Former Mayor of Kitimat, Joanne Monaghan, has died.
This was confirmed in a statement from the District of Kitimat last night.
Monaghan initially joined Kitimat Council in a role that would later be known as Councillor back in 1980, before she became the community’s first female Mayor in 2008.
She would hold that position until 2014 and she held various other roles throughout her life, like when she served as the Chair of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine and as the President of the Union of BC Municipalities.
Some of the work she did throughout her life included relationship building with Alcan, initiating the original discussions with LNG Canada and leading outreach workshops focusing on women in Politics overseas.
Monaghan also was the recipient of various awards, like a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.
Current Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas reflected on what kind of Mayor she was while expressing his condolences;
“Mayor Monaghan was a real advocate for her community and a strong, passionate Mayor that was a force to be reckoned with. I send my condolences to Kitimat, it’s really sad to hear that news.”
The District of Kitimat’s statement said that she would leave behind a legacy of public service that is beyond compare.