A new council for Fort Frances is now in place.
Mayor Andrew Hallikas and the six councillors tasked with the decision-making for the next four years took their oath of office last night.
The ceremony was marked with a smudging ceremony and an honour song.
Each member of council then took the oath of office.
In his inaugural address, Hallikas gave praise to those who now sit around the council table.
Newly minted Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas addresses an audience in the council chambers and online at the inaugural meeting of a new Fort Frances town council, Nov. 21, 2022. Image: Randy Thoms
“And our citizens are fortunate to have such a talented and committed group of councillors representing them. It illustrates that democracy works,” says Hallikas.
Hallikas says it will be up to this council to help realize the potential of the community.
He says that work won’t come easy, and their success would depend on all of council working together toward a common goal.
“Incoming councillors have indicated in their campaigns that they wish to make Fort Frances a better place to work, live and play for everyone. And in order to accomplish this, we must all work together, cooperate, seek consensus, respect each other, sometimes compromise.”
Hallikas added they must be transparent, available and accountable.
He also reminded council that regardless of campaign promises or favourite issues, all have to serve the entire community.
Part of Hallikas’ speech gave praise to the out-going mayor, June Caul, who could not attend the ceremony.
Hallikas says Caul broke new ground as the first female mayor and raised the bar for all those who follow.
He also thanked Rick Weidenhoeft and Doug Judson for their time on council and the contributions they brought to the table.
The first official business for the new mayor was to name Mike Behan as Deputy Mayor.
Council appointments were also made to the various town committees and boards.
