Belleville’s newest councillor is ready to go.
Tyler Allsopp was sworn in this morning and will sit at the table at council’s meeting later today.
Restrictions due to COVID-19 meant that it was a closed ceremony with only Allsopp, his wife Jennifer and their daughter, Mayor Mitch Panciuk, Chief Administrative Officer Rod Bovay and City Clerk Matt MacDonald.
Allsopp, who is also the co-owner and operator of Doug’s Bicycle Sales & Service, was chosen to fill the vacant seat of late Councillor Pat Culhane.
Via a press release issued by the city, Allsop said:
“Today is a very exciting day for me as I have been hoping and working for this since I was 20 years old. I felt that it was important to secure representation for young people in this community in order for our voices to become amplified and for our interests to be addressed. It is my hope that by having a young representative, more people will start engaging in the process, sharing their ideas, and going about the hard work necessary to make our city a better and more inclusive place. There is a big learning curve but I am ready and I think Belleville is as well.”
Mayor Mitch Panciuk:
“I am really pleased to have our City Council back to a full complement again. We welcome Councillor Allsopp and look forward to working with him and getting the benefit of his perspective. There is a lot of work to do as we’re in the midst of very challenging times and we are committed to serving our residents in the best way we possibly can as we move our city forward.”
Among the items up for discussion at today’s meeting: alternative voting methods for the next election, a potential outdoor recreation centre, rules for seasonal patios for businesses and a contract for renovations to council chambers.
