May 07, 2010
Share this article
Hazelton Mayor Alice Maitland Honoured by NCLGA
NCLGA Recognizes One of Canada’s Longest Serving Local Government Leaders
Smithers, BC – The North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) last night honoured one of Canada’s longest serving local government leaders, Hazelton Mayor Alice Maitland. Mayor Maitland was recognized with a standing ovation, accolades and gifts for her 40 years of local government service on Hazelton Council at the NCLGA Convention in Smithers.
Mayor Maitland began her local government service career as a Commissioner for the Village of Hazelton from 1965-1968 (3 years). She then became an Alderwoman (name change) from 1969-1971 (3 years). Alice took a break from local government service between 1971-1976 to raise her family of four children and pursue other interests but she couldn’t stay away too long. Alice has been the Mayor of Hazelton since 1976 (34 years).
She was born the eldest of nine children in 1933 in Hazelton. In addition to raising her family and serving her community Alice has owned a women and children’s clothing store, owned a gas station and travel agency and obtained her Masters in Adult Education at age 65 and worked for many years at various levels in the education system. She is currently the Principal for Northwest Community College in Hazelton. She has been a tireless volunteer with many Hazelton organizations over the years including Hazelton Library, ‘Ksan Museum, Hospital, Ice Arena and others. Alice’s vision for Hazelton is reflected everywhere in the community as Hazelton has embraced its First Nations history and culture and as an important point on the early trade routes to the North and Northwest of British Columbia.
In recognizing Mayor Maitland at a special ceremony last night during the NCLGA Convention out-going NCLGA President Karen Goodings said “Alice Maitland stands a testament to the perseverance of Northern British Columbians and to the region itself. Her community has been hit hard over the years by changes in the forest industry economy, by a lack of resources to upgrade and modernize community facilities and a host of other challenges. However, through all the ‘tests’ Hazelton has faced during the past four decades, there has been a constant stabilizing force within the community and Mayor Maitland has been that force. She has never shied away from discussing these challenges. Alice has been a strong advocate for the First Nations communities around Hazelton and their needs for support and change over the years. She has raised a family of four with her husband Bill. Most importantly, Mayor Maitland has been a very vocal supporter of this association and the benefits of communities working cooperatively and collaboratively. Her fellow northern local government leaders may not have always agreed with her views on all the key issues but there has never been any doubt about the high degree of respect each has for Alice as a local government leader, community volunteer, strong advocate for Northern BC and mentor. All of us at the NCLGA congratulate her on 40 years of elected service to the people of Hazelton, the Skeena Region and North-Central British Columbia.”
30
Share this article
