In a ceremony without pomp and circumstance, Veronica Farrell was sworn in as a city councilor this week.
"Before we get into the meat and potatoes, I do want to say congratulations, and welcome to city council," said Mayor Steve Black on Monday night.
Council decided to appoint Farrell to the chair vacated by Andre Grzela, who resigned on December 15. Grzela, who also worked at the constituency office for Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson, stepped down to relocate his family to suburban Ottawa for a business opportunity he called 'once in a lifetime'. His last official day as Ward 1 Councillor was January 3.
"That is why council went through the business of appointing a new member, and Veronica has run in the two previous elections for Ward 1, where the vacancy was, finishing runner up," said Black.
Farrell took a Declaration of Office, and Oath of Allegience, which was read aloud by City Clerk Steph Palmateer, and repeated by Farrell. It included pledging allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Farrell's addition means that this is the first time in the city's history that two women have held council seats at the same time.
"We welcome you on board, and look forward to serving with you over the next two years ahead," said Black.
There is no time for Farrell to ease into the role, as she is joining council in thee middle of 2017 municipal operating budget deliberations.
