Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Northern Sunrise County Council will have a brand-new look for the next four years, with only one incumbent retaining their seat on council.
Former Reeve Corinna Williams and incumbent Gaylene Whitehead’s two wards were amalgamated in the Oct. 20 election, both lost the election in Ward 5 to Kyle Dziengielewski, who was successful in garnering 68 votes.
Long-time councillor and also former reeve Carolyn Kolebaba was also replaced in Ward 1 by Kelly Little, who won the election with 46 votes.
Ward 4 was also overturned, with incumbent Art Laurin being replaced by a familiar face to NSC, Norm Duval, who won his seat with 136 votes.
Ward 3 will be represented by Claude Rodrigue.
The only incumbent who will retain his spot is Ward 2 representative Jason Javos, who ran uncontested.
“I enjoyed my eight years, from 2013 until 2021, as a councillor for NSC and just wanted to get back in,” says Duval, adding his work schedule changed and he was able to make time to return to council.
“Seniors housing for my area and the region is going to be one of my main focuses in this term. There are plenty of other issues that will need to be addressed but I want to see what comes from our strategic planning session in November.”
Ward 5 councillor Kyle Dziengielewski says he was able to speak to many residents through his campaign, and he listened to their ideas and concerns.
“I look forward to working with my fellow councillors to address these together, strengthen our communities, and continue making our county one of the best places to live and work,” says Dziengielewski.
“For me, being elected means trust. It means my community has put their faith in me and that’s something beyond words. For myself serving as an elected councillor represents honesty, transparency, cooperation, and leadership, and I hope to achieve all that and more in this role,” he adds.
Little says on his social media platform that he is excited to help shape regulations and incentives that support local business growth within the county.
The Northern Sunrise County organizational meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 30, with the regular council meeting to follow.