Municipal Government 2021 -- Town of Smithers and Telkwa

Our quick reference and archive of items from Smithers and Telkwa for 2020.

Town of Smithers website

2021

Smithers/Telkwa region

December

December 25 -- Evacuation alert for some areas of Smithers owing to Ice Jam 

December 24 -- Evacuation Alert on Bulkley River maintained, updated maps

December 23 -- Child care crisis in Smithers worsens; working parents seek help from town council

December 23 -- Smithers Evacuation Alert Expanded due to Ice Jams in the Bulkley River

December 23 -- Town of Smithers issues Evacuation Alert for some Main Street and Riverside Drive residents

December 22 -- Evacuation Alert issued for Two areas in Smithers

December 22 -- Evacuation Alert issued due to ice jams on the Bulkley River

December 22 -- Ice Jams prompt hazard warning for areas near the Bulkley River

December 21 -- Ice jam hazard upgraded to evacuation alert for area near Smithers

December 21 -- Hazard warning issued to to risk of ice jams on Bulkley River

December 16 -- Smithers crematorium update (video)

December 16 -- Proposed Smithers Crematorium proposal denied by Regional District after strong Public Opposition

December 16 -- New COVID cases remain low in Smithers

December 16 -- COVID-19 activity decreases in Smithers, Burns Lake

December 16 -- Smithers Council defends possible sale Ranger Park and Civic Centre buildings

December 15 -- Smithers losing its detachment commander to Terrace

December 14 -- Town support requested for the outdoor rink near Central Park

December 14 -- Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations installed in Smirthes

December 9 -- Smithers residents with wood burning stoves being asked to Upgrade, with Rebates 

December 9 -- Airshed society, Town announce wood stove exchange rebates

December 8 -- Smithers Crematorium Town Hall (video)

December 8 -- Regional District rejects rezoning for proposed Smithers crematorium 

December 8 -- Regional District rejects rezoning for Proposed Smithers crematorium

December 8 -- Regional District hears strong opposition to proposed crematorium west of Smithers

December 3 -- Smithers Childcare problems (video)

December 3 -- Smithers parents sign open letter raising concerns about childcare 'crisis' in Smithers 
December 3 -- Bidding now open for Smithers Festival of Trees

December 2 -- COVID-19 cases increase in Smithers, decrease in Burns Lake

December 2 -- Smithers Regional Transit cancels several trips on short notice
December 2 -- Smithers council backs resolution to review ICBC rate design

November

November 30 -- Smithers Parents concerned over lack of Childcare options pen letter to all levels of government

November 29 -- Smithers RCMP detachment commander promoted to Terrace

November 26 -- Town of Smithers participates in Plaid Friday

November 19 -- Smithers sets up temporary shelters (video)

November 18 -- Town of Smithers implements COVID-19 vaccine mandate 

November 18 -- Utilities commission defers former Telkwa mayor's argument on ICBC rates to province

November 18 -- Smithers asked to look at Green Burial sites within the Smithers Cemetery 

November 18 -- Local COVID-19 cases increase in Smithers, Burns Lake Local health Areas

November 12 -- Province releases details of annual Grants in lieu of Taxes program for Northwest NCR

November 10 -- Northwest Municipalities receive grants in lieu of property taxes (video)

November 10 -- Crematorium proposed for highway 16 west of Smithers 

November 10 -- Local communities receive funding from the province 

November 9 -- Town of Smithers to follow federal COVID-19 vaccination mandates

November 4 -- RDBN hires new First Nations liaison

November 4 -- Smithers unveils a plaque marking 100 years since incorporation 

November 3 -- Business walk held in Smithers 

November 1 -- Burger King the favourite to replace KFC along with proposed Smithers Gas station

November 1 -- Prince Rupert falls behind in the Northwest Burger Gap NCR

October

October 29 -- Redevelopment of KFC site to include Burger King 

October 28 -- COVID-19 cases decrease in the Smithers LHA

October 28 -- Smithers RCMP 'seriously concerned' about rash of traffic collisions 

October 26 -- Smithers Council moves first, second reading for rezoning amendment for new restaurant

October 26 -- Smithers celebrates 100 year anniversary of incorporation 

October 26 -- Smithers marks 100 years since becoming BC's first incorporated village 

October 21 -- Smithers opts to fund new storage lockers for Homeless encampment

October 21 -- Smithers Wastewater (video)

