2021 was tough in Smithers.

Northern Health (the healthcare region from Haida Gwaii to Prince George) represented one of the worst vaccine rate areas in all of Canada in the summer and, because of that, many areas east of Kitwanga are still on stricter lockdowns than the Greater Vancouver area.

The mayors of these small towns and remote communities (including Kitimat, Burns Lake and Smithers) have had to face adversities like they hadn't expected.

But when CICK News asked our mayors to take a look back on 2021 and share their thoughts, that the general sentiment was one of gratitude.

Smithers Mayor Gladys Atrill wanted to remind our listeners that as a remote community, the flooding south of the province only reiterated the importance of local growers, farmers and the people keeping us fed. She also included that our town has citizens who live without a permanent home, or don't feel safe in their own homes, and that we should all support local organizations that assist our most vulnerable.

Listen below to CICK's interview with Smithers Mayor Gladys Atrill: