Surrounded by her three adult sons, along with other family and friends, Shannon Stewart was sworn in as the newest -- and only female -- member of Penticton City Council during a brief ceremony Tuesday afternoon at City Hall.
Stewart, a social worker, won the recent byelection, emerging at the top of a field of 12 candidates.
She is best known locally as a longtime administrator of the Clean Streets Penticton Facebook page, which has more than 6,200 members.
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Stewart replaces Helena Konanz on council, following Konanz's successful run for the Conservative Party of Canada in April's federal election. Konanz and her husband were in the gallery during the ceremony.
Stewart was officially sworn in by local Justice Lynett Jung, a former Crown prosecutor who has served as a judge in Penticton for the past two years.
Following the ceremony, Stewart said she is ready to get to work and committed to representing the concerns of Penticton residents.
"I was ever so grateful to be elected and was ready to roll up my sleeves the next day and just look at what the job list was," she said.
The swearing-in ceremony began with three women from the Penticton Indian Band singing the Okanagan Song, a significant anthem for the Syilx Nation.
Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel welcomed Stewart to council, expressing confidence in her ability to serve and highlighting the strong relationship that has developed between the PIB and the City of Penticton in recent years.
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"You and I, we've crossed paths before, and I am aware of all the good work you already carry out within the community -- and beyond," the chief told Stewart.
"I really appreciate what you do for everyone, not just in your own City of Penticton ... but beyond that. I recognize that and I really appreciate it. The Penticton Indian Band, right now, enjoys a very strong and positive working relationship, council to council."
Under the leadership of Mayor Julius Bloomfield, the City of Penticton has maintained close communication with the PIB, Gabriel said, noting that collaboration is essential.
"We're neighbours, and we know that -- we have to co-exist," Gabriel said. "Because of that positive working relationship, we know that we'll face challenges from time to time, but by working together, both councils can have respectful discussions and find ways to address any issues that come before us. That's a good thing to have."
Mayor Julius Bloomfield said it's a privilege to live and work in Penticton -- and an even greater one to be part of the team elected to help govern the city. He expressed confidence in Stewart's ability to contribute meaningfully as the newest councillor.
"It's a privilege that we don't take lightly," he said. "We take it very seriously, and I think we all bring different perspectives to the table -- and that's what democracy is all about. We are witnessing democracy in action, where the people have made their selection for who they want to help govern the city."
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With summer drawing to a close and 2026 budget deliberations about to begin, Bloomfield noted that Stewart is joining council at a particularly demanding time.
"I think you're going to be very busy," he said. "You've been elected at a time when we're heading into a very intense period. Summer is usually filled with parades, social events, and welcoming tourists. Fall, however, is a time for meetings, budget preparations, and a lot of focused work in council chambers."
During the ceremony, Stewart formally affirmed that she is qualified to hold the office of councillor for the City of Penticton, and that she has complied with the provisions of the Local Government Act in relation to her election.
She also swore to abide by all rules concerning conflict of interest under the Community Charter, and pledged to carry out her duties with integrity, accountability, and respect for others.
"I'm really pleased and honoured to be here to celebrate with you today and perform the oath of office," said Jung, who was accompanied by Greg Koturbash, administrative judge for the Interior region.
Stewart will attend her first council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
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