A box of Kleenex sat before her, and by the time the video presentation packed with old pictures and friends was over, a few tissues had joined it on the desk.
That was absolutely unreal, Coun. Corinne Lonsdale told the crowd gathered to support the District of Squamish council at its last session Tuesday (Nov. 22).
After 25 years of service to the community, this was Lonsdale's final council meeting. First elected in 1983, Lonsdale got involved with municipal politics as a push to plant grass on the Babe Ruth baseball park's outfield. Since then her list of accomplishments include getting the Stawamus Chief designated a provincial park and landing Quest University despite bids from six other communities. Lonsdale also established historical milestones, becoming Squamish's first female mayor in 1993.
After a few hugs from her grandchildren, a standing ovation and a couple more tissues, Lonsdale recounted some of her highlights. As chair of the Tourism Committee, Lonsdale was the first person to contact the West Coast Railway Museum, which led the establishment of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Later, Lonsdale pressured Victoria to bring the Royal Hudson to Squamish, as it was being housed in North Vancouver.
Lonsdale lobbied for the creation of a branch campus of Capilano College, now Capilano University. Also aimed at the next generations, Lonsdale was one of the backers who helped Squamish establish a youth centre.
Besides serving 16 years as a Squamish councillor and nine years as mayor, Lonsdale served on the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and the Union of B.C. Municipalities executive for 10 years, the Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee and the Lower Mainland Local Government Association for 17 years and the Forest Renewal B.C. Public Advisory Commission and Ministers' Advisory Council on Forest Practices Code for approximately five years.
Lonsdale met some of Canada's famous players Jean Chretien, Paul Martin, Iona Campagnolo. When West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP John Reynolds was the interim Leader of the Opposition, Lonsdale got a tour of the Stornoway residence the $4.2 million home occupied by the federal opposition leader.
But one of the things Lonsdale said she liked most about being in the political arena was classroom chats with students.
I've had pies thrown at me, been in a dunk tank, rode in the bucket of a front-end loader, dug many holes, planted trees, cut ribbons, attended many fundraisers, she said. Speaking engagements were numerous, but the most thoughtful and enjoyable were those that I delivered to the grad classes.
Over the past three-year term, council has put in place new policies, bylaws and plans that will serve Squamish well into the future, Lonsdale said, adding that the district will continue to build on its relationship with the Squamish Nation.
Stopping for a deep breath, Lonsdale continued.
You know it is me that needs to thank you, she said to the audience, because you are the people who put me here doing what I love.
Turning to district staff, Lonsdale thanked them for all their support. To the councillors-elect, who will be sworn into the new council on Dec. 6, Lonsdale said the job is about love for a community.
Lonsdale paused. Straining to keep back tears she had come to the end of her speech.
I guess this is it.
