New Collingwood town council sworn in

Collingwood officially has a new council.

The 2014-2018 town council was sworn into office Dec. 1 at the Collingwood Royal Canadian Legion Branch #63 in a morning inauguration ceremony attended by many members of the public, family and friends who watched as some returning members and some new faces took the oath of public office.

The Knights of Columbus Honour Guard preceded council, who entered led by Collingwood Town Crier Ken Templeman and bagpipe music played by Emilee Bennett, Duty Pipe Leader, RC Legion. After a proclamation from Templeman, singing of the national anthem commenced by the sizeable audience led by Madyson Lewis and an invocation led by the Reverend Tim Raeburn-Gibson. Then, the Town of Collingwood’s Chief Administrative Officer John Brown Chief spoke.

Brown noted in his introductory comments that a town council acts in a representative, policy-making and quasi-judicial role, and is instrumental in helping guide and arbitrate for the community.

Brown was followed by local lawyer Tom Merrifield who gave the Charge to Council remarks to inspire the years ahead.

“The measure of your success as a council will be the things you can point to as achievements and improvements in the community,” Merrifield said. “It’s about vision, it’s about responsibility and it’s about the future. It’s about the next generation,” he added.

Merrifield said that healthy debate is a good thing but that the new council will gain the community’s respect by respecting each other even when views differ.

Following Merrifield’s remarks the new council was sworn in with the administration of declaration of oaths done by Clerk and Commissioner of Oaths for the Town of Collingwood Sara Almas. Councillors took the podium to swear to repeat a declaration of office, oath of allegiance and declaration of the town’s code of ethics.

Cooper was then presented with the Chain of Office by her father Jack Bonwick.

In their remarks that followed councillors were grateful to all who had helped them get elected, particularly their families. The comments finished with Cooper’s inaugural address and jokes that brought a lot of laughs, as well as a closing prayer from Father Scanlon.

“I’m thrilled to be here for a second term,” said Coun. Kevin Lloyd, thanking his wife and children.

Newly-elected Coun. Bob Madigan emphasized keeping Collingwood one-of-a-kind and a good community.

“Let’s work to remain a leader among leaders,” he said.

Deb Doherty grew emotional talking about her past service on council (1997-2000) and how much it means for her to be elected once again. Doherty said she looks forward to being “part of a council that restores a culture of trust in elected officials.”

Kathy Jeffery struck an upbeat tone but said she will, among other things, “work to improve our financial vulnerabilities.” Jeffery served two terms on Collingwood Town Council in the past.

Cam Ecclestone said he will be there for residents and is always open to feedback from the public.

“I will represent you with hard work, honesty and integrity,” Ecclestone said.

Mike Edwards, elected to a fourth term on council, said that he is very thankful to his family and the voters who have confidence in him.

“I will continue to act with honesty and integrity,” he told the crowd, adding that “working as a team” is one of his priorities.

Newly-elected Tim Fryer thanked his family, supporters and the community and pledged to help make Collingwood the best it can be.

“I’ll use my knowledge and expertise to the maximum benefit of the community,” Fryer said.

Newly-elected deputy-mayor Brian Saunderson brought the tone of a visionary and hard-worker to the podium, quoting John F. Kennedy and saying that his goal is “to push forward in a strategic, feasible and sustainable way.”

Mayor Sandra Cooper, elected to a second term, thanked her family, in particular her husband Ken, as well as the community for their support in her inaugural address.

“The challenges ahead are many, but our collective ability to address these challenges is strong,” Cooper promised. “The opportunities that will be realized from our efforts are great.”

Cooper said she’s looking forward to a new term and listed several goals.

“This election it was quite evident that the focus was on the value of our waterfront and the desire to develop the Jewel of Georgian Bay, that would highlight the beauty of our community,” Cooper said, referencing past mayors of Collingwood and their accomplishments.

Cooper emphasized that the council of 2014-2018 should build on the town’s entrepreneurial spirit and “maximize prospects with anticipated development in our community.”

At the same time Cooper said “financial prudence” will be key as well as considering the many and varied needs of Collingwood’s residents.

“We will need to encourage and examine alliances and partnerships. Our team, your council, is going to have to think outside-the-box on a variety of issues,” Cooper said. “My promise is simple and straightforward: I will give our community every ounce, or millilitres, of positive energy. I will work with my fellow councillors in an open and positive and engaging manner. I will make decisions in the same way you would, because at the end of the day we all aspire to the same: a stronger, more vibrant and united Collingwood.”

The new town council met Dec. 2 for orientation and has its first town council meeting Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. at Collingwood town hall.