Nelson’s new mayor and council were sworn in Monday night, beginning a four-year term in office.

The proceedings began with a performance from the St. Joseph School choir.

Then mayor John Dooley and the new councillors took the oath of office.

Dooley told the large crowd at the Prestige Lakeside Resort that he likes the diversity of the new council.

Dooley also reflected on coming to Canada more than 50 years ago. He said he never would have imagined serving four terms as a mayor.

Dooley previously served as mayor from 2005-14 and as a councillor from 1999-2005.

Council consists of incumbent Janice Morrison plus five newcomers: Brittny Anderson, Keith Page, Cal Renwick, Jesse Woodward, and Rik Logtenberg.

Morrison was unanimously elected as the city’s Regional District of Central Kootenay rep, with Anderson as alternate.

You can listen to Dooley’s entire speech here: