municipal politics

Port Hardy's indoor swimming pool has been under construction since July of 2021. (District of Port Hardy Facebook photo)

New liner finally arrives for Port Hardy’s dormant indoor swimming pool

Mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt said her fingers are crossed that the pool will be reopening by the summer

 

Port McNeill mayor and council. (Derek Koel photo)

Port McNeill council supports skatepark project, but doesn’t set aside funds in the budget

‘it’s great to say we support it, are we going to send it the budget?’

  • Mar 13, 2023

 

B.C. Premier David Eby signaled that the province won’t directly help out municipalities facing high property tax hikes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. Premier David Eby signals no help for municipalities pondering large property tax hikes

UBCM, province are currently reviewing municipal financing system

 

Port McNeill councillor Leighann Ruel (fourth from the left) was the one who put forth the motion to restrict recording/livestreaming of 2023 budget discussions. (Derek Koel photo)

Port McNeill council agrees to restrict the recording/livestreaming of 2023 budget discussions

Councillor Leighann Ruel put forth the motion, which was approved with no discussion at the table

  • Feb 27, 2023
Port McNeill councillor Leighann Ruel (fourth from the left) was the one who put forth the motion to restrict recording/livestreaming of 2023 budget discussions. (Derek Koel photo)
District of Port Hardy municipal signage. (North Island Gazette file photo)

Port Hardy council cancels Feb. 14 meeting to attend ‘elected official seminar training’

The seminars are put on to develop the knowledge, skillset, and contact base for elected officials

District of Port Hardy municipal signage. (North Island Gazette file photo)
The Town of Port McNeill’s municipal hall. (Derek Koel photo)

Municipal politics: Port McNeill council meets for the first time in the new year

The town of Port McNeill had an agenda full of items to discuss, here are the highlights

  • Jan 16, 2023
The Town of Port McNeill’s municipal hall. (Derek Koel photo)
(Black Press Media file photo)

West Coast officials scramble for solutions after losing bus service

Wilson’s Transportation has cancelled its Tofino Bus service in and out of the West Coast until May

(Black Press Media file photo)
Port McNeill mayor and council. (Derek Koel photo)

Port McNeill council finishes off the year with jam-packed agenda full of town business

Derek Koel recaps the entire Dec. 13 meeting of Port McNeill council

  • Dec 19, 2022
Port McNeill mayor and council. (Derek Koel photo)
Ucluelet senior Katharine Fleming’s SUV was one of 35 vehicles that West Coast black bears broke into this year. (Andrew Bailey photo)

Bears broke into 35 vehicles in Tofino-Ucluelet this year

Eight bears were killed after becoming food-conditioned past the point of no return

Ucluelet senior Katharine Fleming’s SUV was one of 35 vehicles that West Coast black bears broke into this year. (Andrew Bailey photo)
Montreal mayor Valerie Plante delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of the COP15 UN conference on biodiversity in Montreal on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Big cities have a major role to play in protecting biodiversity, experts say

Increasing native plants and animals and decreasing contaminants, among actions cities can take

Montreal mayor Valerie Plante delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of the COP15 UN conference on biodiversity in Montreal on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
District of Port Hardy municipal signage. (North Island Gazette file photo)

Minor Hockey sends request to Port Hardy council to change colour of netting at arena

The black netting at the arena makes it tough for people to watch the games and take photos

District of Port Hardy municipal signage. (North Island Gazette file photo)
Port McNeill council from left to right: Ann-Marie Baron, Michelle Carson, Mayor James Furney, Leighann Ruel, and Shelley Downey. (Derek Koel photo)

Busy Town of Port McNeill agenda keeps mayor and council focused on tasks at hand

The meeting ended with new/old business on the Old School Recreation Center

  • Nov 28, 2022
Port McNeill council from left to right: Ann-Marie Baron, Michelle Carson, Mayor James Furney, Leighann Ruel, and Shelley Downey. (Derek Koel photo)
The Knights of Columbus annual nativity scene atop Terrace City Hall on Dec. 14, 2021. (Ben Bogstie/Terrace Standard)

Nativity scene banned from B.C. town’s city hall after decades-long run

Volunteer group hoping to get Terrace to change its mind after annual tradition rejected

The Knights of Columbus annual nativity scene atop Terrace City Hall on Dec. 14, 2021. (Ben Bogstie/Terrace Standard)
Brian Texmo recites the oath of office at the Nov. 8 meeting of council. (Screenshot from meeting)

Brian Texmo sworn in to office as Port Hardy’s newest councillor

Texmo was the top vote getter in Port Hardy’s 2022 municipal election

Brian Texmo recites the oath of office at the Nov. 8 meeting of council. (Screenshot from meeting)
Port McNeill’s new mayor and council from left to right: Ann-Marie Baron, Michelle Carson, Mayor James Furney, Leighann Ruel, and Shelley Downey. (Derek Koel photo)

Port McNeill’s new mayor and council officially sworn in to office

All motions on the agenda were passed unanimously

  • Nov 14, 2022
Port McNeill’s new mayor and council from left to right: Ann-Marie Baron, Michelle Carson, Mayor James Furney, Leighann Ruel, and Shelley Downey. (Derek Koel photo)
Dennis Dugas hands new mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt the gavel at the Nov. 1 swearing in ceremony. (Screenshot from district meeting)

New mayor and council officially sworn in to office in Port Hardy

Port Hardy’s new mayor and council were all sworn in by reciting the oath of office

Dennis Dugas hands new mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt the gavel at the Nov. 1 swearing in ceremony. (Screenshot from district meeting)
District of Port Hardy municipal signage. (North Island Gazette file photo)

3 per cent pay raise approved for Port Hardy mayor and councillors

The mayor of the District of Port Hardy will be paid an annual indemnity of $30,120

District of Port Hardy municipal signage. (North Island Gazette file photo)
City of Fernie city hall. (Scott Tibballs / The Free Press)

‘I’m so excited to be out of this room’: Departing BC councillor laments experience as elected official

Morgan Pulsifer said he was disappointed by the way city staff, elected officials and service workers were treated in Fernie

City of Fernie city hall. (Scott Tibballs / The Free Press)
Group #4 and word cloud at the open house. (Debra Lynn photo)

Port Alice residents brainstorm ideas for the village’s future

Once an OCP is established, everything flows out of it right down to work plans for staff

  • Sep 21, 2022
Group #4 and word cloud at the open house. (Debra Lynn photo)
The Tiny Home Village in Victoria’s North Park neighbourhood welcomed 30 residents in May 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)

Tiny home villages as solution to homelessness? 3 B.C. mayors say yes

Sites up and running in Victoria and Duncan, Port Alberni on its way to do the same

The Tiny Home Village in Victoria’s North Park neighbourhood welcomed 30 residents in May 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)