Owen Cound City Council 2022 - 2026 takes Declaration of Office

Justice Julia Morneau, centre, officiates as Suneet Kukreja takes the
Declaration of Office that makes her Councillor Suneet Kukreja before the inaugural
meeting of the Owen Sound City Council 2022 - 2026 at the Harmony Centre Monday night.

Owen Sound City Council 2022 - 2026 members took their declarations of office from Honourable Justice Julia A. Morneau Monday night at the Harmony Centre during a meaningful and joyful ceremony shared with an audience of family members, regional leaders and the general public.

Piped onstage by retired Owen Sound fire chief Bill Millman with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 6 Owen Sound Colour Party, and joined by master of ceremonies City Manager Tim Simmonds, the nine newly-elected representatives were led through the legalities of accepting their positions on Council by Justice Morneau. The mayor, deputy mayor, and then the seven councillors in alphabetical order, each made remarks from the podium, thanking family and friends, and briefly outlining their individual visions for their four-year term.

MC Tim Simmonds related remarks from the absent senior members of government; MP Alex Ruff and MPP Rick Byers each sent regrets at their inablilty to attend Owen Sound's swearing-in ceremony.

Piper Millman led the flag party from the hall, and then vocalist Bayliegh Ruigrok and guitarist Kyle Davis graced the stage with a pair of songs, including a delectable Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.

All of this led to the term's very first meeting, serving as a short primer to how council works, followed by a reception – with cookies, of course.

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