Barbara Roden
Caledonia Courier
The District of Fort St. James is looking into the possibility of bestowing the “Key to the City” on at least one person who has gone above and beyond in their services to the community.
At the Council meeting on Sept. 9, a “Key to the City” policy was looked at. “We have no existing policy or bylaw that covers it,” says Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Crook, noting that if the District ever had such a thing, it was a long time ago. “Council wants to be able to honour certain people in a special way, so it’s been brought forward for discussion.”
The term “Key to the City” dates back to medieval times, when prominent dignitaries and merchants were given the key to a city’s gates so they could enter and leave when they wanted. Municipalities in B.C. can bestow the “Freedom of the Municipality” (more popularly known as the Key to the City) on a distinguished person under the Community Charter, with that person having the right to be an elector of the municipality, and the right to run for elected office, even if he or she lives elsewhere, unless these rights are revoked. The municipality can also attach other benefits to the recipient.
“If we had pay parking in Fort St. James, we could say that the recipient would have free parking for life,” says Crook, “or any other service offered by the municipality.”
At the meeting on the 9th, Council directed Administration to draft policy for a “Key to the City” that would not bestow any legislative responsibility or other benefits on the recipient; it would be a purely ceremonial award. An engraved key would, however, be presented to anyone so honoured.
“We’re looking at the criteria for eligibility,” says Crook, adding that the District hopes to make the first “Key of the City” presentation in the not-too-distant future.