Lurbiecki sworn in as Port Moody Mayor

It was an evening of humility and optimism in the face of political differences as the new Port Moody council was sworn in Tuesday.

“My goal isn’t a council that always agrees, it’s a council that does its best work together for the people that we serve,” said Mayor Haven Lurbiecki in her inaugural remarks.

While council takes the first steps toward crafting a new strategic plan, Lurbiecki discussed the importance of a welcoming and respectful atmosphere in council chambers.

This council, she said, should become: “the most open and transparent council in Port Moody’s history.”

Lurbiecki frequently used the word “change” in her speech.

“Residents voted for change,” she said. “I was elected to bring change to Port Moody and that is exactly what I intend to do.”

Re-elected Coun. Kyla Knowles had a different interpretation of the election results.

After noting the political campaigns were generally positive, Knowles suggested the results showed that: “voters soundly rejected the introduction of organized political parties into our special community.”

Lurbiecki and newly-elected Coun. Alexandra Chan ran with Port Moody Voice. Three other Voice candidates fell short including Mark Kunzli, who finished in seventh place.

“Port Moody is still a small community and our residents deserve independent representatives,” Knowles said.

Chan reflected on the need to earn the trust placed in the council. Over the next four years, council has an obligation to collaborate while celebrating differences, she said.

“We bear the responsibility of continuing to safeguard the needs and interests and wellbeing of all Port Moody residents.”

While this council is one chapter in a history that stretches over more than a century, the decisions made at the council table while impact the community for decades, Chan said.

Newly-elected Coun. Peter Thomasen shared a piece of family history in his remarks.

“Last time that I was on this stage I was giving my father’s eulogy,” he said.

Thomasen’s father spent his working life with Port Moody Police before dying of cancer due to asbestos exposure, he said.

“He paid the highest price for his service to the community,” Thomasen said, noting his mother did high-profile undercover work with the RCMP while dealing with discrimination and harassment.

Whie emphasizing the importance of courage and compassion, Thomasen thanked residents for their trust.

“I understand the responsibility that comes with it,” he said. “This seat belongs to you, the people of Port Moody.”

For Paul Lambert, the journey from living in Port Moody as a toddler to serving as a city councillor is “truly surreal,” he said.

Lambert talked about the importance of positive politics and productivity.

“I’m excited for other cities to stop making fun of us,” he said, describing being the butt of municipal politics jokes.

It’s a time of change in the city, Lambert said.

“Let’s not wait till Year 3. Let’s make some big changes.”

Over the next term, Coun. Amy Lubik pledged to prioritize affordable housing, environmental planning, and reconciliation while working to make Port Moody an age and dementia friendly city.

Noting the diversity of backgrounds and opinion at the council table, Lubik said she hoped those differences would help foster innovative solutions.

In his remarks, Coun. Callan Morrison emphasized the importance of kindness and collaboration, “and always putting Port Moody residents first.”