The North Island could soon have local funeral services.
At their regular meeting Sept. 13, Port Hardy council received a request to rezone the St. Columba Church property to allow for funeral services.
“For several years there has not been a local funeral services provider in Port Hardy, or the North Island. This has resulted in additional stress for families trying to make funeral arrangements for their loved ones,” said the letter of request written by Robert Fyles.
The plan is to allow Campbell River-based Boyd’s Funeral Services to use about 10 per cent of the building for an office and cold storage. “Boyd’s intends to have a part-time licensed funeral director located in Port Hardy,” reads the letter.
Currently, the Port Hardy Hospital morgue is used for body storage. The church intends to use the revenue from leasing the space to hire a minister.
“I think that (it is) an addition to our community. If the bylaw passes, it gives another option for those that have lost their loved ones,” said Mayor Hank Bood in an interview.
Council gave first reading to the bylaw. A public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. on Oct. 11, before further steps are taken.