City councillors in Prince Rupert, B.C., voted unanimously this week to donate the rest of former councillor Nelson Kinney’s council wage — nearly $8,246 — toward the opening of a lung clinic in his name.

Kinney, who suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), died at the age of 77 in March of this year. He was known throughout the community as a voice for the people.

Kinney’s niece, Crystal Lorette, says her uncle would be honoured to have the money go to charity.

“He was diagnosed with COPD several years ago and he realized that there’s many more people in the community that have problems with lungs,