Campbell River’s city council officially took office Tuesday night at a swearing in ceremony at the Community Centre.
New mayor Andy Adams and councillors Michele Babchuk, Charlie Cornfield, Colleen Evans and Marlene Wright, along with returning councillors Ron Kerr and Larry Samson, took over the reins of the city in front of family and friends and a large crowd of community spectators.
City Clerk Peter Wipper explained the importance of the evening to a nearly-full Community Centre gymnasium.
“Even though council has been elected, they are not permitted to take office until they swear their Oaths of Office and Allegiance,” Wipper said. “This is important because it sets out council’s moral and legal responsibilities. Council will swear and sign their oaths before a judge.”
Returning to do those honours was the Hon. Judge Brian Saunderson, who received the Oaths of Office and Allegiance first from each councillor and, lastly, from Mayor Andy Adams.
Following the swearing in of council, outgoing Mayor Walter Jakeway presented the Chain of Office, which is worn around the mayor’s neck, to Mayor Adams.
Adams then presented Jakeway and outgoing councillors Claire Moglove and Mary Storry each with a small gift on behalf of council and the city for their years of service.
Adams also personally addressed each outgoing council member, including Ryan Mennie who was unable to attend Tuesday’s ceremony.
“To Walter (Jakeway) – I extend best wishes to you and Eunice for good health as you move forward in your next adventure,” Adams said. “Coun. Ryan Mennie – thank you for stepping up to represent families. As you have moved on in the best interests of your own family (moving to Alberta), please accept my appreciation for your six years of service on council and much success, health and happiness for you and your family.”
Adams then recognized Moglove and Storry, who spent six and nine years on council respectively.
“Coun. Moglove – your dedication, experience and knowledge will be missed. In your six years on council you worked tirelessly on behalf of our community to ensure that the hospital under construction today was a reality. You have represented our city both regionally on the Executive of the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities, and provincially on the Executive Union of British Columbia Municipalities, most recently serving as second vice-president. Best wishes in your future endeavours,” Adams said. “Coun. Mary Storry, we worked together on council for the past nine years in Campbell River and you brought three years previous experience from Penticton council.
“You have been consistent, steady, always pleasant, and professional and at times of need have provided a balanced perspective to bring us back on track. Mary, thank you for your service to the community.”
A couple of old pros returned to office: Coun. Ron Kerr (left) and former mayor and three-term councillor Charlie Cornfield.
The ceremony wrapped up with two performances by the Campbell River Children’s Choir and was followed by a cake cutting and refreshments.
The classical guitar ensemble La Isla, which is made up of local high school students, performed before the ceremony got underway and as the evening wound down.