Taking the reins: Campbell River’s new city councillors sworn in News A5
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New mayor warns of challenges ahead to his heart. “I am an open chest heart surgery survivor from 2007 thank to our local medical professionals’ diagnostic abilities at Campbell River and District Hospital and then referrals to Victoria. So Campbell River having competent hospital services is a personal priority,” Jakeway said. “So far, information on where and how those service improvements will happen seems to be coming too slowly. “We all know that governments don’t move quickly. We must persevere.” Jakeway said council will also work on basic improvements to Campbellton, chronic flooding in the downtown area and unattractive empty storefronts in the downtown core. Infrastructure issues, the water supply and distribution system, road upgrades, used material and waste handling procedures are things Jakeway said need to Continued on A3
KRISTEN DOUGLAS CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR
“Change is in the air.” That’s the message Mayor Walter Jakeway had for the community during his inaugural address Tuesday night at the Community Centre. Jakeway warned that the next three years will likely be the most challenging the city has ever seen, but he said Campbell River has the right people and the right tools to make it through. “Tonight recognizes the 2011 democratic process in our city. It is also the positive start of what’s going to be an active, challenging and rewarding next few years,” Jakeway said. “Change is in the air. We’ve seen huge upheaval in our city over the last 10 years and certainly in the last three. We’ve survived the slippage as our industrial base shrank and as many in our population have either left or now rotate out of town for employment. Campbell River has already bottomed out, and we now have the opportunity to soar. How high we go is is ours to control.” Jakeway pointed to a recent rise in real estate sales and the number of young people who left for an education but are starting to return as signs the community is rebounding. Jakeway credited former mayor Charlie Cornfield and the previous council for its work in getting Campbell River recognized among senior gover nments, which has resulted in more grant monies and, recently, Campbell River being chosen as a pilot for
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Outgoing mayor Charlie Cornfield (left) congratulates new mayor Walter Jakeway after presenting him with the chain of office in a swearing-in ceremony for the new council held at the Community Centre Tuesday.
the new BC Jobs Plan, aimed at capitalizing on B.C.’s economic strengths and in turn, creating long-term jobs. “Campbell River has been more visible,” Jakeway said. “The light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to brighten. Still, no one
should be misled or deceived. Campbell River has some very big problems to address.” One of those problems, said Jakeway, is that the city’s tax base has not stabilized yet costs are increasing. “The good news is: there is a
workable solution,” Jakeway said. “Together, we can work hard to develop and implement a robust and wise financial plan for 2012 and beyond.” Jakeway said he will also ensure Campbell River has top medical services, something that’s close
We asked: Will you contribute to the Food Bank this Christmas? You said: Yes – 52 votes (70%) No – 22 votes (29%) Today’s question: Are you optimistic about the next three years? Vote at campbellrivermirror.com
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