Councillor Lorie Fiddler elected as Deputy Mayor

Two-term Councillor Lorie Fiddler has been elevated to the Deputy Mayor seat following an election by her peers.

Fiddler is ready for the experience and looking forward to the new role.

“It’s very exciting for me and I’m really happy to take this on,” Fiddler said.

“It’ll be a little different take on municipal politics, and I think having the extra responsibilities will be a new challenge. I’m looking forward to it.”

Voted in with full support of council

Most municipal councils in Manitoba have the mayor or reeve appoint a council member as the deputy mayor for the full term of council (4 years), but Selkirk Council elects one member to serve as Deputy Mayor typically for a period of two years.

Mayor Larry Johannson says Selkirk’s process is more democratic and gives the Deputy Mayor position more value because it means that the person holding the position has the confidence and support of their fellow council members.

“Deputy Mayor Fiddler was voted in with the full support of council and I, along with all members of council, know she will do a fantastic job,” Johannson said.

“Lorie’s into her second term on council and she’s proven that she’s committed to the city and its citizens and works hard to make Selkirk a better place for all. I’m looking forward to working with her for the next two years.”

Fiddler steps into the role after Councillor April Smith who has served as Deputy Mayor for the first two years of this council term.

“I am excited for Deputy Mayor Fiddler and for the residents of Selkirk,” Smith said.

“Lorie will excel in this position. Her dedication to our community comes from her heart. Council fully supports her and I’m looking forward to her serving in this new role.”

Fiddler, who sits on the Heritage and Library committees as well as the Association of Rural Municipalities of the Capital Region (ARM), says Selkirk council is a cohesive unit that works well together.

“I am so happy to be on such an encouraging council and I know I will get all the support I need.”

Deputy Mayor Lorie Fiddler

“I am so happy to be on such an encouraging council and I know I will get all the support I need.”

Fiddler expects it to be a busy two years, and she says there’s plenty of projects on the horizon that she’s excited to be part of.

The expansion of the Gaynor Family Regional Library will benefit readers and learners, she says, and she’s proud of Selkirk council’s commitment to the library.

Several editions of council worked hard to ensure that if the space occupied by the Red River Planning Board ever became vacant it would be available for library expansion. With the departure of the planning board in 2021, the city’s work paid off and the three ownership municipalities – Selkirk, St. Andrews and St. Clements – have all agreed that the expansion will be set to begin this year.

The purchase by the city of the Garry Theatre, also in 2021, is another big project Fiddler is looking forward to.

“The Garry has been the talk of the town for the past couple years and it’s great to be part of a project that means so much to so many,” Fiddler says.

“The community has been so engaged and focused on rehabilitating a building that’s like an old friend to us all, and I look forward to working with council and the community to make the new version of the Garry a reality.”