by Laura Walz [email protected] VIDEO – Building a stronger economy for Powell River will take the commitment of the whole community, according to Mayor Dave Formosa. “I will be counting on each of you to make a contribution toward our success,” he said during his inaugural address.
Formosa announced he would be establishing a Mayor’s Economic Development Advisory Committee that will bring to city hall a commitment to encourage and support business development. He will be working with council and various community organizations over the next month to develop the framework of the committee, which he expects to be fully implemented in the new year.
City of Powell River and Powell River Regional District held their inaugural meetings on Tuesday, December 6 at Powell River Recreation Complex. Justice of the Peace Bryna Ary swore in Formosa, council members and regional district directors and their alternates.
Dr. Elsie Paul, Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation elder, and Reverend Cameron Reid offered blessings and opening prayers.
Schweitzer-Hocking Trio with Eli Schweitzer on cello, Josiah Schweitzer on piano and Madeline Hocking on violin, provided a musical backdrop. Laughing Oyster Restaurant provided an array of food during the reception that followed the formal meetings.
During its inaugural meeting, city council passed a motion appointing councillors Maggie Hathaway and Jim Palm to the regional district board of directors.
Formosa announced the following portfolio assignments: Councillor Russell Brewer, parks, recreation and Communities in Bloom, planning, environment and climate; Councillor Debbie Dee, arts, culture, library and transit; Hathaway, public safety and emergency planning and tourism; Councillor Myrna Leishman, community health services, museum and heritage and sustainability planning; Councillor Chris McNaughton, finance, harbours, ferries, waterfront development and sustainable planning; and Councillor Jim Palm, children and youth relations, literacy, healthy living and sport, public works, infrastructure and water quality. Formosa has intergovernmental relations and Dee and McNaughton will share corporate and community industry development, airport, small business, agriculture, forests and land, as well as being members of the economic development advisory committee.
Formosa presented a plaque to former councillor Aaron Pinch, in recognition of his three years of service on council. Formosa also had one for former mayor Stewart Alsgard, who did not attend the event. Formosa recognized Algard’s 12 years of dedication to the community as mayor.
After the regional district directors and their alternates took their oaths of office, Mac Fraser, chief administrative officer, presided over the election of the chair of the board. Directors Merrick Anderson, Area E, Patrick Brabazon, Area A, Stan Gisborne, Area B, Dave Murphy, Area D, and city directors Hathaway and Palm acclaimed Colin Palmer, Area C, as chair, a position he has held since he was first elected to the board in 1999.
During his speech, Palmer congratulated Formosa and councillors. “I’m sure we’re going to have a very, very, very good relationship and I’m sure it’s going to work very well for both,” he said.
One of the new initiatives in 2012 is the regional emergency management plan, said Palmer, which includes both the city and rural areas. “We’re going to reduce the duplication between the city and the regional district, which will provide greater effectiveness in coordination and services to all the residents of the region before, during and after emergencies,” he said.
Palmer also pointed out the replacement for Olive Devaud Residence would break ground in 2012 and is expected to be finished by 2013. Powell River Regional Hospital District, which is funding the project, will participate in a governance committee, while the project is being managed by Vancouver Coastal Health.
Fraser administered an oath of office for Brenda Paquin, who was promoted to corporate administrator from her previous position of executive assistant.
