The people have spoken and we can expect plenty of change.
For the first time in 19 years, there will be new mayors in both Parksville and Qualicum Beach at the same time, following civic election voting that wrapped up on Saturday night.
There will also be a new board chairperson for the Regional District of Nanaimo.
In Parksville, businessman and former Mayor Ed Mayne returns, replacing retiring Marc Lefebvre. Just one incumbent, Teresa Patterson, returns to council.
The primary issue in the leadup to the election was the proposed housing project at 222 Corfield.
It dominated conversation throughout the campaign and it’s a sure bet that residents will want to know in short order once new council is sworn in what the plans for the project will be.
In Qualicum Beach, where development dominated the campaign, retired fire captain Brian Wiese will replace former Mayor Teunis Westbroek.
The latter was the only candidate returned by voters to city hall, this time as councillor.
Interestingly, Robert Filmer at age 20 becomes the youngest person elected to serve on Qualicum Beach council. The town is well-known for having the oldest average demographic in the country, with an average age of 60.1 in the last census.
The inclusion of Filmer’s youthful voice on council is a clear indication voters are seeking progress.
With the RDN, the Bowser sewer development project has dominated the headlines for some time.
Newcomer Stuart McLean defeated incumbent RDN chair Bill Veenhof in the Area H contest. McLean has said he will challenge any attempt to release sewage or other waste into the Salish Sea and push to change current Bowser wastewater project to land-based disposal.
Clarke Gourlay was successful in Area G, where he replaces retiring Joe Stanhope, the area’s longest-serving local politician. Leanne Salter, former Parksville city councillor, won Area F, replacing retiring director Julian Fell. Only Bob Rogers who was acclaimed, returns to represent Area E in District 69.
Change is a good thing.
And local voters weren’t the only ones looking for something different. Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Lantzville and Courtenay all have new mayors.
Voter turnout was less than 40 per cent around the provinces, though Parksville came in (unofficially) at about 43 per cent and Qualicum Beach came in at approximately 59 per cent according to early numbers.
It’s always disappointing when approaching half (and two-thirds elsewhere) of the people decide not to cast a ballot.
There’s little excuse for not being informed, given the wealth of information available for all eligible voters.
And given the tight races around the province (Peachland was decided by a single vote), those wasted voices resonate.
A nod of appreciation to all of those who put their names forth and congratulations to all the successful candidates.
The hard work starts now.