2022 City of Duncan Inaugural Meeting & Awards
The new Duncan City Council held its Inaugural meeting on November 7th, 2022. The Mayor and Councillors took their oaths of office to officially begin the 2022-2026 term. Councillor-elect Jenni Capps was unable to attend the Inaugural meeting and will complete her oath of office at a future meeting. This event was attended by family, friends, local dignitaries, and volunteer members of the City’s committees. This was the first in-person celebratory gathering held since 2019.
The following members of the Duncan Fire Department also completed their oaths of office at the meeting: Captain – Thomas Michieli; Captain – Justin Kerrone; Assistant Chief – Chris Irving; Deputy Chief – Leanne Closson; and Chief – Art Sanderson. In addition, Chris Irving, Assistant Chief, was presented with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, honouring Canadian fire service personnel who have completed 20-years of service.
Council members then presented awards to residents who demonstrate excellence in the fields of arts, sports, and long-term service to the community:
2022 Perpetual Arts Trophy Recipient – Coco Jones
Coco is a local artist who is passionate about her work and where she lives. Her works often feature paintings of local individuals and families, showing our colourful and diverse community.
In honour of this award, Coco was given a carved wooden box from artist Robert Andrew of Mayne Island. Coco’s name has been inscribed on the Perpetual Arts Trophy at City Hall.
2022 Perpetual Trophy for Excellence and Sportsmanship – Kevin Rothbauer
Kevin Rothbauer has made many significant contributions to local athletics through his involvement with a great number of youth sports organizations. He has covered everything from horseshoes to major multi-sport sporting events. Kevin began working at the Citizen newspaper in 2006. To learn about how he is involved in sports, all you need to do is open the community newspaper from 2006 to the end of this past summer. In addition to Kevin’s incredible job covering and encouraging Cowichan Valley Sports, he has served and continues to serve on the board for several sports organizations. Kevin’s name has been inscribed on the Perpetual Trophy for Excellence and Sportsmanship at City Hall.
2022 Scroll of Honour – Andy Hutchins
Andrew (Andy) Hutchins joined the North Cowichan Fire Departments Maple Bay Fire Hall in March 1972 and left in November 2020 after faithfully serving for 48 years; 26 as Officer and 22 as Fire Chief. Andy passed away in May 2021, at the age of 71.
Andy volunteered tirelessly at many organizations. He established the Cowichan Valley Fire Chiefs Association and served on the executive for the Fire Chiefs Association of BC; provided years of outstanding service and support for the Fire Service Training and Education curriculum at the Justice Institute of BC; helped start the Maple Bay Rowing Club; supported the annual Quamichan Lake Rowing Regatta for 35 years; served on the executive of the Sportsplex and the Wall of Fame Committee; and was a long-time board member for KidSport Cowichan, where he served as Vice-Chair for well over ten years.
His wife, Kathleen, and two daughters, Andrea and Jody, attended the meeting to accept the award on his behalf. Andy’s name has been added to the Scroll of Honour at City Hall.
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If you would like to nominate an individual for a 2023 award, please see our applications page.
