This section is The content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Article content

WATERLOO, Ontario, Sept. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, MADD Canada will unveil a new roadside memorial sign in memory of Leanne Holland Brown, who was tragically killed in an impaired driving crash in Waterloo. The memorial sign has been installed in Waterloo, just past the sign for MacGregor Public School.

Sign In or Create an Account

or View more offersArticle content

On April 24, 2019, Leanne was out for a walk on her break with a friend when an impaired driver’s car, which had stopped near MacGregor Public School where Leanne and her friend were walking, quickly accelerated. Leanne and her friend leapt out of the way, but Leanne was struck. She was pronounced dead in hospital later that day.

Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.Article content

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“Every roadside memorial tells a story of a life that should still be unfolding,” said Tanya Hansen Pratt, National President of MADD Canada. “For Leanne, it means two sons who will never have the chance to share the future they should have had with their mother. Her life was taken far too soon, and her family will carry that loss forever. We honour Leanne by turning the pain of her loss into a determination to stop impaired driving.”

Article contentArticle content

“Leanne was taken from us because someone chose to drive impaired,” said Kenneth Brown, Leanne’s husband. “She was my wife, but more importantly, she was a mother to two boys who now have to grow up without her. They will have milestones she will never see, moments she will never share and memories they will have to make without their mom. Nothing can give us Leanne back. But if sharing her story can stop even one person from making the choice that took her from us, then we have to speak up. No family should ever have to live with this kind of loss.”

Article content

Family, friends and special guests will be attending the unveiling event today, including Leanne’s husband, Kenneth Brown; Dawn Regan, MADD Canada Chief Operating Officer; Representative of the Honourable Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo; Mayor Dorothy McCabe, City of Waterloo; Nigel Gordijk, Constituency Assistant, representing MPP Catherine Fife, Waterloo; Inspector Stephen Thomas, Detachment Commander of the Mississauga OPP Detachment; Chief Mark Crowell, Police Chief, Waterloo Regional Police Service; and Acting Fire Chief Sandy van Solm, Waterloo Fire Rescue.

Article content

Roadside memorial signs are a powerful way to honour victims and to remind motorists about the tragic and lasting consequences of impaired driving. MADD Canada thanks Leanne’s husband, Kenneth Brown, for his courage, and the city of Waterloo for its support in establishing the roadside memorial sign.

Article content

For more information on how MADD Canada supports victims and survivors of impaired driving, click here.

Article content

For more information, contact:
Arielle Nkongmeneck, MADD Canada Communications Manager, 1-800-665-6233 ext. 240 or [email protected]

Article contentArticle content
Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentThis advertisement has not loaded yet.Trending


  1. Donald Trump raises the stakes of the trade war with Canada

    Economy


  2. Trump is angry about the loonie ‘imbalance’: But what does he mean and what can he do about it?

    News

  3. Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

  4. CRA denies tax credit to B.C. divorced dad paying child and spousal support

    Personal Finance


  5. Canada can afford to wait out Trump’s trade war, say two prominent policy vets

    Economy


  6. How worried should variable-rate borrowers be about Bank of Canada rate hikes?

    Mortgages