DELTA - Mayor Lois Jackson and council kicked off the new term Monday with the inaugural meeting.
Jackson is returning for her sixth, and she has said final, term as mayor after winning by acclamation.
Councillors Sylvia Bishop, Robert Campbell, Jeannie Kanakos, Bruce McDonald and Ian Paton are all back after winning re-election last month, and Coun. Heather King is back after a three-year absence.
The mayor said she is "excited and energized" to tackle the many issues facing the community.
At the top of that list is transportation.
She said civic politicians will continue to advocate for increased access to Ladner with the George Massey Tunnel replacement project.
"I would also like to see an environmental greenway under the new bridge," Jackson said.
Council will also continue to push for other transportation upgrades in the area, including pedestrian/cyclist overpass at Highway 17 and 52nd Street and an interchange at Highway 17 and 56th Street.
Increased access to public transit is also on the mayor's list for the next four years.
Jackson highlighted the Corporation's success with its pay-as-you-go strategy.
"Over the next term, I am excited to say, we will reach our goal to be debt free," she said. "This is an accomplishment that we can all be proud of."
The mayor also said that pushing for an inland container terminal and the preservation of farmland will continue to be priorities for council over the next four years.
Jackson said that public safety remains a top priority for civic politicians. She said the Delta Police Department's 'no call too small' model is something council is proud to support and the municipality is planning on building a new fire hall/training centre at Boundary Bay Airport.
jkerr@delta-optimist.com