Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - October 30, 2006, Winnipeg, Manitoba A6 Winnipeg Winnipeg free press monday october 30, 2006 for de Smedt retirement a Fine Art retiring councillor going from City Hall to concert Hall by Mary Agnes Welch r retiring coun. Peter de Smedt is swapping his seat at City Hall for a seat in the concert Hall. I a trading the cacophony of City Council for the music of an 18th-Century master quipped de Smedt outside the Winnipeg symphony orchestras ticket wicket Friday after noon. It was one of his first full Days of retirement after deciding to step Down from City Council. He a packed up his office turned in his Security passes said Many farewells and even received some Best wishes from old foes such As former mayor Glen Murray. He and his wife plan to stay in Winnipeg and indulge in the City a Fine arts starting with saturdays Mozart and Strauss masterworks. The St. Charles councillor who was a brigadier general in the air Force in another life will officially step Down nov. 6 after two terms in office. His successor Assiniboine chamber of Commerce Boss Grant Nordman was elected wednesday. De Smedt has Long been one of councils heavy hitters serv ing in the cabinets of both Murray and current mayor Sam Katz. He a chaired the Public works and property commit tees and was most recently tasked with chaperoning a major overhaul of the City a zoning bylaw. He a admired for his intellectual Rigour and for staking out principled nuanced positions on controversial issues including term limits which he supports. He often added a philosophical touch to Council meetings which Are usually foregone conclusions with political grandstanding thrown in. There were Many times where i would listen to Peter talk ing to a group and he was almost inspirational said Katz. He knew How to Cut through everything and really get right Down to the real Issue. He always knows How to say some thing without really offending pet issues for de Smedt included the capital Region which is still without a plan to help Winnipeg co operate with sur rounding bedroom communities and the need to find new sources of tax Revenue for the City. He often jumped at the Chance to show off his French and sometimes wore a Cravat. Asked what advice he would have for councils four newly elected rookies de Smedt gave a shout out to City staff who have often borne the Brunt of criticism from Katz a staff and political allies. Try to be appreciative of the administrations professionalism and scholarship and try to work with them to make innovative policy advised de Smedt. He also said he Hopes the new Council will find a Way to work with the provincial and Federal governments to tackle the City a aboriginal issues. That Means improvements to housing education and workforce training so first nations people can participate More fully in the City a future. There has been Progress but i Don to think enough he said. He said he a disappointed the debate Over the downtown a Renaissance has fizzled in the last couple of years and called on the new councillors to make sure nurturing business hous ing and artistic venues downtown is a top priority. De Smedt was first elected in 1998. ;