Blog Watching: Week ending April 14, 2024

This past week was a Council week, featuring the first of two public sessions for Prince Rupert City Council for the month of April.

As it often is on Council weeks, many of our items found large audiences and for this week two themes dominated the focus for readers.

The first was the use once again of dividends from the City's Legacy financial instrument, this time Council using some of those resources towards topping up the cost of design work from the estimate of last year.

The other topic that generated significant attention was another round of the city's work on derelict or nuisance properties, though in this instance, the prospects of demolition for the old Mohawk site on Second West now seems very unlikely.

Also this week,  the Prince Rupert Port Authority announced their latest Board of Directors appointment, with Hilary Cassady and Lee Brain announced as the appointees, Ms. Cassday from the Port Users Group and Mr. Brain to serve as the choice of the City of Prince Rupert and District of Port Edward.

The last of the list of five notes of the ongoing investigation into last weeks Fire at a townhouse complex on Immanuel,  the incident sent one person to hospital with serious injuries and saw Prince Rupert RCMP take one male into custody.

 

When it came to the most read item of the week however,  the latest dip in the funds of the City's Legacy accounts provided for our top article.

Legacy Fund Dividends come to the rescue for preliminary planning for City's McCarthy GM Facility for Civic Operations use --  At their Monday session, the members of Prince Rupert City Council approved the use of $290,000 of Legacy dividends to cover off the revised price of the original price of75,000 dollars for the design work on the McCarthy GM facility. That's the early process towards making use of the old auto dealership for  use by Civic Operations.   More notes related to the Monday Council Session can be explored here. (posted April 8, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

City of Prince Rupert looks to accommodate property owners on Second West towards remediation goals for former Mohawk property site    -- Monday's council session brought comments from the property owners during the public comment period, along with a review of a report from staff that outlined steps for the property owners to take care of,  that to eliminate the prospect of demolition for the boarded up structure.    (posted April 10, 2024)

Former Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain one of two new appointments to the Prince Rupert Port Authority Board of Directors -- The City of Prince Rupert's nomination and selection process delivered a familiar name to a prime civic appointment. That as former Mayor Lee Brain was selected by  civic officials in Prince Rupert and Port Edward, to serve as the City of Prince Rupert/District of Port Edward representative on the Port Board. Also selected by the Port Users Group for placement on the Board, was Hilary Cassady an accomplished businesswoman with Prince Rupert roots.   (posted April 8, 2024) 

Prince Rupert's 'Still standing', so Jonny Harris is coming to town Sunday for a look-- Comedian Jonny Harris, host of the popular CBC TV program Still Standing was in the city for much of the week researching the community for his show at the Civic Centre on Sunday evening, the event one free to the public.   (posted April 9, 2024) 

One person injured and in hospital from Saturday's East Side fire, one in custody as Prince Rupert RCMP continue investigation -- Quick work by Prince Rupert Fire Rescue on April 6th limited the spread of a  fire at a townhome complex on Immanuel. Though as a result of the fire one person was taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries, while Prince Rupert RCMP announced one male was in custody related to the fire.    (posted April 7 , 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending April 6, 2024

Respect and love is the word that comes to mind with the word of the passing of Iona Camagnolo the former Prince Rupert resident who put the city on the map a number of times through her life long service to city, province and nation.

Such was the interest in her passing, that our notes of Friday afternoon, quickly rose to the top of the list of items read from the week.

Health Care in Prince Rupert continued to dominate the conversations of the community this past week, though thankfully the pace of Emeency Room Closures has slowed over the last seven days.

Still, the topic has made for headlines far beyond Prince Rupert with both a Vancouver Sun Columnist and the Opposition parties at the Legislature seeking answers for a Health Care system that is facing many challenges.

Mayor Herb and an assembled collection of Senior Civic Staff members provided an update for the community on the city's Infrastructure plans, our review of the Thursday forum a well received piece that attracted a large readership.

And the end of an era for police transportation caught the eye of many readers, with our look at the retirement ceremony for a Crown Victoria police car on Haida Gwaii gaining a number of reads this week.

