Gazette staff
PORT HARDY—Councillors bid their farewells and paid tribute to the late Deb Huddlestan at the final regular meeting of the 2011-14 Port Hardy Council last week.
With the passing of the deputy mayor, the first order of business was to nominate a new acting mayor, with coun. John Tidbury receiving the nomination.
The councillors held a moment of silence for Huddlestan and expressed their shock and sadness at her passing.
The councillors also paid tribute to each other during council reports, with each councillor reflecting on the relationships and achievement of the previous three years.
In last month’s election incumbents Jessie Hemphill, Rick Marcotte and Tidbury were returned to the table. They will be joined by Pat Corbett-Labatt, Dennis Dugas and Fred Robertson on the new council. Councillor Nikki Shaw did not run for re-election, and coun. Janet Dorward was defeated by Hank Book in her run for the mayor’s seat.
“Losing the election was disappointing,” said coun. Dorward, “but losing (Huddlestan) within hours was devastating.”
The new council held its inaugural meeting earlier this week, after the Gazette went to press, and holds its first regular meeting Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Municipal Hall.
Variance
In one of its last acts the council granted a variance approval to Daryl St. Claire.
St. Clair had fallen foul of zoning restrictions with the construction of a metal-framed carport at his home and sought an exemption to allow him to complete the structure.
Director of Corporate Services Jeff Long told council that, under the current rules, the structure did not meet setback restrictions and also placed the home in excess of the 40 per cent buildings-to-lot-size restriction.
Long explained that staff had contacted neighbours and received only support for the construction, and St. Clair had obtained approval from the strata for the shelter.
Council approved his request.