Three years of municipal service concluded quickly and quietly last Wednesday for the outgoing Sicamous council.
Nov. 12 marked the final regular council meeting for Mayor Darrell Trouton and company. After running through much of the evening’s agenda in what may have been record time, it was time for council statements, beginning with Coun. Suzanne Carpenter. She used this time as an opportunity to thank her fellow councillors and staff. Elected in the October 2013 by-election, Carpenter reflected briefly on the past year and, as the one councillor not seeking re-election, encouraged the future council to continue with work she’s been part of, particularly the recent community health forums.
Coun. Charlotte Hutchinson was next up. She too gave thanks to staff and council, though clarified this wasn’t necessarily her swan song.
“Even though we’ve had some rocky roads, I just want to thank you very much for your service over these past few years. It’s been my pleasure to work with you,” said Hutchinson.
Coun. Busch continued with this theme, noting the past few years have been productive, despite there being “some things were said that perhaps should not have been said, by me and perhaps others.” Busch went on to say the crowning jewel of the term, for him, is the water treatment plant.
“The next council will be able to gather all the glory and all the honour for getting it done, getting it done on time hopefully. But it was our work that got it done,” said Busch. ”If I never see you again, then it’s been a good time.”
Couns. Joan Thomson, Don Richardson and Terry Rysz also thanked their fellow councillors and district staff.
Trouton, who also chose not to seek re-election, had the last word. He thanked the district, its residents, and said it’s been an honour to lead and represent the community.
“I never took the job lightly and I’m proud of our community and what we have to offer and who we are,” said Trouton, thanking his family, friends and the residents of Sicamous, as well as council, who he said have offered great support and who have worked as a team.
During the public question period, council candidates Jeff Mallmes and Gord Bushell offered their thanks to council for the service they’ve provided to the community.
Sicamous’ new mayor and council will be sworn in at the inaugural meeting of council on Monday, Dec. 1. The first regular council meeting is Dec. 10.