Since Ladysmith was founded we have had many mayors. In most of our recent memory we all probably remember or have heard about "Concrete Kay" Grouhel.  A descendant of a long line in our area.  You know you have arrived when the road to your property is named after you.

However, over our history we have had many colourful and remarkable mayors.  Hopefully we will be able to remember them all.

In 1904 Ladysmith was incorporated and on June 16 of that year James Coburn was elected the first mayor.  Coburn was a successful businessman, having started the first mill in the area to manufacture timbers for use in Ladysmith and the Extension Mine.  At that time Ladysmith was a city.  It remained so until 1958 when it was downsized to a village.  There was actually talk of turning in the charter, but it was downsized instead. 

Mayor Pannell brought us through the first world war and the 1918 Influenza Epidemic.  Indoor meetings were banned.  The Temperance Hotel served as a makeshift hospital.

Mayor Ernest Jameson brought us through the end of the Second World War. He is not to be confused with Frank Jameson in the early 80's.

Kay Grouhel was elected in 1964 and became the first, and only female mayor in our history.  She was dubbed "Concrete Kay" as her main goal at the time was the addition of sidewalks to the town.  She was succeeded in 1977 by R.W. Stuart who remained as mayor until 1978. 

All of the mayors, including our present mayor Rob Hutchins come from pioneering families in our area. As soon as the necessary pictures and history is done this page will reflect all the mayors and the contribution they made to our area.  Once we expand the descriptions the names will be highlighted.

By the way, our status as a city has been restored, but we still prefer to be called "The Town Of Ladysmith".

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Ladysmith's First Mayor and Council

John Stewart             Jim O'Connel              Mr Haworth
Mr Beveridge                Dan Nicholson          Mayor Coburn         Mr Matherson        Mr Blair     

 

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Chronological Listing of Ladysmith Mayors

(highlighted names are clickable for more information)