Award.

Greg Morris – FOC Bio

Greg Morris has dedicated a lifetime to the service, development, and spirit of the City of Miramichi. Through more than six decades of unwavering leadership in education, athletics, and community service, Greg has left a lasting mark not only on the institutions he served but on the countless lives he’s influenced.

A proud son of Chatham, Greg began shaping young lives early in his career as an educator, serving as Vice-Principal and later Principal of James M. Hill Memorial High School over a span of 29 years. Known for his high expectations, steady presence, and authentic care, Greg became a defining figure in Miramichi’s school system. He was the first inductee into the JMH Wall of Fame—an honour that reflects the deep appreciation of his school community.

Equally legendary is Greg’s lifelong dedication to sport in Miramichi. As a player, coach, and builder, his name is synonymous with excellence. From quarterbacking and captaining teams at St. Thomas University in the 1960s to coaching the Chatham Ironmen to multiple national championship titles (1995, 1999 and 2019). Greg’s leadership in sport has helped shape Miramichi’s athletic identity on a local, provincial, and national stage. His coaching résumé includes dozens of championships across multiple levels and age groups, including Team Canada representation and Canada Games appearances. His contributions have been recognized by numerous honours, including induction into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, the Miramichi Sports Wall of Fame, and the NB Baseball Hall of Fame.

But Greg’s legacy isn’t only measured in banners and medals. His true impact lies in the generations of youth who found mentorship under his guidance, in the teams who found belief through his leadership, and in the community who rallied behind his passion. Whether volunteering with the Chatham Credit Union, serving his parish at St. Michael’s Basilica, or co-founding the Miramichi Sports Wall of Fame, Greg has consistently led by example—with humility, conviction, and heart.

To this day, Greg remains active in the community—attending games, supporting local athletes, and holding court over coffee at Tim Horton’s. His presence is as familiar as it is influential. He embodies what it means to be a Miramichier: deeply loyal, fiercely committed, and endlessly generous.

The Freeman of the City Award recognizes individuals whose contributions leave a lasting imprint on their community. In every way, Greg Morris is that individual.

Artie Morris – FOC Bio

Artie Morris is a proud sixth-generation Miramichier whose remarkable life and career have been devoted to building community, uplifting others, and shaping the future of his city with unwavering faith, positivity, and purpose.

At 88 years old and 63 years married, Mr. Morris remains a pillar of the Miramichi community. He founded Allied Realty in 1972—the first real estate brokerage in the region—and over the course of 52 years, transformed it into a cornerstone business of Miramichi. What began as a modest operation has grown into a thriving enterprise with over $45 million in annual sales, a testament to his vision, leadership, and relentless work ethic. As he often says, “Every day is a great day, and tomorrow is going to be even better than today.” That enduring optimism remains the heartbeat of Allied Realty, where Artie can still be found at his desk every weekday, inspiring others by example.  And he does this all without relying on a computer or a cell phone.

But Mr. Morris’s legacy extends far beyond business. He has dedicated decades to public service, becoming the youngest ever elected to Newcastle Town Council in the late 1960s. His leadership helped shape key community developments, including the Miramichi Mall and major fundraising efforts for the Miramichi Hospital and Civic Center. He also served as Chairman of both institutions, guiding vital progress for the benefit of residents across the region.

Artie’s commitment to community is matched by his generosity and faith. A longtime volunteer at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, he has quietly contributed countless hours to causes close to his heart. He is also a passionate supporter of local sports—most notably as a dedicated Miramichi Timberwolves fan and sponsor from the team’s inception 25 years ago. His love of sport and athleticism has supported generations of athletes and teams across Miramichi.

Recognized with the Business of Excellence Award in 2013, Artie’s impact is best measured not just in awards, but in the people he has uplifted. He has mentored decades of real estate professionals, many of whom launched their careers under his guidance and now shape the industry across the region. As an employer, mentor, and friend, he continues to provide livelihood, leadership, and inspiration to those around him.

Coming from a family of 11, Mr. Morris has always understood the value of community, faith, and perseverance. From early jobs at Sony, Northumberland News, and Whole Foods, to pioneering real estate development and selling land that sparked new subdivisions, his journey is defined by big thinking and even bigger action. As he says, “The recipe for success is: Think Big, Act Bigger.”

Artie Morris is not only a successful entrepreneur—he is a man of deep faith, enduring love, and an unshakable belief in the people and promise of Miramichi. For all he has done and continues to do, he is a deeply deserving candidate for the title Freeman of the City.

 

Bill Fraser – FOC Bio

Few individuals have shaped the infrastructure, identity, and future of the Miramichi region as meaningfully as Bill Fraser. Serving as MLA from 2006 to 2018—and as Minister of several high-profile departments including;

*Regional Development Corporation 

*Intergovernmental Affairs 

*Tourism-Heritage & Culture

*Department of Transportation and Infrastructure

*Miramichi & Northern Economic Development Fund

Bill was a powerful advocate for the community, securing transformational investments in public spaces, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and culture.

Healthcare challenges at our Regional Hospital was what motivated Bill to enter politics.  Over his tenure & to this day Our regional hospital has maintained its regional status and has seen many new services and programs added including an expanded oncology center, a new Geriatrics Clinic, a partnership with Dalhousie University to train medical students on site and locating the Provincial headquarters for Horizon Health in Miramichi. 

