File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

City Hall

First meeting with new municipal adviser Braun has Kamloops councillor feeling hopeful

Feb 14, 2024 | 3:56 PM

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops councillor is expressing optimism at the prospect of an improved working relationship with the help of a new municipal adviser.

Former Abbotsford mayor Henry Braun began in the position earlier this month.

Speaking to CFJC Today from the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) Housing Summit in Vancouver, Councillor Katie Neustaeter says the first meeting between Braun and council left her feeling positive.

“We’ve only had one meeting so far with him but it seems like it’s going to be an excellent fit,” said Neustaeter. “I’m hopeful that, with his experience and his steady hand, he’ll be able to have a clear line of sight to improve things for all of us. Hopefully, long time (he can push for) some changes to the Municipal Act that are desperately needed.”

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs appointed Braun after initially hiring former MLA and Langley mayor Peter Fassbender to do the job. Fassbender was removed from the role without explanation last December.

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“It was difficult when we thought we were taking steps forward and then that changed,” said Neustaeter Wednesday (Feb. 14), “but we were also encouraged by how quickly the ministry moved through the next parts of the process to identify someone else.”

Fraught with friction ever since the 2022 municipal election, Kamloops council unanimously requested the ministry provide an adviser shortly after last fall’s UBCM Convention.

Neustaeter says she hopes council’s work with Braun will eventually lead to changes with the Municipal Act.

“Local governments need to be steady and there needs to be some equal expectation — and also some consequences when that doesn’t happen. My long-term aim is to see meaningful changes that have been required for a long time now. It’s no secret that we have struggled as a council and because of that, our community has been impacted. We would like to spare any future communities from that experience,” she said.

“Some positive changes will go a long way toward accomplishing that.”