Mayor and Council Biographies

Mayor Bernice Magee

Mayor Bernice Magee came to Burns Lake in 1968 and only planned to stay for two years; she is now in her fifth term on Village of Burns Lake Council and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.  Mayor Magee served two terms as a Village Councillor and in 2002 began her first term as Mayor.  In addition to her duties as Mayor, she acts as a Director on the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition Board, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Board, and the Lakes District Economic Development Board and is involved in several other community organizations.  She is also a dedicated wife, loving mother of three, and favourite grandmother to four.  In a rare moment of free time, Mayor Magee enjoys cooking, quilting, reading, walking, and travelling.  She loves the lifestyle that Burns Lake offers to her and is pleased that she is able to share it with so many important people in her life. 

When deciding to run for Council, Mayor Magee took into account all that the community of Burns Lake had offered to her and decided that she wanted to give back.  She has seen many changes during her time in office, with one of the most improved being the working relationship that has been established with the First Nations in and around the community.

 Councillor Quinten Beach

 Biography to come.

 Councillor John Illes

Councillor Illes is in his first term on council; he is actively involved in his Church group and has a strong interest in economic development.  Councillor Illes first arrived in Burns Lake in 1992 for a four month job with the Ministry of Forests.  Consequently he ended up staying and fell in love with Burns Lake, as well as falling in love with his wife April. Councillor Illes was married in Burns Lake in 1996; he and his wife have two children. He collects coins, books, and comic books and crochets blankets for his family members dabbles in the game of Chess and board games. Councillor Illes began his career in the forestry industry fighting fires in 1986, and has since held various jobs ranging from government, accounting, and work in the hotel industry.

Councillor Illes is passionate about Burns Lake. His goal is to personally aid Burns Lake by increasing our economic activity and expanding our community. This goal is so important to him that he has gone as far as to read the Municipal Cultural Planning Handbook to inspire himself.  He credits Burns Lake for having “the best people that always come together in a pinch”. His belief is that the Village of Burns Lake needs to expand its boundaries in order to provide services to rural areas, and to bring all the individuals that call Burns Lake home together as a cohesive unit. 

Councillor Eileen Benedict

Biography to come.

COUNCILLOR LUKE STRIMBOLD

Biography to come.