New City Council takes office

Mayor Jim Watson and 23 Councillors were sworn in at the Inaugural Ceremony of the 2014-2018 City of Ottawa Council at Centrepointe Theatre this evening.

The Declaration of Office was administered to the Mayor and members of Council by Her Worship Louise Logue, Justice of the Peace, Ontario Court of Justice. City Clerk and Solicitor M. Rick O’Connor presented Mayor Watson with the Chain of Office.

An inaugural address was given by His Worship Mayor Jim Watson. In his remarks, Mayor Watson emphasized that Ottawa’s light rail transit expansion will be City Council’s top priority. He also spoke about major city-building projects like the Bayview Innovation Centre and the revitalization of Arts Court as examples of how Ottawa will become more dynamic, vibrant and innovative in the years ahead.

Suzanne Pinel served as the Master of Ceremonies. Ms. Pinel is best known as Canadian children’s entertainer Marie-Soleil. She is also a citizenship judge and a Member of the Order of Canada.

The evening included the singing of the National Anthem by Angelique Francis, a prayer by Reverend Dr. Anthony Bailey, and entertainment by OrKidstra, the Canterbury High School Chamber Chorus and The Mezzanine String Quartet.

Special acknowledgement is extended to Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh’s Own), the Centrepointe Theatre Volunteer Company and Tim Horton’s for their contributions to the inaugural ceremony and reception.

You can get to know your Mayor and City Councillors by visiting ottawa.ca .