Some familiar faces, as well as a handful of new ones, made their commitments to Chatham-Kent official on Tuesday night.
An inauguration ceremony took place for the upcoming term of municipal council, including re-elected Mayor Darrin Canniff, at the Capitol Theatre, with a large gathering of family, friends and staff in attendance.
The event began with the marching of dignitaries, who were piped in by the Chatham-Kent honor guard, followed by the land acknowledgment and national anthem.
After Canniff was sworn in, with justice of the peace Calvin Hurst presiding, councilors stood up to take the oath as a group.
They won’t have long before they get down to business, with their initial meeting slated for this Monday.
It will be a significant night for yet another reason, as council will meet in-person at the civic center for the first time since March 2020.
Meetings have been held virtually throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his inaugural address, Canniff said there are a number of big decisions on the horizon, citing a proposed Intercounty Baseball League team as an example.
He said economic development and the expansion of amenities will be key in the coming years, especially to attract and retain younger people.
“We, as council, want to give them a lot of reasons to be here,” he said. “We want job opportunities. We want quality of life. All of those things.”
Community engagement will help those at the table serve their community more effectively, Canniff added.
Calling people Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset, the mayor urged residents to get involved, whether through volunteerism, serving on a local board, making a donation, or simply supporting local events.
Also during Monday’s event, congratulatory messages were read out on behalf of members of parliament Dave Epp and Lianne Rood, and members of provincial parliament Trevor Jones and Monte McNaughton.
Chief administrative officer Michael Duben, who assumed the role in September, said he’s looking forward to working with the new council, as is the rest of municipal staff.
He said administration’s role is to help make council’s “vision a reality.”
Speaking afterwards, West Kent County. Lauren Anderson, of Wheatley, said she’s excited to serve her first term of office.
Noting everything that has gone on in her community since last year’s gas explosion, she said councilors of all wards rallied together, as they would for any other.
Anderson also touted the variety of backgrounds and experience levels amongst her new colleagues.
“When you put them all together in a room to accomplish a common goal, great things can happen,” she said. “The diversity sitting on council for the next four years is a really amazing one.”
Chatham County. Conor Allin, also newly elected, said he’s proud to represent his constituents and has already been engaging with them.
He called the inauguration a “surreal moment” and said he’s eager for the first meeting in the chamber.
“There’s a lot to be said for face-to-face when it comes to communication,” he said.
Allin noted that growth, infrastructure and resident retention are a few of his priorities to help Chatham-Kent reach its potential.
“It’s exciting to work for the next four years,” he said. “Hammer out our schedule and get right to our budget.”