The District of Hope’s newest mayor, Victor Smith, is looking ahead to the future of Hope.
“It’s exciting to learn that I’m the mayor of Hope,” says Smith. “I’m fairly proud to be that. And I look forward to seeing council, and working with everyone at the table to move our town forward. All for the goodness of Hope.”
Smith, who served on the current council, had been spending the evening at the Owl Street Cafe, surrounded by friends, family, and supporters, when he got the news that he’d won. The final count was 1103 votes for Smith and 495 votes for Wilfried Vicktor.
A resident of Hope since birth, Smith is the president of the Hope and District Chamber of Commerce and the owner of Riggers Industrial Sales. He is well known in the community for the city’s chainsaw carving events and for the many projects and groups he is actively involved in. This is his first term as mayor.
His only opponent, Vicktor — who served as councillor and mayor before — had nothing but well wishes for Smith and the new council.
“I wish them all well,” said Vicktor. “Looks like I have a little extra free time here, for the next four years, to do other things. It was good to run and I wish the council well.”
READ MORE: QA with candidates for Hope mayor
Residents also voted on council, FVRD Electoral Area B director, and School District 78 trustees.
The elected District of Hope councillors are Heather Stewin (incumbent), Scott Medlock (incumbent), Zachary Wells, Pauline Newbigging, Angela Skoglund, and Crystal Sedore.
The elected school board trustees are Heather Stewin, Linda Kerr, and Pattie Desjardins.
The elected Electoral B director is Peter Adamo.
The newly elected mayor and council have a lot riding on their shoulders this term; a number of issues and concerns have been on the minds of many Hope residents including emergency preparedness planning, housing, homelessness, improving working relationships with First Nations communities, and improving road infrastructure. Residents will be looking to those elected to address and alleviate these concerns.
For more updates and coverage, make sure to look in the upcoming print edition of the Hope Standard.
READ MORE: Housing issues front and centre as council candidates square off
@KemoneMoodley
kemone.moodley@hopestandard.com
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