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GREETINGS FROM SPECIAL GUESTS
Mayor J. Lehman acknowledged former Mayor Dave Aspden, who served as Mayor of the City of Barrie between 2006 - 2010.
Mayor Lehman called upon Councillor Ted Williams of the Chippewas of Rama First Nations to bring greetings.
Councillor Williams brought greetings on behalf of the Chippewas of Rama First Nations and Chief Rodney Noganosh. Councillor Williams spoke of the positive relationship between the City of Barrie and the Chippewas of Rama First Nations and his desire that it continue. He congratulated members of Council on their recent election and commented that the City of Barrie deserves their very best and for them to give it everything they have. In closing, Councillor Williams presented the Mayor with diversity buttons that are symbolic of the four directions and the four colours of humankind.
Mayor Lehman thanked Mr. Williams for his comments.
Mayor Lehman called upon Mr. John Brassard, MP Barrie-Innisfil to provide remarks.
Mr. Brassard extended congratulations to the members of Council. He noted how hard people work to get elected to Council and the sacrifices made by family members. Mr. Brassard encouraged Council to work together as a team to support the strategic priorities for the City.
Mayor Lehman thanked Mr. Brassard for his comments.
Mayor Lehman called upon Keeragh Roberston, representing MP Alex Nuttall’s office.
Ms. Roberston thanked the outgoing Councillors for their dedication in serving the City of Barrie and congratulated the incoming Councillors. She noted her desire to continue growing the working relationship between all levels of government.
Mayor Lehman thanked Ms. Robertson for her comments.
Mayor Lehman called upon Lieutenant Colonel Shaun O’Leary, Deputy Base Commander CFB Base Borden.
Lieutenant Colonel O’Leary thanked Council for the opportunity to bring greetings on behalf of CFB Borden and introduced Chief Warrant Officer Michael Charrette. He spoke about the strong bonds between the City of Barrie and CFB Borden and the desire to further strengthen them.
Mayor Lehman thanked Lieutenant Colonel O’Leary for his comments.
Mayor Lehman called upon Jeff Wellman from AM Shalom.
Mr. Wellman congratulated Councillors on their election to office. He noted his appreciation for the support provided by Council and the Barrie community after the Pittsburgh massacre. Mr. Wellman also acknowledged the support from other faith communities.
Mayor Lehman thanked Mr. Wellman his comments.
Mayor Lehman called upon Imam Mouhamed Mateen Butt from Barrie Mosque.
Imam Butt thanked the Mayor for inviting the Barrie Mosque to the inaugural meeting. He congratulated the members of Council on their election to office on behalf the Barrie Muslim community.
Mayor Lehman thanked Imam Butt for his comments.
Mayor Lehman introduced several other special guests in attendance including Mayor-elect Don Allen of the Township of Springwater, Mayor-elect Harry Hughes, Township of Oro-Medonte, Greg Bishop and Trevor Wilcox from the County of Simcoe, Janice Skot, President and CEO of Royal Victoria Hospital, Michael Prowse, City of Barrie CAO, City of Barrie Police Chief Kimberley Greenwood and Barrie Fire and Emergency Services Chief Cory Mainprize.
The Mayor also recognized Bob Kennedy and Linda Loftus for help with his election campaigns over the years. He recognized Retired Brigadier General John Hayter and thanked him for his service to the Country. The Mayor also recognized Mayor-elect Lynn Dollin of the Town of Innisfil.