e-KNOW Editorial

By Ian Cobb

There was a small ceremony held at the end of McDonald Avenue in West Fernie yesterday afternoon that marked the completion of the largest construction project in the 50 plus year history of the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

While numerous people and governments were responsible for West Fernie being brought into the City of Fernie fold and serviced with city infrastructure, costing $16.4 million, there is one person deserving of a feather for his political cap.

Electoral Area A Director Mike Sosnowski is concluding his fourth straight term in office – 12 years. Over those 12 years Sosnowski lobbied and laboured to bring services to West Fernie and on a perfect, hot, sunny July 24 afternoon he got to experience what generally amounts to a rare feeling for local government politicians (usually due to lengths of terms in office) – the start-to-finish completion of a set goal prior to being originally elected.

A man of direct, and as a result often limited words, Sosnowski made sure he thanked all those who helped him make the West Fernie project a reality, including City of Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano, her council and administrative staff.

How long has Sosnowski been hammering at West Fernie? There have been two MLAs – with one who held fast in the Kootenay East for four straight terms (16 years) in Bill Bennett, and current MLA Tom Shypitka to work with in Victoria.

So while there are many people responsible for bringing West Fernie into the city fold and having long-needed services delivered – we have to say this one is because of a bulldog of a local politician in Mike Sosnowski.

Well done, Mike, and congratulations. And good work RDEK. It was a long and sometimes difficult haul but you got it done!

At the conclusion of yesterday’s celebration, Sosnowski also announced he intends to run for a fifth term in this fall’s municipal, regional and school board elections.

With West Fernie a done deal, he is now setting his sights on Hosmer and a turning lane off the highway.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will already, undoubtedly, be on notice from the Area A Director.

Lead image: Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture delivers a brief speech during the July 24 celebration of the completion of the West Fernie Servicing & Restructure project. Area A Mike Sosnowski, to her left, and City of Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano and RDEK Board Chair and Electoral Area C Director Rob Gay to her right. e-KNOW file photo

– Ian Cobb is owner/editor of e-KNOW

Article Share