By Adam Donnelly

Christian sworn in as 40th Mayor of Kamloops Monday night

Oct 16, 2017 | 9:13 PM

KAMLOOPS — “I’ve said all along you can’t do both jobs anyways,” Peter Milobar said back at the end of May after he made the decision to vacate the Mayor’s seat, after winning the Kamloops-North Thompson Riding in the May 9th Provincial Election.

Nearly six months later, Kamloops officially has a permanent Mayor to fill that seat. At least for the next year.

Ken Christian was officially sworn in as Kamloops’ 40th Mayor at an Oath of Office ceremony Monday night held at Hotel 540. Joining him in taking the oath were new City Councillors Ray Dhaliwal and Kathy Sinclair.

Christian was quick to give praise to his predecessor in his remarks following the ceremony.

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“It’s just a remarkable honour, it’s very humbling,” Christian told CFJC Today. “Following Peter Milobar into this office is a tremendous feeling. I have so much respect for Peter and what he did for the city of Kamloops in his 9 years as Mayor.”

The two newest members of City Council will be looking to Christian and their colleagues on Council for guidance as they learn their way around governing the city.

“Ken has been a great inspiration, a great help, and a great mentor,” Ray Dhaliwal explained. “I’ve learned a lot from him in the past few weeks, and I have a lot to learn yet.”

“I’ll be hoping my fellow councillors can point me in the right direction when necessary,” Kathy Sinclair explained, adding “So much about this job is about people and about listening. That’s a skill set I’d really like to apply, and just take everything in and learn a lot, and absolutely express my opinion when it’s called for.”

They’ll get their first opportunity to take their seats around the table tomorrow, as the new look Kamloops City Council will have their first meeting since September 30th’s by-election. While Christian knows it’s only a year until the 2018 general civic election, he wants council focused on getting some things done for the residents of Kamloops.

“We will be measured on how quickly we can come together on the major issues facing Kamloops, and how we can work as a team,” Christian explained.