Bagpipes will be heard in downtown Port Coquitlam next week as the city makes way for its next mayor and council.
A professional piper is set to lead the inauguration ceremony's procession on Tuesday (Nov. 8) in re-welcoming mayor-elect Brad West and five councillors to another term, and Paige Petriw to her first.
Local residents have been invited to watch the event in-person at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC), and mingle with the new civic politicians afterwards.
West became the first acclaimed mayor in the city's near 110-year history after no challenger came forward by the 2022 municipal election's nomination deadline, winning a second term in the position.
Councillor-elects are as follows (in order of votes earned):
- Nancy McCurrach (5,234 votes)
- Incumbent
- Glenn Pollock (4,994 votes)
- Incumbent
- Darrell Penner (4,660 votes)
- Incumbent
- Steve Darling (4,588 votes)
- Incumbent
- Dean Washington (4,053 votes)
- Incumbent
- Paige Petriw (2,393 votes)
The bagpiper will be followed by an RCMP honour guard in their red Mountie uniforms, as well as a firefighters and emergency first responders.
Mayor West and councillors will then be sworn in by reciting the Oath of Office, and each are set to deliver remarks to those in attendance.
In a release, the City of Port Coquitlam said a reception with light refreshments will follow the inauguration when the new council will get a chance to chat with local residents.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place Nov. 8 at Mabbett Hall inside the PCCC (2150 Wilson Ave.) and those wishing to watch are asked to be in their seats by 6 p.m.
The new PoCo city council's first regular public meeting is slated for Nov. 22, 6 p.m. at city hall.
