Local Government Awareness Week - May 14-20

Did you know it is Local Government Awareness Week?

UBCM, in partnership with CivicInfo BC and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, presents British Columbia Local Government Awareness Week, which runs May 14-20. This is an ongoing initiative with the goal to generate awareness and educate the public about the roles and responsibilities of local government, and encourage the public to participate in local government processes.

Learn more about this initiative here!

This week we will be showcasing some of the talent working at the District of Sicamous! Check out some profiles below:

First up we have Sarah Martin, a planner with the District of Sicamous!

What is one thing you didn't know about local government before you started working with the District?

  • How much more rewarding it is to work for a small community than a large one!

What is the best part of your job?

  • The variety. I work on something different everyday, from meeting community members and sharing advice, to mapping, research, and report writing.

What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?

  • I love to garden, explore, and discover good food around the region.

Did you know that BC's 161 local governments, only cover 11% of BC's land mass and are home to 89% of BC's population?

Learn more about what the planning department is up to here!

Next up we have Diana Blake, receptionist and cashier!

What is one thing you didn’t know about local government before you started working with the District?

  • I have worked for a municipality before, so I was pretty familiar with the workings.  However, working in a small town highlighted for me how important it is for the public to come and participate and have a say in how they want their government to work for them. Living in a small town gives you very good access to your elected officials.

What is the best part of your job?

  • Talking to people and hopefully being able to help in some way.  I like people so whether it’s on the phone or in person the best part of the job is interacting with the public.

What is one thing you wish the public knew about local government?

  • We put tons of information out on our website. It is a really useful tool for the public and if there’s something you want to know that’s not there, we want you to call and ask! We are here to help.

What are your favourite things to do outside of work?

  • I dabble in art and make my own soap when I can find the time. I try to get out kayaking and enjoy our beautiful Shuswap area any chance I can. I like gardening and a good backyard bbq with friends (Not at the same time!)

Why not live here? Check out our Live & Work Here webpage to learn more!

Next we have Colan Morrow, (aka superstar!)

What is one thing you didn’t know about local government before you started working with the District?

  • The complexity and level of diligence needed to oversee a community’s water system was a bit eye-opening. With limited external resources available for technical assistance within a small town, the entire utility team needs to be well rounded and willing to learn many facets of the operations.

What is the best part of your job?

  • The variety, the challenges and the opportunity to learn are all things that keep this job interesting and rewarding.

What is one thing you wish the public knew about local government?

  • Even though the utility staff are not always frontline with the public, we are often in early, staying late, responding to alarms around the clock and are fully committed to the maintenance and operations of the communities utilities.

What are your favourite things to do outside of work?

  • I’m happiest outdoors. Biking, fishing, sledding or just being on the lake. Love to travel. Love adventure!

Learn more about what the Operations & Infrastructure Department is responsible for, including maintenance and planning, highways (municipal roads), drainage (stormwater), water (storage, treatment and distribution) and sanitary sewer (collection and treatment).

We would also like to introduce you to the Manager of the Sicamous Community Health Centre, Karen Eastland!

What is one thing you didn’t know about local government before you started working with the District?

  • I had never attended a Council meeting and had no idea of the rigour and process involved.

What is the best part of your job?

  • Working collectively towards a large vision. Being a part of something that serves the community in a very real and tangible way.

What is one thing you wish the public knew about local government?

  • That there is no barrier to finding out what is going on, it is a completely open and transparent process.

What are your favourite things to do outside of work?

  • Swim, kayak, paddleboard, paint, ski, cycle, and hike!

Check out our Sicamous Community Health Centre FAQ to learn what health services are offered and how to book an appointment.

And last, but certainly not least, Anne-Marie Koop!

What is one thing you didn’t know about local government before you started working with the District?

  • All the different roles required to keep the system running; finance, planning, communications, building, public works… the list goes on!

What is the best part of your job?

  • An amazing team and task variety.

What is one thing you wish the public knew about local government?

  • How much we care about the community, we are residents and taxpayers too!

What are your favourite things to do outside of work?

  • Spending time with my family and animals.

Learn more about the finance department and take a look through the 2023 Budget Highlights!

That's a wrap for this year's profiles! We hope you learned something new and look forward to showcasing more profiles during next year's Local Government Awareness Week.