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Newly elected Qualicum Beach council members officially assume their posts

New mayor wants collaborative, unified council
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Town of Qualicum Beach elected officials took their oath of office on Nov. 7. From left: Coun. Scott Harrison, Coun. Jean Young, Mayor Teunis Westbroek, Coun. Ann Skipsey and Coun. Petronella Vander Valk. (Submitted photo)

Qualicum Beach’s new mayor Teunis Westbroek and members of council have officially taken their posts after Monday night’s inaugural council meeting at Pioneer Hall.

The first session of council was well-attended by the public and local dignitaries who welcomed the new council that will serve the community through 2026.

Piper Jim McKnight led the procession and Qualicum First Nation Chief Michael Recalma gave a speech to welcome the new council. Town crier Len Mustard performed an official cry and John Paeng led the singing of the national anthem.

The Hon. Judge Brian Harvey presided over mayor and council as they swore oaths of office and promised to faithfully lead and serve the people of Qualicum Beach. The first official council meeting included the assignment of council appointments and the agreement to assist in hosting the 2022 Moonlight Madness event on Nov. 24.

READ MORE: Town of Qualicum Beach confirms Teunis Westbroek as new mayor

Westbroek provided the inaugural address, thanking the outgoing Mayor Brian Wiese for his service and dedication to the community during the previous term. He also thanked his wife and family for their unwavering support and expressed his desire for a collaborative and unified council that fosters trust, transparency and integrity.

In his speech, Westbroek outlined how the boutonniere, a gift from himself to council, was symbolic and “reflective of this council.”

“The apricot rose symbolized optimism and hope for the future; the succulents represent luck and health; the rosemary represents friendship, loyalty and remembrance; the solidago represents good fortune, growth and encouragement; the baby’s-breath symbolizes hope and new beginnings; and the oak leaf stands for wisdom, strength and endurance,” said Westbroek.

The contact details for council and their appointments will soon be posted to the town’s website. For more information visit qualicumbeach.com/council.

— NEWS Staff

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Michael Briones

About the Author: Michael Briones

I rejoined the PQB News team in April 2017 from the Comox Valley Echo, having previously covered sports for The NEWS in 1997.
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