Lawrence received five out of six votes in the final vote at Mondays special meeting of council.
At the meeting six candidates were asked about their vision, experience and what they would bring to the council seat.
Candidates emphasized the importance of serving the people.
Lawrence, a chartered accountant, who will be retiring this week as financial director of Alimentation Couche-tard (the company that owns and operates convenience stores like On The Run, Circle K and Macs Convenience) spoke about how his experience could benefit council:
“Running a small town, you are competing with other municipalities for funding, whether it be provincial or federal. You have to do more every year. You are accountable to the public for financial results.”
Lawrence spoke about his goals for the town as councilor.
“To make it a more affordable place to live. And the place where things are always happening, I want young working families to look at Bancroft and make a decision to move here. And I want young people who grew up here to be able to stay here, have job opportunities for better work-life balance and for their children’s future.”
Lawrence was asked during the interview what he saw as some of the challenges in Bancroft.
“There is a homelessness problem, there is an affordable housing problem. So I see those as two different things. And then we have mental health issues and addiction issues. I think the way that we can help in many ways is to work on making life more affordable.”
Just after being sworn in, Lawrence told My Bancroft Now that he was honored to accept the role and serve the community.
“This is an astounding opportunity. I’m very happy to be part of the council.”
Lawrence and his wife moved to the area in 2021. Lawrence is a member of the Bancroft Lions Club and volunteers with The Village Playhouse.
The council position will be held until the next election in November 2026.
Mayor Paul Jenkins and members of council thanked all the candidates, encouraging them all to run in the next election.
To hear the full interviews of Lawrence and the other candidates: Town of Bancroft – Meeting Information (civicweb.net)
