Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach reprised his calls for Federal funding for Prince Rupert's water infrastructure issues
City of Prince Rupert officials will be pleased to know that their quest for over 80 million dollars in Federal funding for water infrastructure is still on the radar in Ottawa, that as Skeena-Bukley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach noted of the city's application as part of the Tuesday House of Commons session and the importance that infrastructure has for municipal governments.
His comments came in the afternoon portion of the House of Commons yesterday, part of an exchange with Liberal MP Francesco Sorbara, who is a former resident of Prince Rupert. He noted of the global standing for the Port and the community.
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Former Rupertite Frranceso Sorbara, now a resident of Vaughn, Ontario and the MP for that Ontario riding
Later in the same session, Bachrach was taking up the issue of infrastructure with Conservative MP's, the Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP noting of the recent visit to the North Coast by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
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Conservative MP Monty Morantz replied with a glimpse as to how the Conservatives view the partnership between Federal and Municipal governments.
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The Focus for the MPs on the day, was debate and discussion on the topics of Bill C59 related to affordable housing and the Fall Economic Statements, items of note that Mr. Bacharch again addressed towards the end of the Tuesday session.
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Since the return to City Hall following the holiday period, Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond and City Council have not provided any updates on the progress of the city's funding request with the Federal government.
You can review all of those commentaries through the House of Commons video archive, starting at the 16:35 point of the discussion on the Bill. Other contributions come at the 16:46 mark and again at 18:15
The Prince Rupert Library on Sixth West at McBride is the venue for a February 29th info session on the city's approach to climate change planning
An opportunity for residents of Prince Rupert to catch up on how the City is approaching its work on Climate Adaptation will come in late February, with City staff set to host an information session at the Prince Rupert Library.
The session which will take place Thursday, February 29 from 7 PM to 8:30 PM will be looking for feedback from community residents towards the development of a Climate Plan for Prince Rupert.
Some significant changes are on the way towards the International Education programs in Canada, that as both the Federal and provincial governments announce new measures to address a number of concerns related to the surge in International students coming to Canada in recent years.
While the current cohort of students through to 2024 seem to be secure towards their education plans, what may come from 2025 and beyond is still to be delivered by Ministry and college officials.
That following the announcement of a moratorium on International recruitment for colleges and universities.
Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Sills provided some focus for how the Province plans to move forward earlier this week.
“International students come here for a good education, but too many are being exploited or taken advantage of. That’s why we’re introducing more stringent requirements for institutions and robust safeguards to protect international students against bad actors, provide them with a better path to success, and make sure B.C. continues to attract the talented students we need to fill significant gaps in the labour market and drive our economy forward.”
In an information release on Monday the Province noted how new measures will bring in higher standards and greater accountability for educational institutions in B.C.
The measures the government states will help ensure the institutions deliver a high-quality education and offer strong supports that students need to study and build a good, successful life in B.C.
Towards some of the changes for BC:
Notable from the list of concerns from the current situation is that of available student housing, an issue that has been exacerbated for many students across Canada, with high rents and lack of housing stock making for challenges for those arriving in Canada for their post-secondary education experience.
That's an issue of high concern in Prince Rupert, where the city's lack of housing and high rents for those that are available have long been a concern.
January its said is one of the hardest months for retail stores in Canada, with merchants finding that the Christmas and Boxing Day Sale period did not deliver the additional financial boost that charts the year ahead.
It's a month that in the past in Prince Rupert has delivered some tough decisions for long time business owners in the community.
Aria Apparels was almost out of January, though today January 31st, owner Heloise Tupas advised her customers by way of the store's social media stream, that she would be closing her store located in the Rupert Square Mall, will be closing as of March 2nd.
The owner noting that it had been a hard decision, while offering thanks to her customers and supporters.
The closure not only will impact on the Rupert Square Mall, but also serves to highlight the challenges for small businesses in the community. With everything from rents to out of town competition in Terrace to the fleet of delivery vans that bring the world of online purchases to your doorstep every day
The city's commercial sector one which has seen a number of closures in recent years, that path cheated by empty store fronts and Going out of business announcements.
February is but one day away and with that the countdown to Tournament time in Prince Rupert heads towards the finish line, with the participating teams for the All Native Basketball Tournament set to hit the court starting February 10th.
