The votes are counted. Now comes the work.

Before looking ahead to the next four years, I want to take a moment to thank the outgoing mayors, councillors and school trustees who have served our communities. Public office is not always easy. The meetings are long, the decisions can be difficult and the criticism is often louder than the appreciation. Whether you served one term or several, whether we agreed with every decision or not, you gave your time and energy to your community. That deserves recognition and a sincere thank you.

I also want to congratulate everyone elected on Oct. 17 and extend that congratulations to everyone who put their name forward. Running for public office in a small community takes a particular kind of courage. You're asking for votes from people you'll see at the grocery store, the post office and around town long after the ballots have been counted. Win or lose, you still have to face your neighbours on Monday morning, and I appreciate everyone who was willing to step forward.

The candidate forums were one of my favourite parts of this election. Not because of the speeches or the campaign promises, but because of the people who showed up. Residents came with thoughtful questions, genuine concerns and ideas about the future of their communities. We heard about housing, infrastructure, affordability, essential services and the challenges of living in small, remote communities. Some of those conversations were uncomfortable, but they were important.

I was particularly encouraged to hear community members raising concerns I have also brought forward, including the desire for better online access to council meetings in Masset. It was a welcome reminder that these conversations extend beyond the council chambers and that people are paying attention. I hope those discussions continue, and that the new councils carry the voices they heard at the forums into their work over the coming years.

And there is no shortage of work waiting for our newly elected officials. Daajing Giids faces the enormous task of moving its wastewater treatment project forward, while Masset continues to address sewer infrastructure, housing and health care advocacy. Port Clements has its own infrastructure priorities and community improvements. Meanwhile, School District 50 must balance school facilities, educational needs and the challenges of delivering services across our islands. These are substantial responsibilities, involving millions of dollars, years of planning and decisions that will outlast any single term of office. There is plenty of work ahead, and plenty of opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Having spent many years working in municipal government myself, I also want to recognize the people behind the scenes. Our village offices are filled with people who keep things running, often with limited resources and more work than most residents realize. Administrators, finance staff, public works crews and municipal employees will be there helping our newly elected officials turn ideas into action. Their experience and expertise are invaluable, and I hope the next four years bring strong working relationships built on mutual respect.

Haida Gwaii News was proud to work alongside the Haida Gwaii Teachers' Association to help bring candidate forums to our communities and make the recordings available to those who couldn't attend. It was a considerable undertaking, but seeing candidates and residents come together to talk about the future of their communities made it worthwhile. Thank you to everyone who helped organize, volunteered their time, participated or simply showed up to listen.

To those who weren't elected, I hope you stay involved. Your ideas, enthusiasm and willingness to contribute are still valuable. And to everyone who cast a ballot, thank you for taking part. Local democracy is something we build together, not something that happens once every four years.

Our communities are changing, and the next four years will undoubtedly bring new challenges and opportunities. I hope our incoming councils approach them with open minds, a willingness to listen and an appreciation for the people who make these islands what they are.

And before we put election season behind us, there's one more important date to remember. The provincial election is Saturday, Oct. 24. Take some time to learn about the candidates in North Coast–Haida Gwaii and don't forget to vote again. We're almost through election season. Almost.

To everyone who served, stepped forward, volunteered, asked questions or voted, thank you.

Here's to the next four years, and to the people willing to help shape them.