The District of Houston has hired an interim chief administrative officer while it looks for a permanent replacement for Madelaine Swift who left the middle of May.
Jamie McEwan, who is from Lake Country just north of Kelowna in the Okanagan, comes with extensive overseas and Canadian experience.
He’s the chair of the school of public education at Capilano University in North Vancouver and an instructor with the same program.
McEwan also works for Broadwater Governance and Strategy and he’ll be helping the District of Houston council find and then interview candidates for the CAO position.
A final decision will rest with council.
McEwan’s international government experience includes time in the Middle East, Central America and northern South America.
At Lake Country, McEwan was an elected councillor from 20111 to 2014 before joining the municipality as its community development manager from 2014 to 2020 and then becoming its planning and development manager in 2020.
He has a BA and a MA from the University of British Columbia and several professional designations.
Meet and greet with chiefs
A successful meet and greet with Witsuwit’en hereditary chiefs was reported by council members at the June 4 regular council meeting.
The social occasion took place May 22 at the community hall and was hosted by the chiefs.
“[I] had a good time meeting them and getting to know them a little, it was well worth while,” said councillor Troy Reitsma.
Mayor Shane Brienen also noted the social aspect of being able to learn about the history of the area.
“I would say overall a fairly nice evening with some great food — that never hurts,” he said.
The District will now be the host of a meet and greet with the chiefs planned for sometime in August.
Major events coming up
Several major events are coming up within the community.
For the second year, a pride celebration will be held and this year it takes place at the Plaza on June 20 beginning at 4 p.m.
National Indigenous Peoples Day at Jamie Baxter Park follows on June 21.
And the July 1 Canada Day celebration, complete with cake, takes place at Jamie Baxter Park beginning at 11 a.m.
Park contractor sought
The District of Houston council has decided a caretaker is needed for Bymac Park to manage this year’s camping season requirements.
That’s being done by increasing the District’s park services contract budget by $15,000 a year with an option to extend for one year.
The council last year introduced an expanded set of camping regulations, including maximum stay periods, following concerns about campers using park sites as ongoing accommodation.
Annual report now out
The District of Houston’s report for the calendar year 2023 is now out in draft form for public inspection and comment.
It contains an accounting of key District events throughout 2023, a description of how the District operates, what revenue it receives and then how it is spent.
Comments on the draft will be received until June 18, which is the same date for the District’s annual general meeting.
The draft can be viewed on line or in hard copy at the District office.
