Brockville Mayor Matt Wren recovering after mild stroke

Brockville mayor Matt Wren says he is recovering at home after suffering a mild stroke last week, and plans to continue carrying out his duties as mayor.

In a personal update shared on Wednesday, Aug. 19, Wren said he experienced a medical emergency early on Aug. 12 that he now knows was a mild stroke.

“Thankfully, I have only minor physical impacts, and no cognitive impacts at all. I will make a full recovery. I am recuperating at home with my family, and I’m feeling great and grateful,” Wren said.

The mayor said he remains capable of carrying out his responsibilities, but plans to scale back his schedule while he recovers.

“I remain fully capable of my duties as Mayor of Brockville, and I’m committed to continuing to serve our community to the end of the term. I plan to reduce my schedule just a little and attend fewer events than usual for my health. Otherwise, the business of the City carries on as usual, and I remain in regular contact with our City manager and senior staff.”

Wren and his wife, Dana, thanked the Leeds and Grenville paramedics who responded, along with staff at Brockville General Hospital, including its emergency department, diagnostic technicians, physicians, nurses and other health-care workers.

He offered particular thanks to the hospital’s Integrated Stroke Unit.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such an excellent hospital in our community. This experience showed me firsthand the depths of compassion and professionalism of the remarkable individuals who work there serving our community every day.”

Wren also thanked his family, friends, assistant Stephanie Dunbar, City Manager Sandi MacDonald, city staff and his team at GFD for their support during his recovery.

“Words can’t express my appreciation for the love, care, and support you’ve all shown me,” he said, concluding the statement with, “Onward and upward!”

Wren announced earlier this year that he will not be seeking re-election for the position of mayor in the upcoming municipal election, to be held Oct. 26.