Photo by B. Shakyaver
It was an emotional and bittersweet evening at Bluewater council on Monday, as three members said their goodbyes during their final meeting before the new council term begins.
Deputy Mayor John Becker, along with Councillors Tyler Hessel and Winona Sangster, will not be returning to Bluewater council for the 2026-2030 term.
Becker is retiring from municipal politics and chose not to run in the recent election. He took a moment during the meeting to reflect on his time serving the community and share a few final words.
Hessel ran for mayor in the recent election but was defeated by incumbent Paul Klopp. By running for mayor instead of seeking re-election to his council seat, Hessel will also be leaving council.
He also shared some parting words with fellow councillors and staff during Monday’s meeting.
Sangster was unsuccessful in her bid for re-election and will not be returning for another term. Her farewell was an emotional one, as she reflected on her time at the council table.
The farewells are not limited to Bluewater, as other local municipalities have also held their final council meetings ahead of the new term.
In South Huron, Mayor George Finch and Councillor Milt Dietrich said their goodbyes, while Lambton Shores saw Mayor Doug Cook, Councillors Glen Baillie, Lorie Scott and Ronn E. Dodge wrap up their time on council.
The new municipal council term will begin on November 16th.
