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Nanaimo’s new council looks ahead to hopefully bright future

Nov 5, 2018 | 8:45 PM

NANAIMO — “This is a good night for Nanaimo,” new mayor Leonard Krog said to a wide round of applause during the swearing-in ceremony for the new council.

“This might be the happiest night of our four years,” he told a crowded room at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre on Monday night. “You love us now and we love you. But when you come to us with your 50th complaint, we might not find you that lovable. And if we haven’t fixed it by your 50th complaint, you won’t think we’re that lovable either.”

Krog often acknowledged during his speech there’s much work to be done by Nanaimo’s new council to rebuild trust in City Hall. During the last administration, which was beset by scandals and public infighting, community members often said they lost faith in Nanaimo’s council and the direction of the City.

“It’s clear this community…wants restored good governance, it wants peace at City Hall, it wants good relations with its workers and employees,” he said. “It wants to have a sense in the city that we are going forward.”

Many of the speeches during the swearing-in ceremony touched on past discord within Nanaimo but focused on the future.

“We’re on the verge of something wonderful and this council is just delighted to be given the opportunity to help guide this city,” Krog said.

He pointed to an enthusiastic business community eager to revitalize neighbourhoods, well-trained City Hall staff looking to put long-developed plans into action and 170 units of temporary supportive housing expected to be complete by the end of November.

In his outgoing speech, former mayor Bill McKay shared words of wisdom he himself received from Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi.

“His expectation was every council members comes to meetings fully informed. He hoped they would make thoughtful, considerate and fully informed decisions,” McKay said. “He then said when the meeting’s over, close your books, go home, perhaps have a night cap and get a good rest. Because tomorrow morning, next weeks agenda will be in your inbox.”

During his speech, McKay directed applause towards the hundreds of City of Nanaimo staff who handle many day-to-day tasks, as well as senior managers drafting long-term plans and developments.

“This is not about looking in the rearview mirror,” McKay said. “It’s about looking at the beautiful view out the front windshield.”

During the first meeting of the incoming council, held right after the swearing-in ceremony, they unanimously voted on Regional District of Nanaimo appointments.

The top seven vote earners will sit on the RDN board, with Zeni Maartman acting as alternate in case any of the seven can’t attend.

Erin Hemmens was also appointed to the Vancouver Island Regional Library Board, with incumbent Ian Thorpe as the alternate.

 

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit