Fernie City Council sworn in, Mayor Ramadass prioritizes public safety

Fernie’s newly elected mayor and council were sworn in Tuesday night (Nov. 3), with Mayor Harshan Ramadass pledging action on infrastructure and public safety.

Mayor Ramadass and councillors Tracey Audia Kelly, Ted Shoesmith, Scott Tibballs, Phil Iddon, Kathleen Dolan and Josh Gawryluk took the oath of office at council’s inaugural meeting.

In his inaugural address, Mayor Ramadass drew parallels between Fernie’s first working-class leadership in 1904 and the mix of experience and youth on the new council.

“When I look across this table tonight, I see the same foundation of working people stepping up to serve on the council,” said Mayor Harshan Ramadass.

“We pay the bills. We understand the value of a dollar, and we live with the direct impact of every decision we make.”

Mayor Ramadass pledged to represent all Fernie neighbourhoods and prioritize public safety and long-standing infrastructure needs, including aging wastewater systems and leaky pipes.

“My commitment to the public safety of every resident and every City employee is absolute. I’m here to represent everyone in the community,” he added.

He also promised expanded public engagement across the community and listening to the concerns of residents.

“What I do carry forward from this election are the hundreds of real conversations I have had with people from Riverside to Alpine Terrace, from West Fernie to Ridgemont, from the Annex to the airport, from debate halls to downtown businesses,” he emphasized.

“Those conversations brought me here to this table. They will guide my decisions through this term.”

Mayor Ramadass said residents wanted action and pledged that council would deliver.

“This term we intend to meet the urgency with real progress.”

Council also appointed representatives to regional boards, committees and community organizations.

Mayor Ramadass was appointed municipal director to the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) and Kootenay Regional Hospital District boards, with Audia Kelly as alternate.

Council named Mayor Ramadass its Municipal Insurance Association delegate to vote on council’s behalf during the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in September 2027. Councillor Shoesmith will serve as alternate.

Councillors Tibballs, Iddon and Dolan were appointed to the discretionary grants committee. Councillors Gawryluk, Shoesmith and Audia Kelly were appointed to the parcel tax review panel.

Councillor Audia Kelly was also appointed to the OCP task force for the remainder of its term, ending in June 2027.

Council liaison appointments included Councillor Gawryluk to the Fernie Trail Alliance, Councillor Audia Kelly to the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, Councillor Iddon to the Fernie and District Arts Council, Mayor Ramadass to the Fernie Heritage Library Association and Councillor Shoesmith to the Tourism Fernie Society.

Councillor Shoesmith will serve as deputy mayor from November 2026 to May 2027, followed by Councillor Audia Kelly from June to December 2027.

Chief election officer Kevin Allen told council that 2,797 of 5,072 eligible voters cast ballots, for a turnout of 55 per cent.

“Which is about 20 per cent higher than the average in the province, and it was higher than the BC election that happened a week later,” added Allen.

Council’s first regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10.