A simple gift from one elected official to another kicked off the inaugural meeting of the newly elected District of Hope council on Monday night (Nov. 7)
Council took a first step towards improving their relationship with Chawathil First Nation when new mayor Victor Smith acknowledged Chawathil councillor Aaron Pete (who attended the meeting as a representative for Chawathil). Smith, in a first step towards improving and strengthening the relationship between the two governing bodies, gave Pete an official District of Hope planner and his business card.
“This council here, and staff, would like to thank you. And we want to make sure we’ve opened the door for [Chawathil] to have good communication for the future,” said Smith to Pete. “We look forward to working with you.”
The new council and mayor were sworn in at the District Hall, in a ceremony open to the public. A small crowd of 15 people attended and witnessed as the six councillors, along with the new mayor, were sworn in by the director of corporate services Donna Bellingham. Aside from Pete, those in attendance included the chief administrative officer John Fortoloczky, the director of finance Mike Olson, the director of community development Jas Gill, the director of operations Kevin Dicken, deputy corporate officer Branden Morgan, and Hope RCMP Staff Sergeant Dwayne Farlin.
“I would like to welcome the re-elects and newly elected to the table,” said Smith during the inaugural meeting. “We will work hard to move things forward in a timely and respectful manner. And I would also like to thank all the people who came out today.”
Aside from Smith, members of the new council include incumbents Heather Stewin, Scott Medlock, as well as newcomers Angela Skoglund, Pauline Newbigging, Crystal Sedore, and Zachary Wells.
The ceremony started at 7 p.m., opening with a singing of “O’Canada” by Sue Martin in a mixture of French and English. After the mayor and councillors were sworn in, and Martin sang “God Save the King”, Mayor Smith opened the inaugural meeting. The meeting saw the new council agreeing to carry forward a number of items from the previous council to their first official meeting on Nov. 14.
The ceremony lasted until 7:30 p.m. Afterwards, people were able to take photos and socialize with the council.
Council meetings are posted on the District of Hope’s website, under their “Meetings, Minutes, and Agendas” tab, and are recorded by the Hope Ratepayers Association for those unable to attend in person.
READ MORE: First time ever for female council majority
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