Gerald Tracey

Publisher & Editor

The Eganville Leader

 

Gerald Tracey’s life in journalism began straight out of Grade 12, when he joined his family’s newspaper, The Eganville Leader, at a time when it was an eight‑page weekly printed using linotypes. Over the next five decades, he became the driving force behind its growth, eventually becoming sole owner in 2007 after working alongside his brother Ron for 34 years. Under Gerald’s leadership, the paper expanded to an average of 22 pages per week and the circulation more than doubled. The Leader became one of the first in Renfrew County to adopt full‑colour photography and earned a reputation as one of Ontario’s finest community newspapers.

His influence extended far beyond the newsroom. A three‑time board member of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association, Gerald received the Mary Knowles Award for Community Service and the prestigious Gold Quill for 50 years in the industry. OCNA leaders consistently praise his unwavering commitment, reliability and example of how community journalism should be done.

At home in the Ottawa Valley, Gerald became synonymous with community leadership. In 2002, Gerald spearheaded one of his most ambitious projects: commemorating The Leader’s 100th anniversary by researching and publishing the 945‑page historical book Reflections of a Century. More than 9,000 copies were printed and sold, generating over $150,000 that was donated back into community projects across the region. This initiative became one of many large‑scale fundraising efforts he led, including raising $800,000 for Eganville’s Centennial Park (which in 2025 was renamed Gerald Tracey Park), $500,000 through the International Plowing Match to implement the county’s 911 system, $3 million for Fairfields Assisted Living and significant contributions to hospice care in Barry’s Bay and Renfrew. In recent years, he also helped raise over $125,000 for Ukrainian refugees and launched a campaign to install heritage‑style solar lamp posts along the river.

Despite his quiet, humble nature, Gerald was known for his relentless work ethic, often found on the front lines of breaking news, shoulder to shoulder with first responders, ensuring The Leader captured the heart of local stories. His colleagues describe him as demanding in the pursuit of accuracy and detail, but also as the reason the paper earned such deep trust and loyalty from readers. His mentorship shaped the careers of other publishers, and his advocacy for independent journalism remained steadfast through decades of industry upheaval.

As news spread that The Eganville Leader would close after more than a century, the community responded with an outpouring of gratitude and sadness, recognizing that the paper’s legacy, and much of the region’s recorded history, was inseparable from Gerald Tracey himself. With time running out, a “down to the wire” agreement was made, and The Leader will continue to publish with minimal changes under new ownership, continuing the legacy of Gerald and the Tracey family.  After more than 53 years of service, his career stands as a testament to dedication, integrity and a lifelong commitment to making his community better.

This is why the Ontario Community Newspapers Association is thrilled to announce Gerald Tracey as an inductee of the OCNA Hall of Fame.

The OCNA Hall of Fame Award recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Ontario’s community newspapers. Inductees are respected community news professionals who have remained passionate about the industry throughout challenges, opportunities, and changes. They are leaders who have helped community newspapers adapt and grow.