Star power

Victoriaville Mall has a few more stars on its Walk of Fame.

Some of Thunder Bay’s prominent community members were honoured Wednesday with a star on the Thunder Bay Walk of Fame during an induction ceremony at the south-side mall. One of the recipients was Dougall Media’s Fraser Dougall.

The grandfather of five said he was honoured to receive the award and added that he couldn’t have done it without the help and support of all of his employees.

“I’ve never been famous before so it’s going to take a few moments to settle in,” Dougall said. “I don’t think there’s any secret to success. If one has a goal and is willing to work toward it, it’s no secret, just live your vision and do what you really like doing and sooner or later it will be accomplished.

“I think that goes for just about anybody.”

Having accomplished many achievements over the years Dougall said he never believed he would make such an impact on the city.

He added that he simply had a vision to provide entertainment and news to people.

“I guess I can look back and say ‘it’s made all of us at Dougall Media well known in the city,’” he said. “As far as anticipating, there was simply too many things to do on a daily basis to get caught up in recognition.”

Colin Bruce, who also received a star on the Walk of Fame Wednesday, praised Dougall for putting up his own money to establish a media company that provides entertainment and news to the city.

“Dougall has distinguished himself in so many ways and has given back to the community, quite often quietly, often under the radar and he has been a spectacular Thunder Bayian,” Bruce said.

“He has done some unique things with media in Canada with his combination of television, radio and more recently newspapers, web and Internet. He continues to push the boundaries of business excellence.”

Others who received a star on the Walk of Fame include:

• Mario Crudo
• Eva Burkowski
• Danny Lewicki
• Clint Harris
• The 1958 Fort William Redskins Intermediate Football Canadian Champions

Andrew Coffey, chairman of the Walk of Fame, said they can only give so many awards out so they wanted to recognize the contributions of Thunder Bay’s media moguls. Both media companies have supported many charitable events over the years that it made sense that they be recognized for those contributions, he said.

He said he’s never had any of the media presidents refuse him for a contribution.

“Fraser gives away a lot of time and large numbers,” Coffey said.

Coffey, who founded the Walk of Fame, received his own star.

He said he was surprised to have received the honour and glad to have his name placed next to other well-known Thunder Bay residents such as Paul Shaffer, Johnny Adams of the Boston Bruins and Olympic judge Stewart Wallace.