Nelson's outgoing Mayor John Dooley has used the gavel in city hall's council chambers for the last time.

In his final Committee of the Whole-meeting on Oct. 25, Dooley opened as usual with the land acknowledgement, and moved on to regular city business thereafter. But he dedicated a large portion of the meeting to make an exit, thanking both staff and council members for their collaboration over the years.

"I couldn't have done it by myself," Dooley said, turning to the chambers.

"And I have proven that with four different councils, that if you can’t bring people with you, you’re not going to be successful."

Dooley, 74, has a total of 19 years of city service behind him and was on the cusp of becoming the longest-serving mayor in Nelson's history on Oct. 15, when he was defeated by veteran city councillor Janice Morrison.

Although he admitted he didn't want to lose, Dooley repeatedly commended Morrison for her experience in running the city, which is about to decide on its new budget with a new council, as well as tackling a number of urgent infrastructure projects. Dooley added that the next council will have to pay attention to the increasing wildfire risk and continuing to build on relations with other levels of government.

While Morrison beat Dooley by around 700 votes on election day, the outgoing mayor said he was at peace with the outcome.

"Was I disappointed? No question. Was I devastated? Absolutely not," Dooley said.

Nelson's new mayor and council will be sworn in on Nov. 8 at Prestige Lakeside Resort during a special council meeting.

"Maybe you'll get that ski pass paid off"- Nelson Mayor and council say final goodbye in city hall. Listen to the story by KCR News here: