BONNYVILLE – At the last Town of Bonnyville’s council meeting before the 2021 municipal election, the mayor and three out of seven councillors said their final goodbyes.
There was a sombre tone around the beginning of the Oct. 12 council meeting as Gene Sobolewski, the town’s current mayor, began by saying, “We have had a lot of highs and lows and I want to thank the Town of Bonnyville and the citizens of Bonnyville for the incredible privilege of serving (as) the mayor, but also the incredible privilege of serving with everybody on council. And to the incumbents, I wish you good luck. I know that the town will be in good hands regardless as to how it shakes out.”
He added, “It's bittersweet, but I am looking forward to the quote-on-quote retirement.”
After decades of service to the Town, Mayor Sobolewski and councillors Ray Prevost, Rene Van Brabant and Lorna Storoschuk will not be seeking re-election on Oct. 18. This will guarantee spaces for four fresh faces to serve the residents of the Town of Bonnyville.
Echoing the sentiments of her colleagues, Coun. Storoschuk followed by saying, “I've served 20 years on council. It's been an honor and a privilege and I've enjoyed working with all councils, and the current one, especially. Thank you everyone.”
To pay recognition for their service, CAO Bill Rogers offered a gift and a certificate on behalf of the Town’s administration to the outgoing public servants.
Starting with the mayor, Rogers said “Mr. Sobolewski was first elected to council in 2004, and has served over 17 years on council and Mr. mayor we wanted to offer a hearty congratulations and well wishes for the future.”
Coun. Storoschuk was recognized for her 20 consecutive years on council. She was first elected to council in 2001.
Rogers continued, “Although he has sent us regrets and couldn't be here this evening, Coun. Ray Prevost was first elected to council in 1983, served a three-year term, and then took a break from 1986 to 1998, and since that time has served 22 consecutive years.”
In total, Prevost has served the Town of Bonnyville as councillor for a quarter of a century.
“Lastly, I saved the best for last. Coun. Van Brabant, first elected to council in 1998. Rene, I don't know if this is a record — 23 consecutive years on council. Rene congratulations,” said Rogers, to applause from around the room.
Further into the meeting during his turn to speak, Coun. Van Brabant said, “I don't speak a lot, but when I do say something, that means something... I do want to say it was a pleasure working with all of you guys,” he offered. “I am going to miss it.”
Memorable moments
Responding to a question of their most memorable moment on council, Van Brabant said his was when council finally passed the motion to build the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre.
Sobolewski followed by saying: “When we passed the motion from receiving our grant to build a waterline from Cold Lake to Bonnyville.”
Sneaking in an extra memorable moment, Storoschuk said, “I've got two. Mine would be the waterline as well, because Gene beat me to it, and also the ID 349.”
Offering their gratitude, councillors Elisa Brosseau and Chad Colbourne thanked their long-serving counterparts for the knowledge they have imparted.
“Thank you very much for teaching a young councillor how to be a councillor,” said Colbourne. “To you guys that are departing, it's been a very rewarding experience for me learning from each and every one of you. Gene I know we haven't always agreed, but I did learn that there is a way to get your point across in council and it might not be with a gavel.”
Coun. Brosseau added, “I will just take a few minutes while I have (them) to thank everyone around the table for everything that you've shared with us over the last few years. It’s definitely been an amazing experience and such a great team to work with.”
Closing the regular Town of Bonnyville council meeting for the very last time, Mayor Sobolewski completed one of his last official duties seeking a motion to adjourn. The motion for adjournment was seconded by Coun. Van Brabant – his very own last motion while serving on council.
