According to Councillor Cynthia Lulham, Gersovitz had little choice in stepping aside since her mandate had been renewed the maximum number of times allowable. "Westmount has been very fortunate to have had such an experienced, accomplished and renowned architect as the chairman of the Planning Advisory Committee," Lulham said.

"Julia's breadth of knowledge and experience and her leadership have been key in regular architectural reviews, but also in developing and recommending dossiers regarding architectural and urban planning issues to council. Early next year, we will be bringing forward to council major dossiers regarding urban planning and architecture that have been developed under her chairmanship.

"It's regretful that we don't get to do it while she's still here, but hopefully she'll come back. We've been working on them for a long time. As a Westmount resident she is very involved in the community and understands our community. We thank her for her devotion, her patience and her very hard work and we will miss her very dearly."

Lulham noted that in addition to Gersovitz's committee work, she also made important contributions to the City as an architect on several important projects, including the restoration of the Lawn Bowling Club House, refurbishments at Victoria Hall, and the creation of the glassed Art Gallery that stands between Victoria Hall and the Flower Conservatory.

Adding some thoughts of her own, Mayor Karin Marks said she tried more than once to get Gersovitz to come sit on the committee, "and each time she was far too busy, until finally we wore her down. And finally she did come and I think we've benefited, as councillor Lulham said, enormously.

"I think it's probably as a result of her work with Westmount that I have the good fortune that not only has she been a terrific person on council's committee, but also has become a good friend," added Marks.

"And part of that is the quality of who she is, and part of it is my enormous respect for the way in which she has carried out all of the things that she has done for the City. It's not just because she sits on PAC, it's also because of the kind of person she is and the kind of community member she is. So I too thank her."