Mayor, citizen clash during address to council

Lawyer expresses concerns about park project, library, multiplex, incentives

Patrick Losier speaks during Tuesday’s city council meeting. (SCREENSHOT)

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MIRAMICHI - A local lawyer and concerned citizen’s presentation to city council about infrastructure priorities in the former town of Chatham quickly devolved into a war of words between him and Mayor Adam Lordon.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Patrick Losier took to the podium and expressed concerns about the $1.4-million outdoor recreation hub planned for the former Ian Baillie Primary School property on Howard Street.

Losier also complained about the Chatham Public Library’s recent closure and relocation to the former Tim Hortons space on Water Street, the multiplex project, and the city’s development incentives for affordable housing and housing in the downtown residential catchment areas.

Lordon repeatedly told Losier to stay on topic throughout his 10-minute speech, as he had only asked to address council about the Howard Street project beforehand. He also rebutted Losier several times during his presentation and even threatened to have him removed from the podium if he didn’t stick to discussing the Howard Street proposal.