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The end of an era; Hamilton’s last hurrah

Oct 19, 2016 | 6:00 AM

In an emotional goodbye, the mayor fought back tears as he addressed council one last time.

The last council meeting before the election was held Oct. 17 and the next one will feature a new mayor and potentially a whole new council. Ian Hamilton has been the mayor of North Battleford for seven years and a council member for the last 10.

At the end of the meeting Hamilton addressed council for the last time as mayor.

“As you can see this is quite emotional for me,” Hamilton said. “I am comfortable with my decision but I am going to miss this. I’ve really enjoyed my role as councillor and as mayor. It is mixed emotions for sure.”

Hamilton added he has complete confidence in Ryan Bater to take over the mayor’s chair. He said the new council will receive a great start from the current one and is confident there returning members will continue the development of the city.

Hamilton thought of the CUplex when asked of his proudest accomplishment. He was on the original steering committee for the development of the CUplex, which is what originally brought him to council. Passing the official Community Plan and community safety efforts were other accomplishments the Mayor highlighted.

Hamilton said this isn’t the end as he’ll continue to serve the city.

“What am I going to do with my Mondays now? Well maybe I’ll just come and sit in the gallery,” Hamilton said jokingly. “I’ll go back and do some work at my old accounting practice… I want to contribute to the Pinty’s event and I certainly want to volunteer for the 2018 Winter Games.”

Hamilton said he will miss the interaction with the people at city hall the most.

“I am really going to miss representing the city in a very positive light,” Hamilton said. “Those personal interactions I’ve grow to very much enjoy will by missed as well.”

 

Greg Higgins is battlefordsNOW’s city municipal affairs and health reporter. He can be reached at ghiggins@jpbg.ca or tweet him @realgreghiggins.