Kitimat’s newly elected mayor and council were officially sworn in on Nov. 7.
Mayor Phil Germuth and councillors Mario Feldhoff, Terry Marleau, Edwin Empinado, Graham Pitzel, Michelle Martins and Gerry Leibel took the Oath to Office during the inauguration ceremony held at the Luso Canadian Hall.
Haisla Nation elder Jake Duncan attended and provided a blessing at the beginning of the meeting.
After the swearing-in, Germuth welcomed the returning and new members of the council and addressed the three dozen community members who attended the ceremony.
Germuth also thanked the candidates who unsuccessfully ran in the elections.
“It takes courage and dedication to run, and the community is better for having people willing to take that step,” he said.
In his speech, Germuth provided an update on some of the significant projects the District of Kitimat is involved in such as the Haisla Bridge replacement project, new water treatment system, the new Minette Bay West park, LNG Canada and other joint economic initiatives with the Haisla Nation.
“Over the coming months this new council will determine its own priorities and strategic goals,” said Germuth, adding, “Kitimat remains in an exciting time.”
“While we certainly have challenges to address, we have a good future ahead both for what may come on the horizon for new projects and opportunities and for the work of the District itself to maintain a community that is welcoming, well-maintained and desirable to our future residents.
District of Kitimat’s next council meeting will take place on Nov. 14, at 606 Mountainview Square.
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