Friendly ribbing, family shout-outs and a look back at the city’s history marked the start of a new chapter at Fort St. John city hall.
Mayor Trevor Bolin and the city’s newly elected councillors were officially sworn in during an inaugural ceremony officiated by Provincial Court Judge Darren Reeves.
The ceremony marked the start of the 2026–2030 term for Bolin and councillors Gordon Klassen, Sarah MacDougall, Jim Lequiere, Kevin Stiegler, Tony Zabinsky and Lucas Wuthrich.
Reeves opened the evening by reflecting on the responsibilities of local government and the scrutiny elected officials face.
“Politicians like judges are subject to a great deal of scrutiny… everybody has an opinion,” he said, recognizing the work council members put into making decisions for their community.
For Bolin, the ceremony also brought a personal connection to the city’s political history.
The mayor, who comes from a five-generation Fort St. John family, recalled a childhood field trip that took him into the office of then-Mayor Pat Walsh. Bolin said he asked Walsh what he wanted to do when he grew up and promised to follow the same path.
Now beginning another term as mayor, Bolin said the new council shares a commitment to doing what is best for the community.
“We’re not here trying to screw things up,” he told the audience. “We want the best for our community, for our neighbours, for our families, for our grandchildren.”
The inaugural addresses also offered councillors an opportunity to thank the families, campaign teams and residents who supported them through the election.
Klassen spoke about the dedication required of local representatives, describing council as a group of regular people committed to doing their best.
MacDougall, beginning her second term, thanked her husband, four daughters and parents for their continued support.
New councillors Stiegler and Wuthrich spoke about the honour of representing residents and building on the community’s foundation.
Zabinsky highlighted the importance of accessible local leadership, telling residents, “We are your voices.”
With the oaths signed, committee appointments set and group photos complete, Fort St. John’s new council is officially in place for the next four years.
