Ex-FSJ mayor and councillor named May’s Co-op Community Champion

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — May’s Co-op Community Champion was “surprised” to be recognized for her volunteer work. 

Lori Ackerman, former Fort St. John mayor and council member, has been named May’s Co-op Community Champion. 

She said: “I’m not sure how to describe it, I’m actually quite surprised.” 

“Lori has made an incredible number of contributions to this community, “ her nomination reads. “Along with her terms as an elected official, she has given back in countless ways with very little acknowledgment of her efforts.” 

When asked how she got involved with the community, Ackerman said: “I got involved the same way everybody does, I was part of my children’s activities…soccer and scouts.” 

Ackerman was elected to the council in 2005 and served as a councillor until 2011, when she was elected mayor and served until 2022. 

“[I] just [want] to be a part of [the] solutions to move Fort St John forward,” Ackerman said. “I don’t believe people should get involved for one issue, because once that issue is resolved, then you have no reason to be on the council.” 

Ackerman continues to work with Resource Works, which she said is promoting responsible resource development. 

She added: “ I sit on the [TELUS Interior and Northern B.C. Community Board] for their community giving, women entrepreneur board or BC [WeBC Board], [and the] Clayton Jack Askoty Memorial Tournament Society, [which] brings awareness to men’s mental health and suicide awareness.” 

When asked what excites her about being involved with the community, Ackerman reiterated something her father used to say when she was young. 

“My father told me when I was young that you get from your community what you give to your community and not one iota more,” she noted. “I was raised to look for solutions, to be a part of doing things differently or doing things better and I think that’s…[has always] driven me to be involved.” 

Ackerman believes it is “vital” for the community to get involved. 

“That’s what makes a community, everybody comes in to make a difference,” she said. 

As part of her nomination, Ackerman will receive a Co-op gift card valued up to $100, in addition to being featured in an article on Energeticcity.ca.

If you know someone who deserves recognition for their community work, visit the nomination page.