The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine’s meeting to swear in the new board Dec. 12 saw some twists and turns thanks to a delay in the arrival of one director because of a cancelled flight, the return to local politics of defeated Terrace mayoral candidate on the board and the election of a first-timer as chair.
Although the cancellation of a flight that was to bring Nass Valley director Harry Nyce back to town caused a minor delay, directors, municipal representatives and alternates were able to be sworn in by provincial court judge Terence Wright of Smithers.
But the board’s vote for chair and vice-chair was postponed until Nyce’s alternate flight could land later than evening and he could either be present or vote by phone.
In the meantime, Village of Hazelton mayor Alice Maitland was made interim chair by administrator Bob Marcellin so the meeting could continue. Marcellin noted that Maitland was also on the inaugural board back in 1967, joking that at that time she was just a teenager.
Recovering from the loss in his run for mayor of Terrace, Bruce Bidgood, a Terrace city councillor until this year and out-going regional district chair, was named as the alternate for Thornhill electoral director Ted Ramsey.
As Bidgood is not on Terrace city council anymore, his executive roles with regional and provincial government organizations have also ended.
“No, my role is confined to the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine. I will attend when Ted cannot be there,” said Bidgood. “I think he would like me to help Area E (Thornhill) as it explores its possibility for incorporation. I may also play a small role in the [Northwest BC] Resource Benefits Alliance,” he said.
When Nyce finally landed in Terrace and could be reached at the airport by phone, the vote for chair and vice-chair could take place.
Nyce and Terrace city councillor Stacey Tyers, one of the two Terrace directors on the regional district board, were nominated. When the votes were counted, Tyers was named chair.
Nyce, who had served as chair in years past, was then nominated for the vice chair position and he was unopposed.
Municipal directors sworn in are Maitland, Terrace city councillors James Cordeiro and Stacey Tyers as city representatives, District of New Hazelton mayor Gail Lowry, and new District of Kitimat mayor Philip Germuth. Missing was District of Stewart mayor Galina Durant.
Electoral district directors are Ramsey, Linda Pierre for the Hazeltons rural area, Jessica McCallum-Miller for the rural Terrace area, Dave Brocklebank for Telegraph Creek and Tina Etzerza for Dease Lake. Nyce was still to be sworn in.
The municipal and electoral alternates are: Joe Murphy for rural Terrace, Terrace city councillors Michael Prevost and Lynne Christiansen for the city, District of Stewart councillor Patricia Lynn, and Bidgood.
Directors will be chosen for committees at a later date. Directors are to serve four-year terms.