 

When it came to the most read item of the week however,  the memories of the life and times of Iona Campagnolo have clearly resonated with the community upon her passing.

British Columbians mourn passing of former Prince Rupert icon and resident Iona Camagnolo --  Word of the passing of Iona Campagnolo began to make its way across Canada Friday afternoon, with tributes to a Canadian trailblazer coming from both political leaders and residents of Prince Rupert.  (posted April 5, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Prince Rupert's Emergency Closures makes for partial narrative to latest column from Vancouver Sun political observer Vaughn Palmer --   The spotlight on a near month of mostly overnight Emergency Room Closures in Prince Rupert was a bit brighter this week, as the widely read political columnist explored some of the health care issues in the community.   (posted April  3, 2024)

Concerns for safety of staff, patients at Northern Health facilities raised in Legislature Question Period -- The topic of health care made for a sinficiant talking point for Opposition MLA's this past week, with much of their commentary and Questions directed towards concerns with Northern Health. (posted April 4, 2024) 

Thursday night Town Forum on Prince Rupert's Big Dig plans, morphed into the Big Vent by evening's end --  While much of a two hour Town Hall at the Lester Centre on Thursday focused on the city's work ahead on water line and road infrastructure, those in attendance also sent some messages for council on themes of Health Care, Business development and the progress for redevelopment downtown.  (posted April 5, 2024) 

RCMP on Haida Gwaii bid farewell to a reliable partner in law enforcement --  There must be a large number of Police Car buffs on the North Coast, as our look at a retirement ceremony for a Crown Victoria police car in Daajing Giids gained a large audience.  (posted April 2, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending March 31, 2024

Housing took the lead over Health care this week as the most read item from our list of five.  

It was interest in the City's notes related to opportunities to add a secondary suite to our homes that captured the most interest of readers over the last seven days.

It being a City Council week,  our look at a number of Council initiatives from the Monday session attracted a large audience.

Among them, the frustration over noise and smells for residents of Wayne Place Seniors Residences and the latest Report from the Prince Rupert Fire Department. 

As well our look at some of the new construction projects and the pace of the demolition of the Angus apartments also gained a large audience.

And the Health care crisis in Prince Rupert continued into a second week of Emergency Room Closures, which also brought a visit to the community by Heath Minister Adrian Dix.

 

When it came to the most read item of the week however,  changes to provincial housing regulations and how the impact on additional suites was the item which gained the largest audience.

City of Prince Rupert highlights opportunities to add a secondary suite at your home --  The City of Prince Rupert outlined some background on provincial changes to housing legislation as well as the City's approach to the processor adding a secondary suite to primary residences in the city.  (posted March 26 , 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Wayne Place Residents appeal to City Council for a good night's rest  -- Idling trucks and the smell of diesel exhaust has left residents of a Seniors facility adjacent to Rupert Square seeking some help from their elected officials.  (posted March 27 , 2024)

PRFD report to Council notes of similar pace of response for February 2024 as found year before -- The latest report from the Prince Rupert Fire Rescue Department was presented to Council Monday evening, its contents seemingly capturing the attention  and making for comment from some residents.  (posted March 25, 2024) 

Demolitions and Construction work make for sounds of Spring in Prince Rupert -- Our tour of a trio of current construction projects and the continued clean up work of the demolition of the Angus Apartments was a well received piece for the week.    (posted March 26, 2024) 

Health Minister Adrian Dix comes to Prince Rupert to explore Hospital issues  -- With a number of Emergency Room Closures once again this week, the Minister of Health came to Prince Rupert at the start of the week to learn more of the challenges in Prince Rupert.  The full review of another week of concerning health care narratives for the city can be reviewed through our archive page.  (posted March 26 , 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending March 24, 2024

Health care and the challenges that Prince Rupert is facing at this current moment once again made for the top area of note over the last seven days.  

That as Northern Health announced five consecutive nights when the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Emergency Department had been Closed overnight to the public.

The closure making for some tough decisions by residents as to whether to assess their condition and wait out the closures or make the trip to Terrace for attention.

