Creston's newly elected Mayor and Council have finished an intensive five-day orientation to prepare for their 2026–2030 term. The program ran from October 26 to 30. It gave Council a solid understanding of their roles, how the Town works, and the decisions ahead before they are sworn in on November 3. The Inaugural Council Meeting follows on November 10.
Council spent the first two days with Todd Sharpe of The Municipal Services Group and Christina Benty of Strategic Leadership Solutions. Both are experienced local government advisors. The sessions focused on governance, leadership and how to build an effective team around the Council table.
Each member of Council completed a personality assessment, which helped them understand their own communication style and how to work well with others. Council also set out the expectations they have of one another, the Mayor and the Chief Administrative Officer. These have been compiled into a shared document, How We Choose to Govern Together, which Council can revisit throughout the term.
The sessions also covered common pitfalls of political life that can make governing harder than it needs to be. Before the workshop, Town staff were surveyed on the organization's strengths, pressures and opportunities. Their answers give Council direct insight into the organization they have been elected to lead.
Town staff led the final three days which focused on how Council works with the organization. Council learned the difference between setting policy direction, which is Council's role, and directing day-to-day operations, which goes through the Chief Administrative Officer. Staff also introduced clear guidelines for how members of Council communicate with employees.
Sessions covered Council meeting procedures and the role of the Chair. They also explained the Creston Valley Housing Corporation, including the Cedar Street housing and childcare project and Council's upcoming role in appointing the Corporation's Board. Council also reviewed the Town's shared services with the Regional District of Central Kootenay, including physician recruitment.
The day ended with a mock Council meeting. Council debated light-hearted staff reports, which gave them a safe way to practice procedure and decision-making.
Each department presented its core services, the laws and policies that guide its work, its current priorities, its key risks, and the decisions Council can expect this term. Presentations covered Corporate Services, Finance, Community Services, Protective Services, Police Services and Infrastructure Services.
Council also reviewed the 2025 Citizen Satisfaction Survey. It found that 89 per cent of residents rate their quality of life positively. Residents named housing, health care and roads as top priorities, and asked the Town to show more clearly that it is listening. Council also learned how direction from Council reaches every department through mandate letters to department directors.
The final day covered how municipal finance works and how to read the Town's financial plan and audited statements. It also covered risk management and conflict of interest, and media relations and public communications. Council reviewed ten key Council policies they will use in the first months of the term. The orientation closed with an open "Coffee and Questions" session, where Council raised outstanding questions and discussed themes that came up across departments.
Local government is complex, and Council's decisions affect residents' daily lives, from water and roads to housing, public safety and property taxes. A strong orientation helps a new Council start the term ready to govern rather than spending months learning the role.
It sets clear roles between Council and staff and builds trust and working relationships early. It also ensures that every member of Council, whether new or returning, starts with the same understanding of the Town's finances, services, risks and priorities. This foundation supports better decisions, a more effective Council, and accountable service to the community.
"Over these five days, Council has gained a clear picture of what it means to govern well and how much it takes to serve Creston every day. We heard from experienced leaders in local government and from our own staff, who showed us the depth of knowledge and commitment in this organization. We start this term with a shared understanding of our roles, our priorities and what we expect of one another. Residents have told us what matters to them, including housing, health care and roads, and this Council is ready to get to work” summarized Mayor-elect Denise Dumas.