Mayor Richardson to lead new Anmore council

Anmore voters decided to go with something completely different.

Councillor Doug Richardson, who was perhaps council’s most vocal critic of the proposed Anmore South development plan, is set to serve as Anmore’s next mayor.

After running unopposed, Richardson will replace John McEwen as Anmore’s outgoing mayor wades into provincial politics.

McEwen ran on a campaign of increased transparency and greater trust between village residents and village hall.

“Anmore is a unique community, and I want to protect what makes it our home. Planning for the years ahead should be done by the people of Anmore, in pursuit of the kind of future we want for ourselves, our neighbours, and our families,” he stated when announcing his campaign.

Discussing the proposed Anmore South proposal in 2025, Richardson objected to what he viewed as a compressed timeline for public feedback.

“We’re going to potentially change Anmore forever and we’re going to give residents one shot to talk to people and three weeks time for reports they haven’t even seen yet? It’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in like forever,” he said at the time.

Anmore’s new council includes Carl Schmidt, Harriette Chang, Rod Rempel, and Will Crocker.

As a representative of the Anmore Neighbours Community Association, Rempel questioned the credibility of Anmore South technical studies.

Chang also questioned the Anmore South project during a 2023 meeting.

“This is paradise,” Harriette Chang told council at the time. “I don’t want it to change. And maybe I’m selfish, but I’m thinking about my children and their children.”

Incumbents Kim Trowbridge and Paul Weverink both failed to win re-election. Coun. Polly Krier opted not to stand for re-election.