New Westminster will swear in a new mayor for the first time in 12 years.
The City of New Westminster is holding the inaugural meeting of the new city council on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Along with a prayer for the welfare of the City of New Westminster, the meeting includes an honour guard and piper and oaths of office by the new council.
"The mayor-elect takes his oath of office first, and then members of council," said Jan Gibson, the city's director of legislative services. "It's individual. They come up one at a time and I have them affirm that."
Once the oaths are complete, Jonathan Cote officially becomes New Westminster's mayor, having beat four-term incumbent Wayne Wright in the Nov. 15 election. Other members being sworn in to council are Bill Harper (incumbent), Patrick Johnstone, Jaimie McEvoy (incumbent), Chuck Puchmayr (incumbent), Mary Trentadue and Lorrie Williams (incumbent).
"I do the oath. I think there's always an excitement of the new council," Gibson said. "They take it very seriously."
When taking the oath of office, council members affirm they are qualified to hold office, haven't knowingly contravened the Local Government Act with respect to vote-buying or intimidation, will faithfully perform duties of the office and not allow any private interests to influence their conduct in public matters. As required by the Local Government Act, council members will also promise to disclose any direct or indirect pecuniary interests in matters being considered by council.
One of Cote's first roles as mayor will be to introduce special guests in the audience and staff. The meeting also includes the appointments and oaths regarding the tax roll review panel and the appointment of acting mayors for the year ahead.
Following the meeting, people will gather for a reception in city hall. Refreshments will be served and community members are welcome to attend.
