Image credit: Facebook/Henry Braun
Henry Braun

Former Abbotsford mayor selected as new municipal advisor for Kamloops council

Feb 14, 2024 | 8:51 AM

KAMLOOPS — The former mayor of Abbotsford has been tasked with helping Kamloops city council work together.

In an email to CFJC Today Wednesday (Feb. 14) morning, B.C.’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs confirmed Henry Braun was appointed as the municipal advisor for Kamloops council. The move comes two months after former Langley mayor and Surrey-Fleetwood MLA Peter Fassbender was selected, then quickly removed from the role in December 2023.

The ministry says Braun’s contract began in early February and will last until June. Braun was elected as Abbotsford’s mayor in 2014 and served two terms. He opted not to seek re-election ahead of the 2022 B.C. municipal elections.

The need for a municipal advisor from the ministry stems from a Kamloops council vote in September 2023. It was hoped the individual could help smooth over the working relationship between council and Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson.

“In extraordinary circumstances, the ministry can appoint a temporary advisor to help a council work together with staff to improve communications, clarify roles and facilitate effective decision-making,” the ministry states. “Municipal advisors are independent contractors who have worked in the local government space and can provide guidance directly to the council, including a final report with recommendations to help guide future council decision-making.”

The next regular Kamloops council meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 27.