October 21 -- Veterans Park homeless encampment to stay in place

October 21 -- COVID-19 cases remain high in Smithers, Burns Lake Local Health Areas 

October 21 -- Chandler Park Fields are in need of complete resurfacing and extensive repairs 

October 20 -- Smithers COVID update (video)
October 19 -- Smithers flight listed as possible COVID-19 exposure

October 19 -- Power to be out in Telkwa today

October 14 -- Smithers has the highest COVID-19 case count in the Northwest 

October 14 -- Parts of Telkwa to be without power Tuesday

October 14 -- New COVID-19 cases in Smithers jump again to 73

October 14 -- Feds deny Smithers Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade grant

October 8 -- COVID-19 vaccine clinics coming to Smithers area

October 7 -- Telkwa officially designates new water tower
October 1 -- Discussions to take place regarding the Smithers homeless population

September

September 30 -- Smithers RCMP welcomes new member

September 28 -- Town of Smithers to apply for grant to reduce wildlife risk

September 28 -- Village of Telkwa celebrates new Trobak reservoir

September 27 -- Water quality advisory to be issued by the Village of Telkwa

September 27 -- Smithers Town Council expresses appreciation for health care workers

September 25 -- Smithers Arena hosting mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinic 

September 21 -- Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako to recognize National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

September 17 -- Smithers Fire Chief Keith Stecko announces retirement

September 16 -- Smithers Fire Chief to retire after nearly two decades of service

September 17 -- Longtime Smithers Fire Chief announces retirement

September 16 -- Smithers Fire Chief Keith Stecko retires

September 15 -- Smithers RCMP respond to 280 new files over he past two weeks

September 10 -- Smithers MD update: Vaccination is best defence for whole community

September 10 -- COVID-19 numbers spike in Bulkley Valley

September 9 -- Northwest COVID update (video)

September 9 -- Every Child Matters flag flying in Telkwa

September 9 -- COVID-19 cases surge in Nechako, Smithers, Burns Lake

September 9 -- Abandoned property on Alfred Street to be remediated

September 9 -- The Smithers Fire Truck 11 was actually present in New York City on September 11th in 2001

September 8 -- COVID-19 cases jump in Smithers, Burns Lake local health areas

September 8 -- Prince Rupert steadies at 3 in new cases of COVID, but Smithers surges to 45 in latest data NCR

September 7 -- Smithers Chamber of Commerce raises concerns about vaccine card program (video)

September 7 -- Smithers Chamber of Commerce raises concerns about vaccine card program

September 4 -- Midsummer music festival cancelled 

September 4 -- Housing needs assessment to be conducted in rural communities within the Regional District

September 3 -- Telkwa Barbeque welcomes community members at in person event 

September 2 -- Commemoration event held for the At the Heart mural

September 2 -- Regional district launches farm recycling pilot
September 1 -- Smithers population over 5600 

August

August 30 -- BVX comes roaring back after a year absence (video)

August 30 -- Bulkley Valley Exhibition roars back after COVID cancelled 2020 fair 

August 27 -- Reorganizing to occur at the Town of Smithers 

August 27 -- Town of Smithers to undergo major restructuring 

August 26 -- Masks required in Town of Smithers facilities 

August 26 -- Smithers sees spike in COVID-19 cases 

August 26 -- The Town of Smithers has announced a reorganization is underway (video)

August 26 -- CO Service reminds property owners to manage attractants 

August 25 -- COVID-19 vaccine clinic to be held at fall fair in Smithers 

August 25 -- Smithers Council discusses interest in permanent memorial for residential schools 

August 25 -- Fall fair to kick off this evening 

August 24 -- Smithers denied a second time for funding for library/art gallery project

August 21 -- Mass power outage from Telkwa to Hazelton to take place tomorrow

August 19 -- Hydro plans outage for Telkwa to Hazeltons 

August 19 -- Homeless count shows an increase in numbers in Smithers 

August 19 -- Rotarians work hard to repair damage done by vandals on Main Street in Smithers 

August 14 -- COVID-19 cases identified in Smithers 

August 13 -- Mobile vaccination clinic to be held in Telkwa

August 13 -- Northwest Communities to bring range of Resolutions to UBCM convention for 2021 NCR

