PORT HARDY—Councillors gave the nod to a pair of requests from the 2013 Great Pumpkin Patch Walk committee last week.
Carly Perkovich, Executive Director of the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce, penned a pair of requests to the council on behalf of the committee, which is organizing this year's traditional spooky seawall stroll, scheduled for Nov. 1.
The committee requested a free swim for a school class at the Port Hardy swimming pool, "to educate children on the many things there are to do in Port Hardy on a rainy day," as the letter explains.
The committee asked for the lights along the seawall to be shut off Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. between Rotary Park and the Kinsmen Pavilion. The route will then be lit by carved pumpkins and Christmas lights.
Perkovich explained that the committee was inviting the Port Hardy Lions to offer free hot chocolate and hot dogs. The fire department will be asked to look after the fires, while local grads will be asked to assist with the cleanup.
The council approved the committee's requests.
Foster Family Month
The council received correspondence last week from the Hon. Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development, proclaiming October as Foster Family Month in B.C.
The proclamation has been made for the past 23 years, "to celebrate the remarkable contributions that foster families make each and every day of the year," explained Cadieux.
Across B.C. there are approximately 8,100 children- and youth-in-care, with the province's 3,100 foster families playing a vital role in the development of these children.
"There is no doubt about it, fostering can be a challenging job," said the minister. "That is why I encourage you to support and recognize foster families in your community as it is vital to show them their efforts and valued and appreciated."
More information on foster families, including information on becoming a foster parent, see the ministry's website: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster/ffm.html.
Permissive exemptions
The council gave first, second and third readings to the District of Port Hardy Permissive Tax Exemptions 2014, 2015 and 2016 Bylaw No. 1015-2013.
The bylaw exempts properties used primarily by non-profit societies from municipal property taxes.
Eleven properties were identified as tax-exempt under the proposed bylaw.