Hudson’s Hope mayor presented with Lifetime Achievement Award

HUDSON’S HOPE, B.C. — Travous Quibell, Mayor of Hudson’s Hope, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his service to the district.

According to a May 26th Facebook post by the District of Hudson’s Hope, Quibell received the award at the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) annual general meeting (AGM) in May in Prince George.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is a “distinguished” accolade that celebrates the profound contributions and lasting influence of elected local government officials within the member communities, the post said. 

The District of Hudson’s Hope said Quibell has served the community since he was 19, as both a council member and mayor. 

“Although he took a short hiatus to further his education, Travous has spent nearly his entire adult life dedicated to serving the people of Hudson’s Hope through local government and public service.” 

Quibell was officially elected mayor of Hudson’s Hope on July 31st, 2023. 

Quibell said it was a “bit of a surprise” to be given the award.

“It was during the convention, during the closing day. They have a presentation of awards and accolades in the morning, and I actually missed it, if I’m being completely honest,” he said.

“So I was a couple of minutes late getting to the start of the presentation, so Councillor [Greta] Goddard actually accepted the reward on my behalf when they were presenting… it was quite a heartwarming surprise.” 

According to Quibell, he was nominated for the award by the District of Hudson’s Hope staff.

“You’re never really one hundred per cent sure if you’re doing things exactly the way you should be doing things,” he said. “So to get that little bit of an affirmation from staff, to  get that pat on the back, it was a nice surprise, I have to say.”

“It’s not often that you get told you’re doing a great job; usually, you hear when you’re doing a bad job, so it was nice.”

Quibell explained why he thinks his staff nominated him for the award.

“I think it’s the fact that I listen, and it’s something that this council has been really at as well,” Quibell said. “All of us, myself and my council, we make a point of ensuring everybody gets a fair shake, everybody gets a chance to be heard.”

“Our council meetings are more open than they have ever been in the past. We invite the public to everything that we possibly can, and I think people really see that, they see the honesty, they see the openness and they see the willingness to hear people and hear everybody.” 

Quibell gave credit to his friends, family, fellow councillors, mayors who have mentored him and all the staff he has worked with, both in Hudson’s Hope and with the Peace River Regional District.

“It takes a team to make for success, and like I [said], I wouldn’t have gotten this far without everybody.”