The ANBT Organizing committee release the Tournament Brackets this week charting the path forward for teams in the Masters, Seniors, Women's and Intermediate Divisions of the 64th annual showcase of basketball.
Games take place in both the Russell Gamble Gymnasium and the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre Arena during the course of the 8 day event/
The First Tip off for the 2024 event goes to the Master's Division with Kitkatla and Hazelton on the floor of the Russell Gamble Gymnasium bright and early at 8AM on Saturday February 10.
The Women's Draw sees Kitamaat and Lax Kw'alaams with the ice breaker to their division on Saturday morning at 9:30 in the Gym
Intermediate Division play tips off on Saturday afternoon with Hazelton and Kitkatla on the court of the Russell Gamble gym at 4 PM
The Senior Men's Division participants don't see action until Sunday afternoon when Lax Kw'alaams and Bella Bella take to their opening match up at 2:30.
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Tournament organizers host the Coaches meeting at Noon on Saturday February 10th
The Opening Ceremonies take place on Sunday evening at 8 PM, with the Gitxsan Thunder Dance Group participating in the much anticipated opening for the tournament.
The opening ceremonies tickets cost ten dollars.
The tournament pass costs 200 dollars
You can find out more about single day tickets and passes from the ANBT office at 328 ThirdAvenue West in the downtown area.
The City's Bylaw office has compiled a list of vehicles set for demolition owing to abandonment around the community
The City of Prince Rupert is once again set to take care of some unsightly property issues, with the City announcing its plans to dispose of 21 vehicles considered abandoned.
The advisory for the public was issued on Tuesday through the City of Prince Rupert website, with the city noting that the last chance to address the issue by the owners, wherever they may be, is set for February 15th
This notice is to inform the registered owner that if you have not claimed the above noted vehicle by proving ownership and paying all outstanding charges, including storage fees, by February 15, 2024, the City will dispose of these vehicles in accordance with Traffic Bylaw No. 2470 Part IV 4.06.
The site of the former Westview School on the city's far west side
If you're walking your dog, you're probably OK, but if you're using a west side property for dumping household materials, or other anti social use. Then the School District is making plans for you.
The site of the old Westview School made for a significant part of the SD52 Board meeting discussion at their mid month gathering of January.
The topic came up following a Report on maintenance and other themes from Operations Manager James Warburton, with Trustee Janet Beil asking towards vandalism and other concerns related to the property.
Warburton provided some background towards those questions from Trustee Beil and noted of the measures taken to this point to try to keep people off the School property.
He observed that in addition to the vandalism, residents had been using the property as a form of dumping grounds for a number of goods.
Trustee Beil suggested that with a number of concerning activities taking place on that property that proper signage to alert people that there is No Trespassing allowed on School properties.
"It's been a never ending saga to be painting over the vandals when it happens up there.
We've been watching to see what know of activity is happening, sometimes people will drive in and they'll drive all the way around the back of the school and we don't know why that's happening.
So made the decision to put that rope back up to keep stop people from driving in there now.
We have cleaned things up there, people will dump old mattresses, pallets and sometimes used oil and a bunch of thing that we've picked up from around the Westview property" -- Operations Manager James Warburton
Trustee Beil noted of those instances and other concerns that she has about those trespassing on the property while Trustee Horne noted that some residents from the area use the area for recreation activities, but concurred with the need for signage.
Board Chair Toye noted that they don't have those signs on other school properties, with trustee Beal observing that in this case the school is not in use and that there are significant dangers for the Westview property without more attention from the Board.
"It's a vacant piece of property, it can't be managed and when it can't be managed we're at higher risk, I mean if it was like a School property it's a little different that there's students going to the facility
But there isn't the school is being abused by citizens of Prince Rupert for activities that aren't conducive to what the School Act is. Dropping mattresses, drinking, eventually there's going to be a fire and that school's going to be on fire, I'm telling you I'm concerned about that school" -- SD52 Trustee Janet Beil
Units of the Prince Rupert Fire/Rescue Department were observed at the Westview location this week
For Trustee Horne the issue of the building not being in use is making it a target for those in the community.
"Also graffiti that James's had said as well, so because there's nobody there, people feel that it's an opportunity to come in as opposed to a school that's populated. And I think that based just off of what he saying it would be a good idea to to do, it doesn't have to be anything crazy, but just some signage"-- SD52 Trustee James Horne
The board members then voted to take measures towards the issue at the property.
