Updated: Former Revelstoke Mayor Dr. Geoff Battersby appointed to Order of Canada

Revelstoke resident Dr. Geoff Battersby has been named a Member of the Order of Canada. The announcement from the Governor General of Canada His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston was made on June 30.

Battersby is one of 113 new appointees, including 85 Members, 27 Officers and 1 Companion. The new appointees will accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

In a media release, Battersby was cited, “for his contributions as a physician, politician and community leader who has encouraged the development of civic, economic and social initiatives in his region.”

In an interview with the Mountaineer, Battersby said he was honoured:  “I was very honoured to be chosen for that level of recognition. It’s not something that happens every day.”

What is the commonality that helped him achieve success as a physician, politician, and community leader? “I like to think I get people onside before I go chasing something. I want to make sure people are in agreement with the kinds of ideas I might have and are also supportive of them, so we’re all of the same mindset to pursue a particular goal.”

Geoff Battersby (left) accepts the Community Forestry Pioneer Award from Brian Sumner in 2015. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Battersby was a long serving physician in Revelstoke with the Selkirk Medical Group.

In the 1970s when he founded the medical clinic, there were only a few doctors in town, and they worked independently, which created service issues. He believed working collectively would provide better patient care, and organized the Selkirk Medical Group, which is still the main clinic in Revelstoke.

“I think it brought a lot of efficiency to the delivery of medical care of Revelstoke, and has continued that way still right up until now,” Battersby said. “I think that would be the thing I am most happy about.

He also served as a popular and influential Mayor of Revelstoke. He is known for his involvement creating two major community projects, the Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation (RCFC), and the Revelstoke Community Energy Corporation (RCEC).

Dr. Geoff Battersby, centre, leads a tour through the Revelstoke Community Energy Corporation facility in 2014. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

In the mid 1980s, the Downie Street Sawmill — a major employer in Revelstoke — was shut down by the owners at the time, setting off a long struggle to revitalize the forest industry in Revelstoke. Battersby was involved in negotiations with provincial authorities and many other stakeholders in an attempt to engineer the forest sector back to health. Among many successes, the RCFC was created in 1993, when the forest industry was struggling in the Revelstoke area. The corporation purchased a tree farm licence to regain control over local forest resources for social, economic and environmental management reasons.

The process to create the RCEC started in the late 1990s and culminated when the final phase was completed in 2010. At the time, the provincial government shut down beehive burners that burned up waste wood from sawmills due to air quality concerns. That brought about the effort to create the RCEC. The system cleanly burns waste wood generated at the Downie Street Sawmill to power a system of underground heating pipes that heat major buildings throughout Revelstoke including Revelstoke Secondary School, the Revelstoke Community Centre, Revelstoke City Hall and others.

Battersby has continued to serve as president and chairperson (respectively) of both organizations until 2016.

In an interview, Battersby said that negotiations with BC Hydro through the 1980s were another political achievement he finds rewarding.

Battersby has been involved in civic affairs for decades. He is still frequently called upon to moderate local political debates, from council elections to federal contests.

The Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours, was established in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year to recognize outstanding achievement and dedication to the community, and service to the nation.

For many, just going the extra distance as a small town physician could be considered enough community service. What drives Battersby to be so much more involved in the community?

“I just love Revelstoke and I love doing things that I think and others think are good for the city. That’s the motivation. What more would you need?” he said.

In a statement, current Revelstoke mayor Mark McKee emphasized Battersby’s contributions to the city. “He has dedicated his career to serving the people of Revelstoke, as a medical professional, in political office and through his extensive community work,” McKee said. “Geoff has been a mentor to a number of city councillors over the past three decades, and his contributions to the community have helped to make Revelstoke a better place for all residents.”

—with notes by Emily Kemp