August 12 -- Smithers receives funding to combat homelessness

August 12 -- Regional District proposes streamlined bylaw ticket system 

August 11 -- Northern BC home sales flatten out in July

August 11 -- Gordon Williams Rotary Park vandalized 

August 10 -- Homeless count rises in Smithers 

August 9 -- Feds/Province pay for 3.5 km of Smithers to Telkwa trail 

August 9 -- Free bus rides coming next month for youth 12 and under 
August 5 -- Mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinic held at Boville Square
August 5 -- New electric vehicle charging station coming to the Bulkley Valley
August 5 -- Electric vehicle charging network slowly being put in place 

August 4 -- Bulkley Valley projects to received grants for development 
August 4 -- Vaccination blitz held in Burns Lake and Smithers 
August 3 -- Infrastructure funding announced for the North by BC and Canada 
August 4 -- Mobile vaccine clinic for first and second doses at Bovill Square today 

July

July 29 -- Water turned on again at Riverside Municipal Campground 

July 29 -- Warm temperatures expected in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes

July 27 -- Remedial action requirement issued for abandoned home at Hudson Bay Mobile Home Park

July 27 -- Watermain breaks near Riverside Municipal Campground 

July 26 -- Vax the North event to be held in Smithers 

July 23 -- Smithers lags behind Northwest and rest of BC in vaccine uptake

July 22 -- Fall Fair returns to normal with addition of parade 

July 21 -- Bulkley-Nechako Regional District Board Chair praises BC government on state of Emergency (video)

July 21 -- District of Houston losing another official to Smithers 

July 16 -- Province to improve ambulance response and offer support for emergency workers, but some rural communities have concerns NCR

July 15 -- Commemorative mural honouring the area's missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls is finished

July 15 -- Communities across Northwest BC share in transportation funding from Province of British Columbia NCR

July 14 -- Smithers, Hazelton recipients for economic recovery funding

July 14 -- Roi Theatre reopens on Friday

July 13 -- Smithers Mayor appreciates patience after new homeless camp appears 

July 13 -- Funding for emergency preparedness spread out around Northwest and Haida Gwaii NCR

July 12 -- Bulkley Valley and Lakes communities receive funding for emergency operations centre

July 8 -- Demolition of post-fire structure ordered by Smithers Town Council
July 7 -- Mural downtown Smithers to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and girls



June

June 30 -- Smithers Council Briefs June 22, 2021

June 30 -- Northwest communities to receive grants to reduce wildfire risks

June 30 -- Flood mitigation project to begin in the Village of Telkwa

June 30 -- BV pool seeks public input on future

June 30 -- Town of Smithers given Written Warning after violations at the Wastewater Treatment Plant

June 30 -- Smithers council approves new workshop

June 23 -- Canada Day 2021: A Day of reflection event planned for Smithers

June 23 -- Northwest BC airports express optimism as province begins to reopen

June 22 -- Amenity building at Alpine Courts to be demolished after fire

June 22 -- Remedial Action Order for Home Hardware in Smithers completed

June 21 -- Quick Bridge closed for foot and vehicle traffic

June 17 -- Smithers council Briefs

June 8 -- Town of Smithers to contribute funding for Walnut Park Totem Pole Project

June 8 -- Pickleball introductory workshop to be held in Telkwa at the end of June

June 7 -- Building permit turnaround time increased

June 7 -- Smithers Public Library welcomes readers into the library

June 3 -- Smithers repaints rainbow crosswalk

June 3 -- Waiving developer fees unfair to taxpayers

June 2 -- Flood Watches, Flood warnings in place for many areas of Northwest British Columbia  NCR

May

May 28 -- Annual Smithers Pride event goes virtual again

May 25 -- Town staff propose business bylaw amendment for pedicabs

May 22 -- WorkSafe BC launches annual ConeZone campaign to support roadside workers

May 20 -- Smithers Council Briefs, Regular meeting, May 11, 2021

May 20 -- Feds fund Smithers airport runway repaving 

May 20 -- Go By Bike events planned for fun-filled week

May 20 -- Smithers, Houston to receive funding for poverty reduction

May 19 -- New child care spaces being created in Smithers

May 17 -- Telkwa raises seasonal vendor fees; Quick eats back at Flagpole Park

May 13 -- Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and CityWest announce partnership

May 11 -- Council awarded for Mountainview Drive and sidewalk improvements

May 11 -- Topic of safe injection sites discussed at council

May 7 -- Federal government to hold hearings regarding rail safety

May 6 -- Food truck owners fight back against being moved away from Telkwa Pub
May 6 -- Rezoning for highway mini storage passes 1st and 2nd readings
May 6 -- Procedural problems and clerical errors lead to crematorium application withdrawal
May 6 -- Telkwa council briefs, regular meeting, April 27, 2021
May 3 -- Ten percent of new files opened by police were mental health calls: Smithers RCMP



April

April 30 -- Housing affordability decreases in Smithers

April 29 -- Regional District of Bulkley Nechako to promote emergency preparedness

April 28 -- Smithers Taxes (video)

April 28 -- Property tax rates increase by 10.8% in Smithers

April 27 -- Rezoning application for Stash Spot Storage passes first, second readings

April 27 -- Greater Metro Hockey League propose Junior A team in Smithers

April 26 -- 10 percent increase expected for Town of Smithers property tax

April 25 -- Smithers property tax jumps 10 per cent

April 25 -- Crematoria bylaws proceed to second public hearing on Tuesday 

April 23 -- Smithers Mayor encouraging residents to stay local after new travel restrictions

April 22 -- Telkwa Council Briefs: Regular Meeting, April 13, 2021

April 22 -- Town of Smithers water advisory lifted 

April 22 -- Smithers issues water quality advisory after chlorine enters water system

April 22 -- Telkwa Council against request to have large farm animals in village

April 22 -- Telkwa Pub seeks blockage of food truck from near property

April 22 -- Smithers Council Briefs: Regular Meeting, April 13

April 21 -- Water Quality advisory issued for Town of Smithers

April 21 -- Town of Smithers lifts alert for high levels of chlorine in water

April 15 -- Homeless Count to be conducted within the Smithers community

April 14 -- Director of corporate services named Smithers CAO
April 14 -- Town of Smithers to apply to grant to address homelessness

April 14 -- Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP calls aid package to Air Canada good news

April 13 -- Bachrach welcomes Air Canada deal

April 13 -- Townhouse project approved by Smithers Council

April 11 -- Residential recycling begins Monday for Town of Smithers

April 1 -- Smithers Council Briefs

April 1 -- Local governments and Smithers District Chamber of Commerce discuss new restrictions with restaurant owners

April 1 -- Telkwa Council Briefs: Regular meeting March 23, 2021

March

March 30 -- Smithers and Burns Lake airports receive funding by the province

March 26 -- Local MP raises questions about Rail Safety within the Northwest

March 25 -- RDBN's Parks and Trail Service establishment progresses

March 25 -- Telkwa Park Master Plan identifies connectivity as biggest issue

March 24 -- Smithers 'Freedom Rally' makes some residents feel unwelcome

March 23 -- Smithers COVID fines (video)

March 18 -- Rezoning for mobile home park land adjacent to Telkwa concrete plant begins

March 18 -- Telkwa council denies pub's request for compensation for water repairs

March 18 -- Council awards contract to demolish fire damaged townhouse 

March 18 -- Crematoria bylaw proceeds to second public hearing due to error

March 18 -- Telkwa council briefs: Regular Meeting, March 9, 2021

March 18 -- Council denies re-opening road closure on Riverside Drive

March 11 -- Town Council extends deadline for Home Hardware remediation work

March 14 -- Applications open for Smithers Storefront Spruce Up program

March 12 -- Town of Smithers provided a grant to increase community safety

March 11 -- Four local projects receive over $!.6 billion in economic recovery projects

March 10 -- Regional District of Bulkley Nechako asks Canada, BC and Rio Tinto to restore ecosystem at Nechako River

March 9 -- Remedial action order for Smithers Home Hardware extended

March 9 -- Bulkley Valley and Lakes District under special air quality statement

March 9 -- Dust Advisory issued for Smithers

March 7 -- Bulkley Valley Museum receives funding from the province

March 5 -- Smithers Art Gallery to feature new exhibit

March 5 -- Regional District of Bulkley Nechako and the Hazelton receive funding for evacuation route planning   

March 4 -- Curbside recycling pickup returns to Smithers 

March 4 -- Northwest Trade Expo postponed until 2022

March 4 -- Roof collapses on Smithers landmark

March 4 -- Local councils support RDBN challenge to emergency financial assistance guidelines

March 4 -- Looking for alternatives to open fire burns

March 4 -- Smithers Council Briefs: Regular Meeting, February 23, 2021

March 3 -- Residential recycling to resume for the Town of Smithers

March 2 -- Telkwa by-election (video)

March 2 -- The Village of Telkwa has a new councillor

February

February 27 -- Dave Livesey elected as councillor for Village of Telkwa

February 28 -- Dave Livesey elected to Telkwa Council

February 27 -- Smithers rainbow crosswalk to be repainted at Second Avenue and Main Street

February 27 -- Telkwa polls open

February 26 -- Telkwa to vote for new councillor

February 25 -- "It has filled the gap since Greyhound left": Bond calling for BC Bus North funding extension

February 25 -- Residents voluntarily remove illegal shed upon orders from council

February 25 -- Smithers weekly Police blotter: February 12-19 

February 23 -- Smithers Chief Administrative Officer Resigns

February 22 -- Crematorium use public hearing to be during regular council meeting

February 18 -- Telkwa by-election candidates weigh in on infrastructure and housing

February 18 -- Telkwa business facade improvement program renewed for 2021

February 18 -- Smithers council briefs February 9

February 17 -- Smithers Weekly Police Blotter: February 5-12

February 16 -- Smithers Council to consider Temporary Use Permit for childcare facility

February 13 -- Broken waterman repairs on 5th Avenue now underway

February 12 -- Bulkley River ice jam raises flooding concern

February 11 -- Pinnacle Pellet in Smithers makes noise reduction progress

February 11 -- Smithers Structural Engineer disciplined

February 9 -- Smithers Pinnacle Pellet Plant updates council on noise reduction initiatives

February 9 -- Bulkley Valley Taxi and Transportation limited hope to increase amount of vehicles

February 4 -- Christin housing society receives grant in lieu of tax exemption
February 4 -- Is your recycled wasted going to landfill?
February 4 -- Shed attached to RV ordered removed by Smithers council
February 4 -- Smithers Council Briefs: Regular meeting January 26 2021
February 3 -- In their own words: Telkwa council hopefuls make a pitch for your vote
February 3 -- Wood heating replacement rebate values increase
February 2 -- Structural Engineer of Smithers Home Hardware issued Disciplinary Order
February 2 -- Smithers RCMP reacts to waiting for COVID-19 vaccine with general public

January

January 27 -- Three candidates to run in Telkwa Byelection

January 26 -- Three candidates line up to contest Telkwa by-election

January 22 -- Smithers Art Gallery receives funding by the province

January 21 -- Telkwa supports emergency support services grant application

January 21 -- Telkwa to allow mail-in ballots for all voters

January 21 -- Telkwa fire rescue vehicle blows its engine

January 21 -- Rezoning for affordable housing complex will go to public hearing

January 21 -- Telkwa council rezones property for proposed 60 home subdivision

January 21 -- Smithers Town Council Briefs January 12, 2021

January 20 -- Regional District of Bulkley-Nehcako and Town of Smithers finding solutions for lack of recycling

January 20 -- Interprovincial travel ban will have consequences says Tourism Smithers

January 18 -- Smithers New Arena to remain closed for the season

January 16 -- BC Hydro planned power outages to darken downtown Smithers for most of day Sunday, Jan 17

January 14 -- Smithers property values jump by 15 per cent

January 14 -- Power outage planned for Smithers on Sunday

January 13 -- Houston and Burns Lake housing sales decrease, Smithers housing sales increase

January 13 -- Smithers MP discusses COVID protests, white supremacy and free speech (audio)

January 11 -- Organizer of December Freedom rally in Smithers issued fine 

January 11 -- COVID restrictions protest in Smithers

January 11 -- Downtown Smithers sees its second protest as people gather to oppose COVID-18 restrictions

January 9 -- Protesters once again gather in downtown Smithers opposing COVID-19 restrictions

January 7 -- As property owners review their 2021 Assessments, Province outlines Home Owner Grant Financials  NCR

January 6 -- BC Assessment sends out residential property assessment 

January 5 -- Smithers/Telkwa take regional lead in property assessments for 2021 NCR

January 4 -- Property assessments (video)

January 4 -- Northwest Property assessment have been released

January 4 -- BC Assessments for 2021 indicate increases in valuations for many of Prince Rupert's high end neighbourhoods  NCR

Areas outside of Smithers/Telkwa  can be found here.




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