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Gunson receives municipal long service award for 30 years
By Kathy O'Reilly, North Island Eagle, February 14 2025
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Port Hardy Fire Rescue’s Lt. Lionel Gunson has been recognized for a significant milestone.
At the regular meeting of council Jan. 28, Gunson was presented with a service award by Mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt.
The award celebrates a remarkable milestone “in the life of someone who has not only given 30 years of service, or more, but also exemplifies what it means to serve others with dedication, integrity, and heart,” said Corbett-Labatt.
In 2013, the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association introduced a municipal long service award. This medal is designed to recognize the exceptional commitment of volunteers and paid on call firefighters who have served their communities for three decades or more. This award establishes a national standard for recognizing those who go above and beyond the call of duty.
“Tonight, we are here to honour someone who has not only met that standard, but has exceeded it, with tireless dedication to both their community and department,” she said.
“Lionel Gunther, for 30 years you have been a steadfast protector, a mentor, and a symbol of courage. Your service goes beyond the hours, the training, and the calls answered. It reflects your unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those around you,” she continued.
“The first bar to the fire service exemplary service medal is presented in recognition of 30 years of loyal service to public safety in Canada. It represents a standard of excellence in firefighting, but it’s clear that the impact of your service cannot be measured by just medals or titles, it’s felt in the lives you’ve touched and the legacy you’ve built within this community,” she said.
“Lionel, thank you for everything you’ve given and congratulations on receiving this well-deserved recognition. Your dedication is an inspiration to all of us and other firefighters.”

Photo — Heather Nelson-Smith
Mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt and Fire Chief Brent Borg, right, present Port Hardy Fire Rescue’s Lt. Lionel Gunson centre, with a municipal long service award for over 30 years of going above and beyond the call of duty.
Joint FireSmart coodinator
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By Kathy O'Reilly, North Island Eagle, February 14 2025
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Port Hardy is hoping to join forces with the Kwakiutl First Nation to prevent wildfires.
At their regular meeting Jan. 28, council approved the submission of a joint application to the BC Wildfire Service for a grant to hire a local FireSmart Coordinator in partnership with the Kwakiutl First Nation and authorize staff to enter into a collaborative agreement for the duration of the project.
The position aims to enhance community wildfire resilience through education, planning, and implementing FireSmart principles.
Administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), this program is available to local authorities, including First Nations, to deliver FireSmart activities as supported by the BC FireSmart Committee.
Port Hardy and the Kwakiutl First Nation share a geographic area with increasing wildfire risks due to climate change and prolonged dry seasons, wrote Chief Administrative Officer Heather Nelson-Smith in a report to council.
“A collaborative approach to wildfire mitigation will maximize resources, foster stronger partnerships, and ensure a coordinated response to wildfire risks.” The Coordinator will: conduct community education and outreach to promote Fire Smart principles, develop and implement community Fire Smart plans, coordinate vegetation management projects, including fuel reduction efforts, facilitate homeowner Fire Smart assessments and provide actionable recommendations, collaborate with local fire departments and emergency services to enhance readiness and response capabilities and strengthen partnerships between the District and the Kwakiutl First Nation for long-term wildfire mitigation.
The grant of up to $150,000 will cover the salary and operational costs of the FireSmart coordinator. Funding is typically provided for one to two years, with potential for renewal based on program success and funding availability.
The grant will fully fund the position, with no anticipated financial contribution required from the District or the Kwakiutl First Nation beyond administrative support and in-kind contributions, such as office space or meeting facilities, which would be expected to cost in the range of 10 per cent of the total project, about $13,000, annually.

Photo — Submitted
A joint application to the BC Wildfire Services been made for a grant to hire a local FireSmart Coordinator in partnership with the Kwakiutl First Nation