The full exchange on the topic can be reviewed through the School District Video of the January meeting starting at the 24 minute mark.
Those plans found some challenges in 2018 when a land sale for the Kanata School property fell through after the land developer and the City of Prince Rupert appeared to have had a difference of opinion on the development for the site.
A Smithers Steelhead goal celebration was a familiar sight on Saturday night as the Bulkley Valley home side topped the Rampage 6-1 (from Smithers Steelheads FB page)
As the final week of the CIHL Regular season gets ready to roll out this coming weekend, a result from Saturday night has taken the Prince Rupert Rampage out of the race for first place.
It was a path that would have required some help along the way to begin with; none of which played out as the Rupert side would have hoped by the time Sunday's games wrapped
Scoring was hard to find for the Rhinos from their Saturday trek to the Bulkley Valley, that as they dropped a 6-1 decision to the Smithers Steelheads.
A night where the Steelheads provided much for the Bulkley Valley crowd to cheer on, hosting the bulk of the offensive play, the game marked by a power disruption for the visiting side from Rupert that came with a cost.
With the loss, Prince Rupert will be watching and waiting to see who finishes atop the standings come the end of play on Sunday, a road map which will determine who they play in the playoff round to come.
Saturday the Rampage can avenge their loss to the Smithers side, as the Steelheads come to town to bring the curtains down on the 2023-24 Regular Season.
From their play on the weekend, the Terrace River Kings hold the top spot in the league, the only thing that can keep them from their destiny would be a Home loss to Hazelton on Saturday along with a Williams Lake sweep in their twin games of the weekend ahead.
The final weekend of play for the rest of the teams is one where they look to secure their path towards the post season and build up some momentum for the playoffs and hopefully a Coy Cup run just ahead.
You can follow the Rampage from their social media stream as they prepare for the season ending match up at 7 PM on Saturday night at the Jim.
An update towards the timeline of a municipal works project from the District of Port Edward has provided a look at how the renovations for the Port Edward Fire Hall will come along.
Work began in early January with the setup stage and prep work getting underway.
As workers head into February the stripping of the Stucco should be nearing completion.
Still to come new concrete footings work on a retaining wall, the main element of the replacement of windows and flashing comes in mid February
Much of the work should be completed by Mid March
The roofing elements will come towards the end of March and early April
The transition from old platform to new went quite well for Northern Savings, with the Prince Rupert based financial services organization launching their new website last week.
The revamped site offering additional features and a new look for their customers and potential customers
The launch took place on January 23rd, with just a few notes of advice from Northern Savings towards the transition.
One item of note from the new launch is a program Called Northern Perks, which is part of the Northern Savings program to help small business remain sustainable and thriving.
A number of Prince Rupert area business have already signed up for the program, with Entire Automotive and Shuttershack offering 10 percent off for those who use their Northern Perks card.
Businesses in Prince Rupert and across the Northwest and Haida Gwaii that may want to participate in the Blue movement can learn more about the initiative here.
Skeeaa-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach has been assigned some additional Standing Committee duties in Ottawa
With election speculation building in the national capital, Members of Parliament settled back into the desks in Ottawa on Monday morning, the day marking the return to duties for the current session of the House of Commons.
Among those ready to tackle the 2024 agenda, was Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach, with the Northwest MP having now taken on some additional duties for the NDP with his return.
That as part of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.
The Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP is the only NDP member of the eleven member committee.
Mr. Bachrach noted of what is ahead for his new duties as part of the Monday committee session.
Among some of his commentary upon joining the committee, was to speak out again over the concerns of small business owners related to the CEBA repayment call that is currently underway by the Federal Government.
It's a topic he noted prior to his return to Ottawa
On Monday, Bachrach noted of some of the challenges and the perfect storm facing a number of Northwest Businesses and the strain that the repayment issue putting on their operations.
"This created a perfect storm for many small businesses in our communities and what they're asking for is something that they have been asking for, is eminently reasonable, a little bit more time to pay back the loans.
I don't think anyone is suggesting that businesses shouldn't be held to the terms of the original agreement, but they're looking for some more time.
So they can access that loan forgiveness that was one of the reason that they were willing to take on this debt in the first place" -- MP Taylor Bachrach in his debut with the Standing Committee on Government Operations
While he now has a focus on Government estimates and finances, he also will retain his place in the NDP caucus at Transport Critic, as well as to serve as a member of the Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee.