Other important Senior & Health Care investments Bill was able to secure included; two new Nursing homes, a New Residential Hospice, Parkland on the River assisted living apartments for seniors and Prince Place – a 24 unit housing project for Seniors. 

During his tenure, Bill led the charge to deliver several major Education Investments that will serve generations of local students including funding for;

*King Street Elementary

*Max Aitken Academy

*Expansion of NBCC including a mechanized forestry simulator

Perhaps most notably, he was a passionate champion of Sistema Miramichi, an artistic social program for vulnerable youth. 

Thanks to Bill’s leadership, the program has supported over 300 children across the city for more than a decade—enriching lives and building confidence through music.

He was also behind critical community-building infrastructure, such as the Miramichi traffic circle, the new Airport terminal, the New Bridge to replace the Anderson bridge 

He also played a central role in revitalizing public gathering spaces, partnering with the City to fund the Station Wharf rebuild, Queen Elizabeth Square, French Fort Cove Zip Line and Ritchie Wharf.

A long-time supporter of recreation and youth development, Bill was instrumental in establishing Miramichi’s first artificial turf field, and in securing provincial support for expanded facilities at the Miramichi Cross Country Ski Club and Biathlon site.

Bill was instrumental in the creation of a dedicated fund to support the Miramichi Region – The Miramichi Economic Development Fund.

This fund injected over 200 Million dollars for numerous community projects & assisted dozens of local businesses to expand their operations and provided hundreds of jobs to the region.  

Before entering provincial politics, Bill was a local entrepreneur who volunteered with several organizations including; Historic Water Street Business District, Miramichi Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Miramichi, Northumberland Business Advisory Center, Chatham non-profit housing, Lions Club, Rotary Club and he served on the board of Miramichi Big Brothers – Big Sisters.   

Bill has always looked out for his community, an outspoken community advocate, particularly for healthcare services in the region. 

Throughout his career, he has been recognized not just for what he accomplished, but for how he did it—with a deep sense of service, a practical, solution-oriented approach, and a genuine commitment to helping people and strengthening the community.

Bill Fraser is widely regarded as one of the most effective elected officials Miramichi has had in generations. 

For his vision, dedication, and extraordinary legacy as a community builder, we are proud to honor him with the Freedom of the City Award.

 

Sheree Allison – Bio

Sheree Allison is a pioneering leader in Canada’s nonprofit sector whose unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit have transformed the lives of thousands of children and families in the Miramichi region.

Sheree began her journey in community service not in adulthood, but in childhood. At just seven years old, she launched her first door-to-door fundraising campaign—an early glimpse of the passion, drive, and ingenuity that would go on to define her life’s work. While other children played with dolls, Sheree played “store,” unknowingly laying the foundation for a career of purpose-led leadership in service to others.

From modest beginnings—facing a small budget, limited community awareness, and a fragile nonprofit structure—Sheree became the architect of one of the most dynamic and impactful youth organizations in New Brunswick. Today, as Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters / Boys & Girls Club, she leads an organization with a $2.1 million annual budget, delivering innovative programming and building capacity for the future, all while remaining firmly rooted in community values.

Originally trained as a teacher, Sheree brought to the nonprofit world a rare combination of skills: financial acumen, creative problem-solving, responsible risk-taking, and a deep empathy for those she serves. Her leadership during the mid-1980s was pivotal—when the organization was on the brink of collapse, she not only stabilized it, but transformed it into a world-class facility recognized across the sector for excellence in programming, fundraising, and organizational management.

A recognized master fundraiser, Sheree’s strategies—including projects like the Gold Rush 50/50—have become models for others across Canada. Her ability to unite volunteers, engage donors, and inspire action is unmatched. She has worked directly with hundreds of children, families, and community members, and is renowned not just for what she accomplishes, but for how she uplifts others in the process.

Her credentials are equally distinguished: a Master's in Management from McGill University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick, certification as a Fundraising Executive, and completion of the Institute of Corporate Directors program for the nonprofit sector. She is a Master Trainer with the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Leadership.

Yet, those closest to her describe her in the simplest and most powerful terms: a hard worker, a presence, a motivator, and a compassionate listener. A “quiet pioneer,” as one colleague describes her—transforming the sector without fanfare, but with profound, lasting impact.

Sheree Allison's life is a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. For her decades of leadership, innovation, and service to the Miramichi community and beyond, she is a truly deserving recipient of the Freeman of the City honour.

 

Janet Creighton – FOC Bio

 

Janet is a dynamic, spirited leader with Miramichi Boys & Girls Club.  

Since 2023, Janet has been the Director of Operations, overseeing staffing, programs and strategy. She spent the previous two decades as Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters / Boys & Girls Club.

Janet credits the success of the Club in Sheree Allison's exceptional leadership, characterized by her dedication, creativity, and strong financial insight. She has guided staff and volunteers in building a highly regarded organization for children, known for outstanding programming and fundraising that far exceed what would be expected in a small community.     

It's a privilege to work alongside someone with vision and tenacity!

As a former Accreditor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and a current Reviewer with Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada, Janet conducts Club Reviews in various Canadian communities.

Janet is proud to work in a non-profit organization with a strong track record of bold, innovative programs made possible by exceptional breakthrough fundraising results.   

Trained at the Banff Center for Leadership and the Wallace McCain Institute for Business Leadership, Janet faces challenges and opportunities with boundless enthusiasm.   

Driven by core values of fairness, inclusion and collaboration, she excels in the non-profit sector.