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Pemberton administrator resigns

Lori Pilon heading back to Kamloops

 

The Village of Pemberton administrator has resigned just shy of the 2010 Winter Games.

Lori Pilon, who has overseen administrative matters at the village since April 2006, is moving back home to the Kamloops area to be closer to family and complete a Masters in Public Administration through a distance education program with the University of Victoria.

She said in a news release that she found her time with the village "very rewarding" but hopes a move home will lighten her professional work load over the next year.

Pilon came to Pemberton after serving as administrator with the Village of Lions Bay for four and a half years. In both communities she would commute back to Kamloops every weekend.

While an administrator she worked with the Mount Currie Band on implementing Winds of Change initiatives, as well as the ElderGO! Bus service and a seniors housing project.

Speaking to Pique on Tuesday, she said it's the right time for her to go home and spend more time with her family.

For over a decade she has commuted from her home on the reserve of the Skeetchestn Indian Band, where her partner Eddy Jules once served as Chief. As part of her thesis she hopes to focus on governance and First Nations but she hasn't yet decided what the topic is.

Despite the distance, commuting over the Duffey Lake Road back to the Kamloops area was never a problem for her.

"I loved it, I loved the drive," she said. "It's an adventure, winter driving has its special challenges."

While in Pemberton, Pilon also oversaw special projects including the new community centre and library, as well as funding and development of a new well for Pemberton and accessibility improvements at One Mile Lake. And then, of course, there was the Pemberton Music Festival.

She regards the skateboard park and cleaning up the entrance to Pemberton's downtown as other special parts of her overseeing administration at the Village.

"And of course being a part of the Pemberton Festival," she said. "Not that I had a lot to do with it, but just being a part of it was a real highlight."

"It has been a pleasure to work with Lori," said Pemberton Mayor Jordan Sturdy. "Her compassion and attention to detail will be a great asset to another community, we wish her all the best in her future endeavours."

Pilon will leave Pemberton Jan. 5 but remain in her job to assist a replacement or interim Chief Administrative Officer to take up the role.