An author who retracted his claim of hometown roots in Flin Flon in 2017 may receive honourary residency in the city.
Bill Gaston, who has won or been nominated for honours including the Giller Prize, Governor General’s Award, ReLit Award and Ethel Wilson Prize, long ago listed Flin Flon as his birthplace. He revealed he was actually born in Tacoma, Wash. to The Reminder in 2017, noting at the time, “I have an absurd fantasy of being adopted by Flin Flon and then I [can] say I’m from there and not be lying anymore.”
Gaston currently resides in Victoria, BC and teaches at the University of Victoria.
Greg East suggested to Flin Flon city council that the city make Gaston an honourary resident.
“One of our local citizens thought it might be something that could garner some publicity for Flin Flon, be a positive thing,” said Mayor Cal Huntley during the Feb. 6 committee of the whole meeting.
“He suggested that we offer Bill honourary [residency]. We can invite him up here to do a reading and come for a visit…Mr. East just said it just proves everyone wants to be from Flin Flon.”
Huntley added it was something he thought council should consider, as it would not cost the city much money and would legitimize Gaston’s background.
The matter was referred to the social and recreation committee with the intent the committee would create a proposal.
