City looks for volunteers

The City of Prince Rupert is looking for a little help from its citizens as they try to fill some openings on a number of local committees.

The Daily news outlined some of the openings and requirements to apply and Rupertites can always check out the city website for further information.

City committees offer chance to get involved
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The city is looking for a few good men and women to join the ranks of its committees, including the new Green Advisory Committee.

The city has vacancies on a number of committees including the Board of Variance, board of Tourism Prince Rupert and the Airport Society, as well as the newly created Green Advisory Task Force.

Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond said it is an opportunity for residents to help set the direction of Prince Rupert for the future.

"Serving on one of these committees would be a great way to get involved with the community ...," said Pond. "There are many talented people in this community have a lot to offer and it would be terrific if we could tap into their energies, ideas and enthusiasm."

The Board of Variance is a three-person committee that is required under the Local Government Act, with the responsibility of making decisions on land issues where a person is seeking an exception to zoning or a similar bylaw as a result of a possible hardship. As these applications can have an impact on neighborhoods, it is important that the board of variance be in place to adjudicate these type of applications, says the city.

The Green Advisory Task Force was established recently by council and has a mandate to develop a Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Plan for the community.

The city is seeking two members of the community under the age of 30, two of any age, and members from identified stakeholders.

The longer-term mandate of the task force is to develop an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan that allows the city to assume an important role in leading the community toward a more sustainable operation.

The Board of Tourism Prince Rupert acts as the governing body for the organization charged with the responsibility of promoting and developing the tourism sector in Prince Rupert.

The Airport Society has the mandate of overseeing the direction of the airport on Digby Island and to advise the city on its future direction and management.

Anyone interested in serving on any of these committees can submit a letter of intent to the city, identifying the particular committee that they are interested in serving on. Such letters should be received by June 29 and can be submitted in person, by mail or by email to cityhall@princerupert.ca. They should include a statement of the applicant's qualifications and a brief outline of experience, skills and ideas that they have to offer to the committee. People can include a resume if they wish.

For more information on the various committees or vacancies, contact the city's administration department on the second floor of city hall or visit the city's web site at www.princerupert.ca under the committees section of the site.