The council chamber in Qualicum Beach is seldom empty during a council meeting and is often full to bursting.
The doors to the chamber will be shut and locked for the October 9 council meeting and the lights will be off.
That’s because the councillors, staff, media and audience will be at the Civic Centre for the daytime meeting as council officially designates a record four people with the honour of being Freemen of the Town.
Former mayor Art Skipsey, Leo and Anne Cleese and former mayor Jack Collins will receive the honour at the meeting, slated for 10 a.m.
The event will feature a reception and formalities to recognize the contributions the four have made to the town and the quality of the community.
“These folks have done a yeoman’s job,” said Mayor Teunis Westbroek. “We chose all four because they all worked together. Jack Collins was on council for 18 years with Art Skipsey. Art who was a wonderful leader, working on the town’s behalf. But he couldn’t do it on his own. He needed staff support, and that staff was Leo Cleese, while Anne was working diligently on the Brown property.”
