Behind every great town there are people quietly putting in the work to make it a better place to live.
At NewmarketToday, we are proud to celebrate that spirit of generosity and connection through the Community Builders Awards, an annual program recognizing those who go above and beyond to make a difference.
For the award program’s inaugural year here in Newmarket, we are thrilled to present the Unsung Hero Award to someone whose quiet leadership and deep community commitment stood out among a wave of nominations. Congratulations to this year’s Unsung Hero, Darryl Gray!
By day, Gray is the Director of Education for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) but it’s what he does after hours that truly defines him. From coaching youth basketball for a decade to serving on local boards and working with other local families to help resettle a refugee family, Gray is the kind of person who turns spare time into service.
“Darryl is someone who just thinks differently.” said Michael Braithwaite, CEO of Bluedoor and one of the people who nominated Darryl for the award. “His approach to everything is to ask, ‘How can I help?’. He wants to be part of the solution instead of just pointing out the problem.”
Braithwaite first met Gray while working at 360 Kids, an organization supporting youth experiencing homelessness. Their conversation grew into an incredible project.
“Darryl ended up coordinating housing for 20 young people in vacant properties on TRCA land,” Braithwaite said. “That’s not part of his job. He did this outside of his normal duties.”
The project preserved heritage homes, provided stable housing for young people and gave renovation crews from a youth employment program practical trade experience.
“Without a home, you can’t go to work or school. It impacts your physical and mental health,” Braithwaite emphasized. “Darryl changed the trajectory of those young people’s lives.”
Gray was surprised to hear that he had won the Community Builders Award.
“Being recognized for volunteering is something that would never have crossed my mind,” Gray explained. “The role of a public servant is to serve and that is the way I approach volunteerism; I prefer to work in the background and contribute in ways that fill a gap.”
Gray’s work shines in building strategic partnerships that spark real change.
As Chair of the Library Board, he linked the library CEO with the school board, leading to co-designing services to better support students.
Through his work with Community Living, Gray has seen how getting people with disabilities out of clinical settings has a real therapeutic impact. He helped open doors to nature by connecting the organization with programs at the TRCA.
“Starting conversations with ‘What can I do to help?’ is really powerful,” Gray said.
That way of thinking carries into every part of his life. Gray and his wife are among five families helping to resettle a refugee family in Newmarket.
“There is something about connection to the community that is really special,” Gray shares. “It gives me a sense of purpose.”
Our local community is a source of inspiration for Gray. Having lived in several different places throughout his life, Gray believes that Newmarket is particularly special.
“It’s probably the most giving community I’ve ever been a part of,” Gray shared. “That spirit is contagious.”
Gray hopes to instill this community spirit in his children. When they were young, he brought them along to committee meetings and charity events so that they could see what it takes to make a great community. Later, Gray helped their basketball teams organize food drives for local food banks.
“I sometimes use this expression, ‘Don’t mistake the sidelines for holy ground,’” Gray said. “I wanted my kids to know that great communities don’t just happen. You have to build them intentionally.”
Gray coached his children’s basketball teams for 10 years. When we called to tell him he had won the Unsung Hero Award, it was the day after his final game. His coaching journey ended with a bang—the team had netted bronze in the provincial championship.
“I have my weekends back,” Gray said with a smile. “But there’s a lot to be done.”
He’s now focused on two ambitious projects: transforming Newmarket Library into a dynamic community hub and helping Community Living to develop inclusive housing in Newmarket, Aurora, Stouffville and Georgina.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this community and to be able to give back in the way that I do,” Gray said.
Gray quietly and consistently shows up for Newmarket. He understands the interconnected challenges people face and works to create practical, inclusive solutions.
His recognition is a reminder that leadership doesn’t always mean standing in the spotlight. Sometimes, it begins with a simple question and a commitment to follow through.
The NewmarketToday Community Builders Award was presented at Central York Chamber of Commerce, where Mayor John Taylor and Nadia Hansen gave thanks for everything Gray contributes to Newmarket.
Congratulations, Darryl Gray, and thank you for all you do for our community. The Unsung Hero Award, generously sponsored by Dave Starr, is a fitting tribute to someone who leads with humility and heart.
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