Such has been the current of conversation this week in the city that four of our five stories for the feature could have relayed our stories this week on the situation at the ER. With that we've flagged the most item read of the week and offer up our archive to review the rest.

To balance out the week with other news we drilled down the listings and highlight our  items from City Hall on another building coming down and the LNG plans for the Haisla Nation.

Also from our review, the end of the CIHL season and success for our neighbours in Terrace; along with some polling on the provincial scene that is sure to catch the eye of both BC NDP and BC United supporters.

 

When it came to the most read item of the week,  it was our look at the Overnight Closures of the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Emergency Department that gained the most notice.

Third Prince Rupert Hospital ER closure in less than ten days, will raise concerns of a new normal for residents of the North Coast --  The last week of Emergency Room closures dominated much of the conversation in town, with five consecutive nights recorded for the challenges in finding physician coverage for the Hospital ER. Such was the focus on the state of Health Care that four of the five listings for this weekly archive could have featured Northern Health stories.  You can find our week's work on the ER theme here.   (posted March 18, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Down comes the Angus ... as City's remediation program moves along   -- One of the most visible of the eyesore structures in the community, has finally met the demolition team, with quick work this week made of the Angus Apartments on Second Avenue West.   (posted March 21, 2024)

Land Clearing Plans for CEDAR LNG could start in May, Haisla led project seeking community feedback this month   --  While all of Prince Rupert's past plans for LNG terminal development have long since been abandoned. The pace in Kitimat continues to move forward, with a Haisla Led project ready to move on to its next stage of development. (posted March 19, 2024) 

River Kings advance to Coy Cup following OT thriller in Williams Lake -- The long road since September for CHIL teams finally came to conclusion this past weekend, with the Terrace River Kings taking a Best of Three series 2 games to one over the Williams Lake Stampeders to claim the CIHL championship,  Both teams will have just a bit of hockey left to go however, with both Terrace and Williams Lake now set for the Coy Cup in Powell River.    (posted March 19, 2024) 

Spring Slump for BC NDP, BC United as BC Conservatives find spike in polling trends   -- When MLA's return from their extended Spring break after Easter, their may be a shift in attention for the governing NDP, with the BC Conservatives finding some growing support in many parts of the province.   (posted March 21, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending March 17, 2024

Health care and the challenges that Prince Rupert is facing at this current moment made for the top area of note over the last seven days.  

That following the community reaction to the closure of the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Emergency Department on March 9th, a situation that was reprised just this most recent overnight period in the city.

It being a City Council week, many of the stories we covered from the Monday session over the last five days,  moved quickly to the most read listings .

Among those, the Council's work on remediation orders for eyesore properties in the city, the stalled nature of the ambitious plans for the Gateway area of downtown at Third and McBride. 

The recent announcement of the deaths of 19 eagles at the city's landfill site also was significant narrative for the Monday council session. 

Also capturing some attention over the last seven days,  our look at the work of Minister Nathan Cullen on the provinces Dock Management planning and legislation hopes, the topic one which made for some push back from recreation users who use docks in BC. 

 

When it came to the most read item of the week,  it was far and away our notes on the Closure of the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Emergency Department on March 9th that gained the most notice.

Silence all around on weekend Emergency Department Closure over weekend in Prince Rupert -- The March 9th Emergency Room Closure captured much attention last weekend around Prince Rupert, but it wasn't until the Monday City Council session and a statement in the Legislature that the topic gained some official attention from Prince Rupert's public officials.  Those officials will have another opportunity for comment next week, that after an other closure through Sunday AM was announced by Northern Health last night.  (posted March 13, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Three more properties added to the list for City of Prince Rupert remedial action orders -- The City's ongoing work on structures that are eyesores continued at Monday's council session, with three more on the action list.    (posted March 11, 2024)

Stalled Gateway plans make for council discussion from Monday's session --  Some of the discussion coming out of the city's work on remedial action orders focused on the lack of progress to date for the much anticipated Gateway plans for the corner of McBride and Third Avenue West.    (posted March 15, 2024) 

