Town of Middleton Swears In First Female Black Mayor

Middleton, November 6, 2024 — In a historic moment for the Town of Middleton, Gail Smith was officially sworn in yesterday as the Town’s first black Mayor, and first woman to hold the chain of office.  This achievement marks a significant milestone for the community, as the new mayor takes office with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, growth, and unity.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Middleton Fire Department, where residents, community partners, and public figures gathered to witness the ceremony.  Mayor Smith expressed gratitude to the people of Middleton for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the community.

“I am deeply honored to be the first woman of Black descent to serve as Mayor of this incredible town,” said Mayor Smith.  “I look forward to working with staff, residents and community partners to create a Middleton that everyone is proud to live in.”

Mayor Smith brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served on Town Council for over 13 years, with the past 4 years as Deputy Mayor.  She also sat on several Town committees including the Police Advisory Board, the Planning Advisory Board, Audit Committee and Community Centre Fire Hall Committee.  Mayor Smith also has a history of volunteering in the community – she sits on the MacDonald Museum Advisory Board and volunteers with the local black community.  Prior to serving on Council, Mayor Smith worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton.  She is known for her dedication to public service, her collaborative approach to leadership, and her passion for addressing the unique challenges faced by Middleton’s diverse population.

The Mayor’s top priorities include:

• Public Safety: Working with the RCMP to improve police presence in Town and reduce crime and vandalism.
• Housing and Development: Strengthening the local economy by supporting small businesses and attracting new housing developments to the town.
• Community Engagement: Ensuring that every voice is heard, particularly from underrepresented groups, and fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Mayor Smith will be joined in office by Deputy Mayor Gary Marshall, and the newly elected Town Council members, Jonathan Archibald, John Bartlett, Sandra Fournier, Bernadette Knapp and Dan Smith.  Deputy Mayor Gary Marshall states “I am honored to serve as Deputy Mayor and look forward to working with Mayor Smith, all members of Council, staff and residents to continue making Middleton a great place to work and live.”  The newly elected Council convenes its first official meeting on Monday November 18^th.