Carole Louie will take a spot on the Lower Kootenay Band Council vacated by Destyni Basil after winning a by-election last Thursday.
Louie narrowly edged long-time former councillor Mary Basil by a 20-19 vote margin. Michael White took 14 votes and Aaron Francis (not the Creston librarian) was named on 6 ballots. The incumbent, Destyni Basil, resigned in the summer.
“It was very close between Carol and Mary,” Chief Jason Louie said on Friday. “Our democracy has spoken and there is much work that needs to be done. The leadership will do our best with the on boarding of the new council member.”
A total of 59 ballots were cast out of 192 eligible voters.
A referendum to determine the future of the badly deteriorated St. Peter’s Church resulted in a 33-20 vote in favour of dismantling the historic building.”
“This was a very difficult decision, as some have fond memories while others have had difficult recollections of the St. Peter’s Church,” Chief Louie said. “The majority vote directs us to dismantle the church. The dismantling of the church will be done in a respectful manner. There will be a monument erected in remembrance of the church.
“We have had several inquiries from Creston Valley resident stating their concern over the dismantling of the church. We ask that everyone respects that this was a difficult decision and ultimately was a community decision.”