New Land Use Controversy percolating for BC Cabinet Minister --  It may not have seemed likely that Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen had taken on a controversial Ministry when he was appointed to Water Land and Resource development, but for the second time since January the Minister is finding himself in the spotlight on land use issues in the province.   (posted March 12, 2024) 

City Council explores range of themes towards Eagles Deaths at City Landfill site --  Prince Rupert's City Council members had opportunity to discuss and ask questions of staff the recent revelation of the deaths of 19 eagles at the Ridley Island Access Road Landfill site. The conversation of Monday one which was led by Councillor Nick Adey.     (posted March 13, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending March 10, 2024

Some welcome news and some concerning news made for the main focus for resident os Prince Rupert this past week.

The positive news coming from Victoria on Thursday through  an announcement by the Federal Government of the release of 77.2 million dollars in infrastructure funding. 

The news that likely generates some significant concern for the town was the announcement mid Friday night by Northern Health of the suspension of overnight Emergency Department service of Friday/Saturday. That owing to an inability to secure physician services.

Both stories had gained a large readership on the blog by Saturday morning.

Also finding a strong readership this week was the Budget response from Skeena MLA Ellis Ross, his comments this past week, were the last response that  he will make on a provincial budget in BC.  

That as he prepares for his run as a Conservative candidate for a Federal election campaign to come in the year ahed.

The City's water infrastructure challenges were highlighted by our look at the comments from City Councillor Wade Niesh last weekend,  the Councillor having waded into an on line forum discussion on a petition to suspend water utility taxes in Prince Rupert. 

 

When it came to the most read item of the week,  it was far and away our notes on the current recruiting drive in Terrace for that city's fire service and our comparison as to  how the two Fire Departments have a very different structure of service.

Terrace looks to add to City's Fire Service though paid on-call volunteer recruitment -- Our look at the current recruiting drive in Terrace and the differences between how the fire Service operates between Prince Rupert and the Skeena Valley city gained a large audience this week and spurred on much in the way of comment  (posted March 7 , 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Ellis Ross notes of his last Budget debate speech in the Legislature, exploring themes of Government/Indigenous issues -- With Skeena MLA Ellis Ross heading into his last session for Provincial politics and a bid for Federal office in the offing, his final Budget response as MLA focused on a range  of themes.     (posted March 5, 2024)

City of Prince Rupert secures 77.2 million dollars from Federal Government for infrastructure work -- A much anticipated and welcome announcement came out of Victoria this week, as Federal officials confirmed the award of the 77.2 million dollars in infrastructure investment that the City of Prince Rupert was seeking.  The news resonated across Prince Rupert and beyond with many voices offering congratulations to the news.    (posted March 7, 2024) 

Councillor Niesh responded to Water charge petition on social media --    Prior to the news from Ottawa on the city's water funding request, city councillor Wade Niesh was on social media to take on the proponents of an online petition calling for a suspension of water utility charges in Prince Rupert (posted March 4, 2024) 

Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Emergency Department unavailable to residents overnight to 8AM Saturday  --  A story from late Friday evening quickly gained traction on the blog, with Northern Health suspending Emergency Department services in the Friday overnight to Saturday period owing to a physician shortage.     (posted March 9, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending March 3, 2024

The City's progress towards removing unsightly properties continued this week and as our top story of our list of Five notes, the call for remedial action sometimes brings some controversy. 

In this case as the out of town owners of the old Mohawk property on Second West accuse the city of blindsiding them on the issue.

As it was a Council week a number of other items also delivered some strong readership numbers.

Included on the list, some repair work on a streetlight on McBride, along with renovation plans for the Fire hall washrooms.

The District of Port Edward is making a second bid to gan acceptance for their plans for a recreation area just west of the Galloway Rapids Bridge and provincial government bureaucrats were in the spotlight after an unusual request on language gained some national attention.

 

When it came to the most read item of the week, it was the always popular topic of cleaning up unsightly properties in the city that led the way.