Planning for the next Big Seismic Event in British Columbia has a pair of Government agencies looking to learn more from British Columbians when it comes Earthquake awareness in the province.
Prepared BC and Natural Resources Canada have introduce a public survey to better understand our awareness of earthquakes, early warnings for them and to explore levels of preparation.
One of the exhibits of the Teens Creative Minds presentation in place at the Museum of Northern BC until April
A new exhibit has just opened at the Museum of Northern British Columbia that will take you into the world of innovation as seen through the creative minds of the teenager.
Celebrating the Power of youth is the theme for the Museum on First Avenue West at the foot of McBride with the multi-media display in the Ruth Harvey Galley part of their 100th Anniversary program.
The exhibit will be in place through to April and the Museum notes of many interactive events to come during the fourth month stay in Prince Rupert.
How the new PRMS replacement project move ahead will be the topic of a February information session at the school
The path forward for the replacement of Prince Rupert Middle School will be put forward by SD52 School officials next month, with the Board of Education to host an information night at the Ninth Avenue West school on Tuesday. February 6th.
The one hour Drop In session, which is planned for 6-7 PM at the Gymnasium at PRMS will feature staff from the District, along with project architects and project Manager.
Some of the features towards the new build can be reviewed from an information sheet released through the SD52 website. Among the notes is the nature of the work to take place and a focus on First Peoples Principles of Learning as part of the new school design.
The timeline ahead will see the Design work continue until the Spring of 2025, with the shovels hitting the round in the Spring of next year. It's anticipated that the building will be complete and ready for move in by the Fall of 2027.
As the project moves forward, the School District has created a home page for the work, where updates will be posted as the new facility takes shape.
From those notes, the Board of Education is asking for those with an interest in the replacement project to take part in a survey currently live on the page.
The Board is looking for your input on the what improvements you may wish to see and any community factors and considerations towards the project,
They also ask about what you may want to hear more about an dhow you wish to be informed about the progress for the project.
The Prince Rupert Board of Education hosted their monthly session two weeks ago, a near fifty minute update on a number of themes, along with a look at the progress for the SD52 education program for 2023-24.
This month's session opened with a presentation from Kerri Levelton providing a review of some of the recent successful initiatives found at Prince Rupert Middle School.
The overview was well received by the Board membership, who had a few questions for one of the students on hand for the review of some of the schools events and adventures.
Towards their agenda of work on the night, a look at enrolment from Sandra Pond noted of an increase of twelve students with 1,850 students currently attending the schools of the District.
Ms. Pond expanded on some of the events over the last few months that took place at the schools around the District, she highlighted the Breakfast Club program that is found at the schools.
As well she noted of the success of the CHSS Musical Something's Rotten and the recent visit of BC Science World.
The ongoing success for the Before and After Care programs at Pineridge and Conrad Schools was also a topic of note, with Ms. Pond observing how that has meant additional staff hirings for the program.
A request for a review of FSA Result participation related to provincial data was deferred to an upcoming meeting.
She also noted of the growing volume of viruses being found in the community and urged those suffering not to bring those virus to the schools.
Board Chair Kate Toye observed that masks are available at schools for students or staff who may wish to use one.
The Secretary-Treasurer's Report reviewed a number of Repots from Expenditures, Operations and Information Technology
It was noted that the Board was currently working on their Amended Budget work.
Board member Horne, noted of there recent removal of the City's water advisory and had questions related to the use of the new second bus for the District.
James Warburton outlined some of the use that the new vehicle had received. observing of the record keeping program that they have towards it. He outlined how the additional bus had resulted in some additional trips for sports teams to travel out of town.
He also provided some background towards questions from Trustee Beil asked towards vandalism issues related to the Westview school property and noted of the measures taken to this point to try to keep people off the School property.
He observed that in addition to the vandalism, residents had been using the property as a form of dumping grounds for a number of goods.
Trustee Beil suggested that with a number of concerning activities taking place on that property that proper signage to alert people that there is No Trespassing allowed on School properties.
"It's been a never ending saga to be painting over the vandals when it happens up there.
We've been watching to see what know of activity is happening, sometimes people will drive in and they'll drive all the way around the back of the school and we don't know why that's happening.
So made the decision to put that rope back up to keep stop people from driving in there now.
