Yellowknife (Oct 15/03) - You do not have to pay taxes to run for city council, says city hall.

City councillor candidate Paul Falvo, foreground, during the recent Chamber of Commerce forum. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo

The question arose recently when Yellowknife resident and elector Margaret Peterson questioned whether houseboater candidate Paul Falvo was eligible to run for councillor since he does not pay taxes.

"He is using all the facilities in town and using the roads and I don't think that is right," Peterson said.

But according to city clerk and returning officer Debbie Euchner, Falvo is eligible to run.

"He resides within municipal boundaries and is considered one of the residents," Euchner explained.

Falvo meets all other criteria for running as city councillor and being a ratepayer is not considered a qualification, she added.

"You can pay rent and still be eligible."

When contacted on his houseboat this week, Falvo said he made sure, when filing his nomination papers, that he was eligible to run for council.

"I don't have the same benefits (that land dwellers do) but because it is an issue, I want to do something to make the peace," Falvo said.

Robert Charpentier, city director of finance, said in the city's opinion houseboats are taxable. "But senior government at MACA decided the city cannot regulate houseboaters or make them pay taxes," Charpentier said.

Falvo said last year he enquired at city hall as to what he would pay in annual taxes so he could voluntarily pay. However, he said he did not get an exact figure.

"I then made a $100 donation to the library," Falvo said. In the future, he says he plans to enquire further at city hall as to what he would pay in taxes each year and voluntarily make a donation to a city service.

Falvo says he doesn't know how much he will be donating this year yet.

"My money will be in with their money so it shouldn't really be a concern.

"I don't think Yellowknifers will choose their candidates based on where they live."