Marty Gervais is Windsor's 1st Poet Laureate

Marty Gervais is Windsor's first poet laureate.

The newspaper columnist and independent publisher was one of seven writers who sought the two-year job as the city's literary ambassador.

"When you look at his extensive background and contribution to this community, I don't think anyone will be incredibly surprised by that choice," said Coun. Jo-Anne Gignac.

The poet laureate position is one Gignac has been pushing for.

"We had significant discussions with all of them in terms of what their vision was for the position," Gignac said. "I knew what ours was as a council; certainly somebody that would highlight the past accomplishments of Windsor as a whole and look forward to some of the events that are coming up in particular the celebration for the war of 1812."

Gervais has written about the region's rum-running past. He's published poetry and a book called My Town. Much of what he writes is based on his roots in Windsor-Essex.

"I love to celebrate those roots," Gervais said.

Gervais, like Gignac, feels the position was a long time coming.

"I was very gratified they selected a poet laureate. My feeling has always been is that Windsor should have one," Gervais said. "I think it kick starts some of the cultural activities we need to emphasized in this city."

Gervais praised Windsor's literary accomplishments, including a list of local publishers and BookFest Windsor.

Gervais wants to inspire local writers, celebrate language and host a reading of poet laureates from across Canada.

The job comes with an annual $2,500 honourarium.