Wednesday's Barrie city council meeting was marked by goodbyes and reflections as Coun. Clare Riepma and Coun. Ann-Marie Kungl were recognized for their time representing residents.
Riepma served on city council for two terms, beginning in 2018. During that time, he chaired the Town and Gown committee and Heritage Barrie committee.
However, Mayor Alex Nuttall recognized him for his part in heritage preservation and moving the waterfront performing arts centre project forward. Riepma, though, was quick to share the credit, pointing to the work of other councillors who helped with the advancement.
He described leaving council as a "bittersweet" moment, continuing to shower praise on his constituents, fellow councillors and city staff.
"Frankly, it's been an opportunity for a lifetime," he said in prepared remarks. "You can't do this job alone, right? If the dream has to work, the team has to work."
Riepma said he believes Ward 1 will be in good hands with Pauline Stevenson taking over in his place, adding that he has ideas for the next council but will leave it to them to decide how to move forward.
While Riepma highlighted the collaborative work behind some of the city's major projects, Ward 3 Coun. Kungl reflected on a broader range of community initiatives during her seven years on council.
Kungl began her council tenure in 2020 after winning a by-election, and chaired multiple committees as well as the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit board.
In a tearful farewell, she described how much the separation that came with virtual meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic taught her about being a public servant.
"We were governing from kitchen tables and computer screens, and it wasn't the orientation I had imagined," she said. "It's about showing up however you can when people need you most."
Throughout her six years, Kungl built a reputation as an advocate for improving public health and city beautification. That included playground improvements, the addition of public art in parks, expanded bike lanes and community gardens.
Her efforts helped Barrie earn multiple awards from Communities in Bloom and become certified as a bird-friendly city by Nature Canada.
She thanked her family, constituents, fellow councillors, and city staff for believing in her and for their teamwork through her time on council.
Ending her address, she said the biggest question she's gotten from people since the election was if she would ever return to council.
"I did not get rid of my lawn signs," she said.
In a final lighthearted moment, council ceremoniously called a recorded vote on the motion to adjourn.
While Riepma voted in favour, Kungl voted against it, as did Deputy Mayor Thomson in a show of solidarity.
Next term, Coun. Amy Courser slides over to take over Ward 3, while Arif Khan will return to council, representing Ward 4.
The new council's inaugural meeting is November 18.
