Al Miller will serve a third term as mayor of Invermere after being acclaimed ahead of the Oct. 17 local government election.
Miller was the only candidate for mayor and was officially declared elected by acclamation by the District of Invermere. He was first elected mayor in 2018 after previously serving on council.
Miller said he had expected someone to challenge him for the position this year and described the acclamation as a relief.
“We’ve got lots going on in the district, and so I can just keep focused on my work,” Miller said.
Infrastructure and housing will remain among the district’s major priorities during his next term, he said.
Miller said maintaining Invermere’s existing infrastructure and planning future upgrades will continue to demand council’s attention.
“We’ve done pretty well with some different housing projects, and we’ve got more to do.”
The district’s interim housing needs report identified a need for affordable rentals, supportive and seniors’ housing, affordable homeownership and additional market rental housing. The report projected Invermere would need 190 additional housing units over five years and 723 over 20 years, although the district said recent development had already met the five-year target identified in the report.
Miller said the incoming council will also have community feedback to consider when setting its priorities.
The district launched two public surveys this summer seeking feedback on municipal services and Invermere’s long-term future, including the potential use of three district-owned properties downtown. The district said the results would help guide decisions on service levels, spending and long-term planning.
Miller said he is optimistic about the council that will emerge from the election.
“We have good people who want to stay on the council, we’ve got good people who are competing for a place on council, so its good.”
“It makes a huge difference when a council are working together. Not necessarily agreeing, but able to come to a decision and work towards the common goal for the district.”
Four councillors will be elected from six candidates: Sue-Rose Read, Mark Topliff, Kayja Becker, Theresa Wood, Ryan Neal and Grant Kelly.
One longtime member who will not return is Councillor Gerry Taft, who is stepping away after 24 years in Invermere local government.
Taft was first elected to council in 2002 at age 20. He served as a councillor from 2002 to 2008, mayor from 2008 to 2018 and returned as a councillor in 2018.
Miller thanked Taft for his years of service.
“I just want to say thank you to Mr. Gerry Taft. He has been a long-term councillor and mayor, and then back to councillor.”
“He has given his all towards it and I certainly want to take this opportunity to say thank you very much to Gerry Taft for all he’s done for the town.”
Voters will head to the polls Oct. 17 to elect four councillors and one school trustee. General voting runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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