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Virginia Smith: From Council to sitting in the Mayor’s chair

Mayor Virginia Smith has been with the District of Barriere since its inauguration on December 4, 2007. Smith is now serving in her fourth term in council chambers, and in the Mayor’s chair since 2014.
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Mayor Virginia Smith has been with the District of Barriere since its inauguration on December 4, 2007. Smith is now serving in her fourth term in council chambers, and in the Mayor’s chair since 2014.

The Star/Journal asked Mayor Smith how she felt being a member of that inaugural council who were charged in running the first municipal governance of Barriere?

“The feeling of responsibility was at times overwhelming,” said Smith, “I quickly learned that I needed to put my personal feelings aside and always remember that whatever decision was made had to benefit the community.”

We also asked Smith to reminisce a little about what stood out to her in relation to that first term of being a part of the governance of the municipality?

“The things that stand out for me are the grants that we received which allowed us to do improvements to the parks,” answered Smith.

“Also the reports that were prepared, such as the Parks Plan and the OCP [Official Community Plan] which I felt helped bring a cohesiveness to our plans,” she stated.

We then asked if there were any bumps along the way, or projects she wished could have gotten off the ground?

“It was very disappointing when the municipality applied for grants to do the splash pad and were not successful. However, we did end up with a splash pad thanks to the generosity of the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society, Dr. Terry Lake, and many hardworking volunteers who helped to raise funds,” said Smith.

She also commented, “One of the projects that I wish we could get off the ground is finding businesses that would be interested in locating at the Louis Creek Industrial Park.”

In the 2014 election Smith ran for the position of Mayor against the incumbent Mayor Bill Humphreys. She won. Moving from a councilor seat to the Mayor’s chair was a big step for Smith, and we asked her to describe a little of what serving in the top spot has been like?

“One of the things about being Mayor that many people forget is that you are only one vote at the table,” said Smith.

“However, as Mayor you are the spokesperson for Council and are responsible for clear, concise communication,” added Smith. “My term has been very interesting as I have had to deal with some situations that no other Mayor to date has had to face.”

But she says that dealing with challenging situations comes with the job.

“I am very proud of the Solar Aquatics Plant,” said the Mayor, “Even though it has been a challenge. I am also proud of the upgrades that are currently underway with the water system.”

As the community is starting to grow and increase infrastructure for its citizens we asked the Mayor what her vision is for Barriere in another 10 years?

“In 10 years time we will have industry in the Industrial Park which will provide employment for our young people,” said Smith, “The downtown core will be revitalized, which will create a vibrant area for residents. We will have repaired many of our roads, created more trails, and have a dynamic community.”

Will Virginia Smith continue to serve the community by putting her name forward in the upcoming 2018 Municipal Election?

“No,” answered Mayor Smith, “I will not be running in the next election. I feel it is time for me to do other things.”