Skip to content

District offers firefighters pool party

The District of Port Hardy offered firefighters a free pool party, rather than family passes

PORT HARDY – A free pool party may be a better way to show firefighters appreciation than free family passes.

That was the conclusion of the District of Port Hardy Legislative Review Committee after receiving a request from Deputy Fire Chief Shell Nickerson for family swim passes.

"In January 2010 the deputy chief requested paid monthly family passes for all firefighters," said the minutes of a committee meeting April 18 and shared with council at its May 10 meeting. "This was given as a one-time pass on January 12, 2010."

Twenty-nine passes were prepared by the recreation staff but none were claimed. The potential revenue loss to the District is $44,957.25.

The committee recommended instead that firefighters be offed free use of the pool and/or the arena for a one-time family event, with the cost for a barbecue covered by the District.

 

Contracts settled

After several months of negotiations, contracts have been signed with two District employee groups. The International Union of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E) and the municipal hall employees have both agreed to wage increases of 5.5 percent over three years, reported Rick Davidge, chief administrative officer for the District. Minor changes were also made in standby and call out charges.