Acting Mayor’s Monthly Editorial

By Amy Cardozo

At the April 21, Regular Meeting of Council, I was appointed Acting Mayor for the remainder of the term serving from May through October 2026. I will also be serving as a Director on the Regional District of East Kootenay Board and the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board, as well as Chair of the Highway 3 Mayors and Chairs Committee.

Stepping into this role is exciting, and it is not something I take lightly. Sparwood means so much to me. It is where I grew up, where I raised my children, and where I plan to stay. Over the past seven and a half years on council, I have learned a lot about how local government works, the challenges we face, and the decisions that affect day to day life. I am looking forward to serving in this capacity.

I want to thank Mayor David Wilks for his dedicated 17 years of service. His leadership has helped guide Sparwood through important changes and set a clear direction for our community. On a personal level, Dave’s leadership, patience, and guidance have helped shape how I approach this position, and I am incredibly grateful for everything he has taught me. Congratulations on your retirement, Dave!

When I first joined council in 2018, I came in ready to listen and to contribute where I could. Like most things, it did not take long to realize there is always more to learn. That experience has given me a better understanding of both the opportunities in front of us and the challenges we need to navigate carefully. It has also reinforced something I believe strongly: good local government comes down to listening, working together, and making practical decisions people can trust.

A lot of council’s work is about responding to what is in front of us, but the bigger challenge is thinking ahead. The choices we make now need to hold up for years to come. That includes planning for growth, supporting local services, and making sure Sparwood continues to be a place where people want to live and raise their families.

Infrastructure is a big part of that. It is not always the most glamorous or visible work, but it is some of the most important. Roads, water and sewer systems, public buildings, and emergency services all form the backbone of a healthy community. Taking care of those systems and investing in them wisely helps protect taxpayers and keeps things running smoothly over the long term.

There are already several important projects underway, and my focus will be on keeping that momentum going. I will be working closely with council and staff to make sure we continue moving forward in a steady, practical way.

Sparwood has always been a resilient community. There is a lot here to be proud of, and even more to look forward to. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and look forward to the work we will continue to do together.

I encourage residents to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. I can be contacted by email, phone, text, or social media. Staying connected and accessible is an important part of this role, and I value those conversations.

District of Sparwood photo

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