Second Avenue Business owners push back on City Demolition plan -- Prince Rupert City Council continued with its push to clean up the downtown core area, moving forward on a remedial action order, though the owners of the Second Ave West property had a number of questions on the process.  (posted February 28, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

City to Province, on McBride Street lighting, the bill is in the mail --  After fielding a number of complaints from residents, the City tended to a burned out streetlight on McBride Street and will send the province the bill   (posted February 26 , 2024)

City of Prince Rupert seeks bids on plans for Washroom  renovations at First Avenue West Fire Hall --  The city's aging fire hall is going to get an internal makeover  (posted February 26, 2024) 

District of Port Edward launches new approach towards waterfront park plans --  The District is back to the Provincial government over plans to develop some Crown Land just off the Galloway Rapids Bridge into a recreation area.    (posted February 29 , 2024) 

BC's Bureaucrats advise government employees and officials against using the term British Columbians --  The BC Gov't language police have outlined a preference that politicians and civil servants refrains from using the term British Columbians to describe residents of British Columbia.   (posted February 27, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending February 25, 2024

Our look at the status of the Alaska Ferry Dock and some suggestions from the Alaska side of the A/B line on a potential repair plan made for a significant volume of views this week.

Also gaining some strong readership. on the week was our review of the Transport Canada report on the February 7th aviation incident at YPR, as well as our look at the positive news behind a road closure.

The City's retail sector suffered another closure this week, with the Rupert Square Radio Shack shutting its doors.

And hot on the heels of the arrival of our  annual Utility Bills collection call, some residents have expressed the belief that the water element of taxation collection should be suspended until the water issues are resolved, some launching a petition to call for that.

When it came to the most read item of the week, it was the future for the Alaska Ferry dock that gained the most attention.

Is Prince Rupert pondering repairs for AMHS dock to assist return for Alaska Ferry Service?  -- The topic of the many challenges facing the Alaska Ferry service dominated the recent Southeast Conference meetings.  One item from our notes on the conference, was related to a newspaper article from Ketchikan which suggests at least one challenge, that of the AMHS Dock in Prince Rupert may have a remedy.     (posted February 23, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Transport Canada releases occurrence report for February 7th Summit Air incident at YPR -- The Federal agency which oversees transportation in Canada provided for the first indication as to why a Summit Air Charter flight went off the runway earlier this month at the Digby Island Airport.      (posted February 22 , 2024)

Shawatlan's Road work ahead, a precursor to water main replacement project --  A Road Advisory from the City last week, while making for an inconvenience for motorists heading to and from the Industrial park is actually a welcome sign of progress for the water infrastructure replacement program.     (posted February 23, 2024) 

Prince Rupert's The Source closes, leaving the New Best Buy/Source hybrid for points east   --The Retail electronics store with a thirty four year history at the Rupert Square and even longer in Prince Rupert closed its doors this past week, the Prince Rupert Operations not part of the new Best Buy/Source retail footprint for Canada.      (posted February  20, 2024) 

Utility Bills reminder sparks petition calling for  hold on water taxes in Prince Rupert -- A reminder from the City of Prince Rupert through social media stirred up some discussion on the pending Utility tax deadline of march, along with a petition call for a suspension of taxes on the water element of those utility bills.   (posted February 21, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending February 18, 2024

With Heath Care themes making for much discussion around the region, Prince Rupert City Council is looking to spark a local stakeholder group toward addressing a range of issues, their plans making for one of the five most read NCR items of the week.

Proposed Development for Watson Island once again is making news, that as Mayor Pond attended a number of forums in Vancouver in the past week. Included was one on energy where the Mayor revived plans to make Waston Island an Energy export Hub.

Procurement and Calls for Bids made for some review this week, with the City's Operations Director delivering a report on some of the major work ahead; as well as from the City's posting of a Bid to move forward on planned renovations for the McCarty Motors building for Public Works.

And it has been a win or go home weekend for the Prince Rupert Rampage, with our preview of their task at hand in Hazelton gaining a large audience on Friday.

When it came to the most read item of the week, it was the challenges and concerns over health care in the city that gained the most attention.

