By Heidi Bevington--Citizens of Queen Charlotte and Skidegate Landing and the area between will have at least two more chances to ask questions about incorporation before the referendum-tentatively scheduled for April 9.
The Queen Charlotte and Skidegate Landing Incorporation Study Committee held a public information meeting January 10 to assess public interest in a referendum, then voted January 17 to ask for a referendum. The next day, the letter of request went to Minister of Community Services, Murray Coell, and the committee hopes to hear confirmation from him by its next meeting, January 31, according to vice-chair Terry Tollestrup.
The purpose of the incorporation study committee is to oversee the study that has been written by consultant Tom Reid, to host public information meetings, and to make sure residents' questions are answered. The study provides an overview of the changes incorporation would make in the community and an estimate of the tax impacts.
Thus far, the study committee has hosted two public information meetings-one last September and another on January 10. The purpose of the last meeting was to publicly review the incorporation study and assess public support for a referendum.
Since a referendum has been requested, the committee will host two more public information meetings with Mr. Reid available to answer questions about the study. The committee also wants to hold some informal round-table discussions for residents to ask questions and air their views about the pros and cons of incorporation, said Mr. Tollestrup.
The formal meetings have been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday March 16 and Sunday and Monday April 3 & 4, with an advanced poll planned for March 30 and the referendum for April 9, but nothing will be confirmed until the committee hears from Minister Coell.
If the community decides to incorporate, residents will go to the polls to elect its first mayor and council at the November 2005 municipal elections.
Copies of the incorporation study have been distributed around town in public places like restaurants, the doctors' office and staff rooms. However, if you can't find a copy and want one, contact the management committee office at 559-4765.