TUMBLER RID -- Former Tumbler Ridge Mayor Clay Ives, who many consider saved the town, died peacefully last Wednesday in Grande Prairie.
Iles was elected Mayor in 1999 and was re-elected in 2002.
In 2000 the Quinette Coal mine announced it was closing its doors, devastating the town.
To avoid an economic depression, Iles developed the District’s tourism industry and help create the Tumbler Ridge Housing Corp.
In October 2014, Founders street was renamed to Iles Way to honour his work as Mayor.
In a statement released on social media the District said “Clay’s determination and leadership saw mandates accomplished, resulting in the town of Tumbler Ridge existing today.”
Iles passed away on October 25th.
He was 85 years-old.
