Former Mayerthorpe Councillors Honoured for Community Service

Former councillors of Mayerthorpe were officially recognised for their contributions to the community during a town council meeting on December 18. Sandy Morton, Pat Burns, Anna Greenwood, and Kyler Mason attended the session to receive appreciation from the current council members.

“It’s nice to be recognized for the time and effort we put into the town and community,” stated Anna Greenwood in an interview with the Mayerthorpe Freelancer. Sandy Morton echoed her sentiments, expressing gratitude for the acknowledgment. The former councillors were presented with certificates and T-shirts as tokens of appreciation for their service.

Morton’s tenure on the council spanned a decade, beginning in 2015. During her time, she also served as deputy mayor. This year, she opted not to seek re-election and instead successfully ran for one of the two school trustee positions on the Northern Gateway Public Schools (NGPS) board. Morton, a former educator with 39 years of teaching experience, shared that her “heart lies in education,” which motivated her decision to shift her focus to the school board.

Reflecting on her time on the council, Morton admitted she misses the role but feels “at home” with the NGPS board. She further stated that her experiences on the council provided invaluable lessons.

Greenwood served as a councillor from 2019 until 2023 but chose not to seek re-election in the recent municipal election held on October 20, 2023. Pat Burns joined the council in October 2013 and also served for more than a decade. Despite running in the recent election, he was not re-elected.

Kyler Mason joined the council by acclamation in 2024, filling an empty seat, but he too did not secure re-election in October. His brief service highlighted the challenges faced by local leaders in maintaining public support.

The gathering provided a platform for the current council members to express their gratitude for the dedicated service of their predecessors, highlighting the importance of community involvement in local governance.

The recognition ceremony underscored a commitment to honouring those who have contributed significantly to the town of Mayerthorpe, reinforcing the value of public service in local development and community welfare.