New Wasaga Beach town council sworn in

A new era in Wasaga Beach municipal politics started Tuesday night with the swearing in of the town’s council for the 2014-2018 term.

Justice Dennis Wilson swore in the new seven-member council.

Mayor Brian Smith, who beat incumbent Cal Patterson in the October election, promised to give 100% in his new role.

“I believe the citizens of Wasaga Beach have chosen a diverse and competent council, enriched with experience not only at council but in business and in life,” Smith told a packed council chamber during his inaugural address. “And I am looking so forward to working with each and every one of you.”

Smith emphasized that council has a lot of hard work ahead of it.

“Please remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And if it was, we’ve already decided we’ll hire their contractor,” he quipped, garnering a laugh from the audience.

Smith said that while council is comprised of seven people, there is an eighth and vital component: the citizens of Wasaga Beach.

“I strongly believe in democracy and I have no issue at any time throughout my term asking you for your opinion on matters facing our town,” Smith said. “We are your team and I’m confident we’ll work hard and make Wasaga Beach a better place to live, work and play each and every day.”

The new mayor – Wasaga’s fourth since the town was incorporated in 1974 – also directed supportive comments to municipal staff.

“As a new council we are extremely fortunate to be taking over and taking office with such an amazing, talented and gifted group of people on the staff of this town,” he said.

Early in his remarks, Smith also paid tribute to his supporters, with special emphasis on his family members.

“I am so happy and blessed to have my 83-year-old mother with me tonight to share in this special moment,” he said. “She is the one person who…has been there for me each and every single day, no matter what. She is the reason I am who I am today. And she taught me to never give up. To fight for what I believe in and most of all to never forget where I came from.”

Smith also acknowledged the hard work of Mayor Cal Patterson and the town’s two other past mayors: Walter Borthwick and Claire Robertson.

The town’s new deputy-mayor, Nina Bifolchi, who served eight years as a councillor, also thanked her supporters and said she is excited about serving in the new term of council.

“I look forward to serving as your deputy mayor and to working with this current council to meet all of our goals,” she said.

Councillor Bonnie Smith, a new member to council, who for many years was the town’s economic development officer, pledged to work hard over the next four years.

“To the mayor, deputy mayor, and councillors, I’m passionate about Wasaga Beach and the opportunities ahead,” she said. “I look forward to working with you to make Wasaga Beach a thriving community, full of pride.”

Another newcomer to the table, Councillor Ron Ego, said he was “honoured and humbled,” by the support of voters and promised to do his best to achieve all of the community’s wishes. The former NHL referee said “this new role has me as excited as when I dropped the puck at my first NHL hockey game.”

Councillor Ron Anderson, re-elected in October, delivered the briefest remarks of the evening, thanking supporters and noting he looks forward to working with members of council and staff to achieve the best for Wasaga Beach.

Councillor Sylvia Bray, new to council, made similar comments and paid tribute to her husband, Mark Winegarden.

“Without his support and believing in me, I wouldn’t be here tonight and sitting in this chair,” she said.

Councillor Bill Stockwell, another newcomer, brings vast experience, having served as deputy mayor of Etobicoke years ago. He also was a senior municipal employee with four Ontario municipalities and head of Exhibition Place and the CNE.

“I’ve never been so excited to serve on a council,” he said. “I see new faces, fresh faces, fresh ideas. I’m sure I’ll fight with every one of them and I’ll agree with every one of them given the subject matter.”

Following the inauguration, council members met with residents during a reception. Also in attendance were dignitaries from neighbouring municipalities, as well as former members of Wasaga council.