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Dan Turner carries torch with pride

The torch is heavier and hotter than he expected, says torchbearer Dan Turner. (Nora Mathewson) “Just don’t drop it.” Those four words were repeating in the mind of Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Daniel Turner during the 2.
The torch is heavier and hotter than he expected, says torchbearer Dan Turner. (Nora Mathewson)

“Just don’t drop it.”

Those four words were repeating in the mind of Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Daniel Turner during the 2.75 kilometres of the Fort Erie leg of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games torch relay July 2. 

Turner, who was working at the time in that town’s economic development office, was the fifth of nine torchbearers that day. He ran the longest stretch of the Fort Erie leg, picking up the torch at Thunder Bay and Stonemill Roads and handing it off to Jack Langelaan at the end of Nigh Road. 

But he didn’t stop there. 

Like the Energizer Bunny, the avid runner kept going, completing the remaining 3.1 kilometres with the four torchbearers who followed him, winding up at the Fort Erie Leisureplex to celebrate the day. 

It was a day Turner will never forget. 

“I’m addicted to community spirit,” says the 27-year-old who ran for Lord Mayor in 2018. “I love being out there in these kinds of community events. I love all the excitement that goes on around me.” 

Turner was surprised to discover exactly how heavy the symbol of the games was. Even an avid runner like Turner, who ran the Niagara Falls International Marathon in 2019, has to make adjustments to his stride.

“It was a bit of a shock at first, much heavier than I thought,” he laughs. “It’s just under 10 pounds, and you know I bench press a lot more than that. But it was definitely a strain on the arms. You have to hold your arm out quite far.”

“And I forgot exactly how hot a flaming torch would actually be,” adds Turner. “You have to hold it far enough away from your head that you don’t burn your hair off.”

Perhaps that weight and heat were appropriate, as they may have helped Turner to reflect on the symbolism the torch holds for the games themselves. 

“The flame is a great metaphor for the spirit of all the athletes involved,” he says. “When I was handed the torch, I was kind of excited for all the people who held it before me, and all those that will get to hold it after me. It’s a really cool symbol.”

Turner was hired in Fort Erie in 2019 and says his experience working there made him feel like it was his second home. He has since moved on in his career to work for Niagara Region’s economic development office, under director George Spezza. While he was still working in Fort Erie, though, he was involved in the planning for the torch’s stop in town.

“I had a hand in helping to figure out what routes might work well for the relay,” he explains. “It was me who put forward the idea of going from Crystal Ridge to the Leisureplex. It made sense for me to apply to run there because I was a part of the process.”

Turner adds that he would be happy to fill in for any of the remaining legs of the relay, especially the Niagara-on-the-Lake route which happens on Saturday, July 30. The torch also makes its way through Grimsby, Lincoln and St. Catharines between now and July 31. 

The opportunity to carry the torch has kindled his excitement for the games, which start with the opening ceremony at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines on Aug. 6. 

“I’m hoping to attend that day,” he says. “A friend just told me he has an extra ticket so I might join him. I’m still looking into what athletic events I might be able to attend.”

The graduate of Eden High School and holder of a degree in economics from Brock University says quite a few people have been asking him lately if he plans to throw his hat into the race for lord mayor again for the Oct. 24 municipal election. He captured 1,400 votes, 16.8 per cent of the ballots, for third place behind Betty Disero and Pat Darte in 2018.

“Not a chance,” he tells The Local. “Where I’m at right now in my career I don’t think it’s the right time. We have a couple of good options running so I’m happy to tap out this time. We’ll see where the town is at and where I’m at in the future. But I’ll stay politically engaged and I’m happy to cast my vote.” 

In the meantime, he’s keeping his nose to the grindstone at the region, helping to attract new business to Niagara, and he plans on getting back to his “Dansaturner” podcasts, recorded at his parents’ East and West Line home. 

Perhaps his experience carrying the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games torch will make it into a future podcast segment. 

“This will probably be the only time the Canada Games are in Niagara in my lifetime,” says Turner. “I really wanted to be a part of it.”




Mike Balsom

About the Author: Mike Balsom

With a background in radio and television, Mike Balsom has been covering news and events across the Niagara Region for more than 35 years
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