Duane Hicks
The new town council officially set sail on its four-year voyage together Monday night.
But the waters will be challenging, according to Mayor Roy Avis.
Mayor Avis, along with Couns. John Albanese, Wendy Brunetta, June Caul, Doug Kitowski, Ken Perry, and Paul Ryan, were piped into Council Chambers by Pipe Major Dr. Bruce Lidkea.
Then they were sworn in by Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell.
In his inaugural address, Mayor Avis said he was pleased to see Couns. Albanese, Kitowski, Perry, and Ryan return to office, adding they have “contributed to our success in the past eight years.”
He added it also was a pleasure to welcome Brunetta and Caul as the two new councillors.
“I believe the electorate has provided this community with a caring group of individuals that will guide us to prosperity over the next four years,” Mayor Avis said.
“The old saying is ‘Walk before you run.’ But believe me, this council will be running the day we start,” he added.
“We have as great deal of unfinished business that will greatly affect the future of this community.”
Mayor Avis said the mill closure and its future will continue to be “front and centre in how we can return this community to prosperity.”
“Forestry is one of the economic drivers for this region, and we must continue our push for an Enhanced Sustainable Forest Licence system that will provide all communities and First Nations a future for our youth,” he stressed.
Land claims also must get resolved.
“For 16 years, we have been negotiating with the First Nations over the land claim at Point Park,” noted Mayor Avis.
“We must make this a priority and continue to work at settling this matter,” he said.
Balancing the diminished tax base while providing a high quality of living in Fort Frances also will continue to be a priority.
“This council will be faced with extraordinary challenges as our mill assessment continues to decrease,” the mayor remarked.
“I believe we must continue to find innovative ways to maintain our current level of services without passing on unaffordable tax increases.
“I know the next four years will be very challenging,” Mayor Avis conceded. “But with the support of our Chief Administrative Officer Mark McCaig and his management team, I know this council will make a difference.”
The mayor then appointed councillors to serve on the town’s numerous boards, committees, and commissions.
Refreshments were served in the committee room downstairs afterwards.
Local Salvation Army Lt. Ryan MacDonald performed the invocation prior to Monday night’s ceremony.
The Declaration of Elected Office the mayor and council takes when being sworn in is as follows:
“I, _______________, having been elected to the office of mayor/councillor in the Municipality of the Town of Fort Frances, do solemnly promise and declare that:
“I will truly, faithfully, and impartially exercise this office to the best of my knowledge and ability.
“I have not received, and will not receive, any payment or reward, or promise thereof, for the exercise of this office in a biased, corrupt, or in any other improper manner.
“I will disclose any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in accordance with the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
“I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“And I make this solemn promise and declaration conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.”
