Mayor of Lunenburg, N.S., banned from taxi service after alleged late-night fracas

The mayor of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, a town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is facing an investigation following allegations of a late-night drunken altercation with a taxi driver. Mayor Jamie Myra has reportedly been banned from using the local taxi service.

Simon Gordon, owner of SaltWind Transportation, recounted that Mayor Myra contacted him late Friday night requesting a ride for a group. Gordon stated that upon arrival, the mayor and his party appeared inebriated. He alleged that Myra offered him money and pressured him to exceed the vehicle's seatbelt capacity, leading to an escalation when Gordon refused.

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His party was larger than he had indicated on the phone, and there was a lot of pressure from (Myra) … and his response was: ‘no, no, it’s OK. Do you need more money?’ So that’s what started the escalation.

Gordon described the situation deteriorating as a woman from Myra's group began yelling, and the mayor refused to exit the car despite repeated requests. "One individual was seemingly being held back by someone, he was making very aggressive threats towards me physically. That’s when I decided, and said to (Myra), I’m going to call 911 if you don’t leave the car," Gordon stated.

The RCMP confirmed responding to a dispute between a taxi driver and a client early Saturday morning, though no charges were laid. Gordon claimed the mayor only left the vehicle after police were called, and Myra's wife allegedly "dragged him" out. The incident reportedly lasted about 15 minutes.

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One individual was seemingly being held back by someone, he was making very aggressive threats towards me physically. That’s when I decided, and said to (Myra), I’m going to call 911 if you don’t leave the car.

Following the confrontation, Gordon received multiple calls, voicemails, and texts from Mayor Myra apologizing for the group's behavior. Gordon also alleged that the mayor suggested supporting his efforts for a town transit system and offered to discuss business matters. However, Gordon claims Myra also issued a veiled threat, warning that friends and family would target his business on social media if the events became public.

The Town of Lunenburg confirmed the investigation into the allegations against Mayor Myra. The mayor himself issued a statement on social media acknowledging the situation but asserting, "I have a much different version of the events than they do, I will say this, and that’s it."

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I have a much different version of the events than they do, I will say this, and that’s it. I support and congratulate (Gordon) on his new business venture as it’s certainly needed in our community.