After serving a year as the first vice-president of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC), Sidney mayor Larry Cross has been elected its new president this weekend.
The AVICC - a body formed for the purpose of representing in one organization the various municipalities, First Nations and regional districts of Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Powell River and the Central Coast - is holding its 64th annual general meeting and convention in Sooke this weekend. According to avicc.ca, "the objectives of the Association are to secure united action among its members to promote greater autonomy within local government in co-operation with the Union of B.C. Municipalities."
Cross replaces outgoing president Joe Stanhope, chair of the Regional District of Nanaimo. Cross credited Stanhope as a good leader with a great sense of humour.
Cross said Sunday he is looking forward to the role and expects to be just as busy as he was as first vice-president.
"We are dealing with a variety of issues," he said of the AVICC's current mandate.
On the conference's agenda are issues pertaining to B.C. Ferry rates, oil spills and marine disaster response, tsunami debris and farming opportunities on the Island. The issue of genetically-modified crops was voted on, said Cross, and the AVICC will forward a resolution to ask the B.C. government to ban them from the Island.
Cross added he's in a good position to act as the AVICC president, as he's close to the capital and can better facilitate meetings with various government ministers. He said he plans to lead the association as he does the council of the Town of Sidney — like a tight ship.