Houston mayor Shane Brienen has been given a lifetime achievement award by the North Central Local Government Association for his years of civic involvement in Houston.
“With over 17 years of dedicated leadership, Shane has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and resilience of his community,” the citation reads.
It was presented at the association’s annual general meeting held this past week in Smithers.
The District of Houston, the Town of Smithers and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako sponsored the event attended by civic leaders and others from the northern half of the province.
Brienen began his District of Houston political career by becoming a councillor in 2005, a position he held until 2008. He returned to the council in 2010 and in 2014 became the mayor, a position he has held since then.
During that time Brienen and his councils have dealt with the closure of West Fraser’s sawmill in 2014 and, as of May 9, a decision by Canfor not to replace the sawmill it closed in the community in the spring of 2023.
Brienen last year was named as the B.C. United party’s candidate for the Nechako Lakes riding in this October’s provincial election.
Also receiving a lifetime achievement award is Dave Brocklebank, a rural area director for the on the board of the Kitimat-Stikine regional district for the past 34 years.
“As a familiar face in northwest local governance, Brocklebank’s unwavering commitment, regional focus, and collaborative spirit have left an indelible mark on the communities he serves,” read his citation.
The City of Prince Rupert was recognized for its role in turning Watson Island, once the home of a thriving pulp mill, into a location for export-oriented products.