We have cleaned things up there, people will dump old mattresses, pallets and sometimes used oil and a bunch of thing that we've picked up from around the Westview property" -- Operations Manager James Warburton
Trustee Beil noted of those instances and other concerns that she has about those trespassing on the property while Trustee Horne noted that some residents from the area use the area for recreation activities, but concurred with the need for signage.
Board Chair Toye noted that they don't have those signs on other school properties, with trustee Beal observing that in this case the school is not in use and that there are significant dangers for the Westview property without more attention from the Board.
"It's a vacant piece of property, it can't be managed and when it can't be managed we're at higher risk, I mean if it was like a School property it's a little different that there's students going to the facility
But there isn't the school is being abused by citizens of Prince Rupert for activities that aren't conducive to what the School Act is. Dropping mattresses, drinking, eventually there's going to be a fire and that school's going to be on fire, I'm telling you I'm concerned about that school" -- SD52 Trustee Janet Beil
For Trustee Horne the issue of the building not being in use is making it a target for those in the community.
"Also graffiti that James's had said as well, so because there's nobody there, people feel that it's an opportunity to come in as opposed to a school that's populated. And I think that based just off of what he saying it would be a good idea to to do, it doesn't have to be anything crazy, but just some signage"-- SD52 Trustee James Horne
The board members then voted to take measures towards the issue at the property.
Trustee Dalton returned to the topic of the District's bus fleet and what they do with the buses in the summer. He advised that during that period they are parked and provide for inspections in August prior to the start of the school year.
From the IT department report, it was noted of the placement of smart boards at Roosevelt School.
A review of the funding for the EV Charger program and upgrades for the Sprinkler System program followed from the Agenda package.
Trustee Horne noted of the plans from Senior levels of Government towards increased use of EV Vehicles in the future and asked how the School District was approaching that shift in the provincial and federal focus.
Superintendent Samoil outlined how the District is approaching the topic, noting that they charge a fee for the public to use the facility and how the District will begin to introduce Electric Vehicles to their fleet in the year ahead.
The Board members discussed of the potential need for more charging stations as the District plans continue to move forward.
As for the Sprinkler program the Secretary Treasurer noted that the District would first address issues at Conrad School which would cost up to 1.7 million dollars. Work is also required at Charles Hays Secondary and Roosevelt School.
She noted that provincial funding is available towards that work.
The Board members were in consensus of the need for the issues to be addressed.
The remainder of the Agenda was taken on quickly with few questions raised towards the items on the list.
One item of note from the list was the Policy work related to the Trustee Remuneration and Expense Allowance policies, which noted of some concerns over a lack of incentive for those that may want to seek office as a Board trustee.
Trustee Beil spoke to the theme of remuneration and how it should be viewed.
"When you run for public office you're running because you care about the interest you're running for.
You're running for the student body, you're running to protect students and ensuring they get a good education. So I just wanted to clarify that, that's what the remuneration is for.
It's for you to be able to take that day off if you need to go to a meeting in Vancouver or to Terrace or wherever, that's why you get provided that remuneration.
So frankly I never had a concern about that, because I understand that people don't want to run for Boards because the remuneration may be a lot lower than they expect it to be.
But that's the choice you make. I mean, do you get less calibre people running for boards?
I don't think we're any less than anyone else out there"
Trustee Dalton provided some observations related to some of the other Boards that she has been a part of.
Towards the work on the Remuneration policy, the members will continue to work on the development of it with it to return to the Committee prior to coming back to the Board.
As part of the wrap up to the evening's agenda, Mike McDowall provided for an update on plans for the upcoming Welcome to French Immersion program at École Roosevelt Park School. Noting of the public sessions in January for parents and guardians to learn more about the program in the District.
The January 15th Board Session can be viewed below, accessed from the SD52 Archive page
The Spirit of Lax Kw'laams will be carrying a lighter passenger list for the next little while, that as the Band Council takes to some required maintenance work for the life boats aboard the vessel.
The work required means that only 49 passengers can be carried until the repairs are completed.
The listed capacity for the vessel is 16 cars, 133 passengers.
The Advisory to those who travel on the Ferry between Prince Rupert and Tuck Inlet was relayed through the Band Council website and Social media stream today.
Last week the Band Council also released the February schedule for the marine transportation service, the key week of important from that release the ANBT tournament dates from February 10 -17.
