Daily Herald Contributor
The River Bank Development Corporation and Prince Albert community members gathered to mark the retirement of the former General Manager, Brian Howell, who stepped down in March after 23 years of working to develop more low-income housing.
Howell was honoured at a special retirement ceremony in Plaza 88 on Wednesday. He said he appreciated the community’s response.
“Today is great,” Howell said. “My 23 years at River Bank were very good years. We had real chance to make a difference in our community. I am a social worker by profession so improving the circumstances of low income people has always been a major focus for me and in my work.”
The occasion was well attended by Howells colleagues, partners, and friends, as well as a few people who benefitted from the many housing units Howell advocated for.
Former River Bank board member Merv Bender emceed the event, and said the organization was fortunate to have Howell on board.
“Brian, as you know, has contributed significantly to the organization called River Bank Delopment Corporation,” Bender said during the ceremony. “Brian agreed to joined us and became the stability and stabilizing force around which the development of River Bank continued. We have many, many good things and have benefitted from Brian’s leadership over the years.”
Mayor Greg Dionne thanked Howell for his work on behalf of council. He said Howell made Prince Albert a better place.
“I do want to wish you the best and I want to thank you for all the advice you gave,” Dionne said during the ceremony. “Brian, from my heart I want to wish you the best and wish you a long and healthy retirement. Thank you for helping me and also helping the city.”
Prince Albert Northcote MLA, Alana Ross was also available and expressed her well wishes to the retiree.
“I just want to say Brian thank you so much for all the wonderful things you have done for the city and for those in need in the city. Its people like you that makes our city the wonderful place that it is and I too wish you a very long and a very happy retirement. It is wonderful to see so many of your friends out to wish you well today. Thank you all for coming.”
Other guests that were present also expressed their well wishes to the former Housing General Manager. Prince Albert and District Community Service Centre CEO Bill Powalinsky said he had the privilege of working with Howell for many years. He credited Howell for being “a sincere investor” in Prince Albert.
“Every now and then you meet … a person who you know is a mover and a shaker who contributes to the community and builds community,” Powalinsky said. “He started a lot of things that are very worthwhile and are long lasting initiatives. Its been a pleasure and an honour, Brian, like everybody else I wish you all the best in retirement.”
Howell also received a star blanket for his role in helping Prince Albert’s homeless and low-income residents. The Prince Albert Indian Metis Friendship Centre’s Janet Carriere was one of two people who presented Howell with the quote. She said Howell’s work was vital when COVID hit.
“If it weren’t for you, our homeless population would have suffered so much,” Carriere said during the ceremony. “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The River Bank Development Corporation through its General Manager, Tina Dickson also presented a gift on behalf of the board.
Howell expressed his appreciation for the recognition.
“I want to thank you for showing up, I want to thank my wife and my family for their support over the years. Working with you was just the perfect job,” said Howell.
While the General Manager of RBDC he supervised the renovation and construction of more than 115 buildings in Prince Albert. He plans to spend time with family, go hiking, go into human services and other past times.
He advised others that are holding the torch today “to keep the faith, believe in people work hard to make the world a better place, carry the message of equality and human dignity forward.”
