Mayor Rob Kirkham and the people elected with him to lead Squamish for the next three
years were sworn in on Tuesday (Dec. 6).
Provincial court judge Jane Auxier officiated the ceremony at the West Coast Railway
Heritage Park in the CN Roundhouse in front of an audience of about 150 people.
Kirkham and the rest of the new council members were led into their first official
meeting by Squamish's new Fire Chief Russ Inouye and two bagpipe players.
Kirkham took the oath of office along with Susan Chappelle, Patty Heintzman, Ted Prior,
Doug Race, Bryan Raiser and Ron Sander.
In a short meeting that followed the oaths, Kirkham noted the meeting was taking place
in the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation. He invited Councillor Dale Harry from
the Squamish Nation Council to say a few words in recognition of this.
Harry congratulated the newly elected council members and encouraged the group to
continue the cooperative work started by the previous council with the Squamish Nation.
"Tonight you were sworn in," said Harry jokingly, "and tomorrow you will be sworn at."
Kirkham revealed which councillors will sit on the various committees of Squamish
Council. He announced that he would represent Squamish on the regional district board
along with Patty Heintzman while Doug Race and Bryan Raiser will serve as alternates.
The first full meeting of the new council is set for Tuesday (Dec. 13).
