St. Albert’s new city council began their term on Monday night with an inauguration ceremony in the Arden Theatre.
The ceremony was invitation only. The city implemented the province’s vaccine passport system for the event, meaning those who attended had to provide proof of full vaccination, a vaccine medical exemption letter, or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the service.
To begin the ceremony, First Nations Elder Ryan Arcand, and Métis Elder Gary Gairdner, both recited blessings. Zach Willier, a Métis fiddler, also performed the Red River Jig.
The three attendants were also present to lead a smudging ceremony at St. Albert Place earlier in the day with members of council.
“I can think of no better way to start this term than to connect with the Indigenous roots of our community,” Mayor Cathy Heron said.
Heron congratulated council candidates on their success in the election.
“Starting today, every challenge we face, we will need to overcome together,” Heron said. “We must remember that we don’t exclusively represent the people who voted for us … we represent all residents within St. Albert regardless of citizenship, race, colour, gender, age, or religion.”
Council’s primary objective will be to communicate with residents, Heron said. Additionally, she pinpointed “cash flow” as a key future discussion item.
“This council is going to be the one that has to be strong to take the steps needed to source that non tax-base revenue,” Heron said.
She concluded by saying St. Albert’s future will be integral to each councillor’s dedication and commitment, and “most importantly, on their determination to succeed together.”
“That’s the strength of the city,” Heron said. “That’s the message and the mission we’ve all been given by the people we serve."
Michael Cooper, St. Albert-Edmonton MP, and Dale Nally, MLA for Morinville-St. Albert, both virtually attended and spoke at the ceremony. St. Albert MLA Marie Renaud also spoke at the ceremony in person.
The mayor and each councillor were sworn-in by the Hon. Ken Davidson, who served two terms on St. Albert city council himself. Incumbent councillors Natalie Joly, Wes Brodhead, Sheena Hughes, Ken MacKay, and new councillors Shelley Biermanski, and Mike Killick recited the code of conduct.
After the ceremony, council migrated to the chambers to go over organizational matters.
In this meeting, council confirmed the schedule for regular council meetings, committee meetings, the deputy mayor roster, and council start time.
Councillors voted unanimously to continue meeting on Mondays, with a 2 p.m. start time.
