The front door burst open, frantic to find her girl, Francine Gaetz shoved her way through a throng of well-wishers to find the Mayor Elect.

It was official.

Mary Sjostrom would be Quesnel’s next civic leader – the mayor. Gaetz needed to feel it, touch it, taste the champagne and share the moment with her campaign comrade.

The day had been long. The phone calls many. Nothing for sure. Results were slow to come in.

They were separated, like twins at birth. Gaetz promised to phone from city hall as soon as it was official.

Not good enough. She had to be with her friend, share the moment.

The office overflowed with supporters. The mood charged, champagne flowed. Gaetz waded through family members, one little boy chanting “granny for mayor,” city councillors, Yes committee members and council hopefuls with a single, almost frantic purpose.

The two collided in the office’s inner sanctum, arms clasped around each other, tears glistening on very happy faces. Bev Haluschak joined the celebratory circle.

The relief was almost palpable. They had done it.

It was a journey Sjostrom had contemplated for a long time. Timing had to be right, the stars needed to align and the public willing.

It was, they did and they were.

She knows not everyone was happy for her win, but Sjostrom says she’ll work hard for every single member of the community.

A tall order in light of current economic conditions.

The people wanted a change and that’s what she plans to deliver. No specifics yet. All in good time. It was time for a party.

There were more hugs and tears to be shared. The wave was cresting at the Hoy House.

After all new civic leaders across the North must wait until early December before donning the chain of office.

Maybe it’s a sign of tough times, maybe a 21st century reality, but new mayors were elected in just about every community in northern B.C.

The times, they are a changing.