Councillor Nick Adey wants the City of Prince Rupert and community stakeholders to take the lead towards addressing range. of health care issues for Prince Rupert --  Prince Rupert City Council will be exploring ways to improve some elements of health care in the region, set to engage other stakeholders towards recruitment, retention and sharing information on health services.  (posted February 14, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Mayor Pond promotes Watson Island as Energy Hub at Vancouver Forum -- Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond who was in Vancouver for a Housing forum, made a side trip to an energy and investment forum, launching the city's latest efforts to revision Watson Island and a Lot 444 across from Seal Cove for development.         (posted February  14, 2024)

City of Prince Rupert puts McCarthy building renovation program out for Bid -- Design Plans and other preparation for the renovations for the new public works space at Portage and Saskatoon have moved forward.     (posted February 13, 2024) 

Rampage hopes for a Coy Cup shot, run through Hazelton this weekend -- The CIHL semi finals continued this weekend in Hazelton with what was a must win weekend for the Prince Rupert Rampage.  As Saturday ended, so too did the Rampage season, losing game two to Hazelton 7-1. 

With the Wolverines winning the Best of 3 series, 2 games to one.    (posted February  16, 2024) 

Procurement plan for Major projects to be outlined to Council tonight -- A report from Operations Director Richard Pucci for the Monday Council Session, charted the plans ahead for a number of municipal projects.  (posted February 12, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending February 11, 2024

The prospect of some new housing stock in the months ahead found the largest readership of the week, with our look at the progress for the Gitxaala Nation led townhome project on Kootenay Avenue  proving to be a popular item for the last seven days.

The remainder of our list of five featured a look at an article from a former Lax Kw'alaams council member who outlined some interest towards another LNG project for the region, this one to be based in the Anyox northeast of Prince Rupert.

The challenges for the Alaska Marine Highway System continue into 2024 with the AMHS noting that its summer schedule does not include a sailing to Prince Rupert that as they await the return of a vessel in refit and seek out enough staff for the vessel when it returns.

Canada's media landscape saw another seismic shift for the broadcast industry with Bell Canada Enterprises set to sell of 45 radio properties including a number in Northwest BC.

And Prince Rupert RCMP issued a call to the public for help in location a missing male, who had last been seen at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital.

The most read item of the week however puts the focus on housing in Prince Rupert and some progress for a Gixaala Nation led housing project.

Gitxaala Nation Housing work coming along on Kootenay Avenue -- The framing has started on the 20 unit townhome complex under construction on the city's west side. The move in date anticipated for the summer of 2025.   (posted February 6, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Plans for Floating LNG Terminal for Lax Kw'alaams Territory seemingly percolating -- An article by a former Lax Kw'alaams Councillor for a national think tank publication has charted what could the next LNG development proposed for the Northwest.        (posted February  9, 2024)

Ongoing vessel refit work, lack of sailing staff means AMHS Summer Service to Prince Rupert unlikely in 2024 --  The Alaska Ferry last ran on a regular schedule to Prince Rupert in 2019, from COVID to vessel challenges that service has yet to be resumed on a regular basis and it does not appear that the summer of 2024 will be much different that the last five years.   (posted February  6, 2024) 

Bell Canada Enterprises to sell Northwest Broadcast outlets as part of national divestment of 45 radio stations -- The decision to jettison 45 radio stations along with layoffs of hundreds of employees made for another rough day for Canada's broadcaster on Thursday.  Though for the Northwest, the purchase of the Bell Radio assets makes for a return of a familiar name for Northwest BC broadcasting   (posted February 8 , 2024) 

Prince Rupert RCMP seek public assistance on Missing person file  --  The Prince Rupert detachment of the RCMP is looking to locate a young adult male who was last seen at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital earlier this month.  (posted February 6, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending February 4, 2024

The City's Vision plan calling for 24,000 residents in Prince Rupert by 2030 may be a tad ambitious of a population forecast.  

That as this week brought a report from the Provincial Agency Data BC which released its British Columbia community population projections  for 2046, with the city not likely to reach the 18,000 mark over the next 22 years.

Our notes on the report by far made for the most read story of the week, though there were strong results for the rest of our list of five as well.

The City's Business sector was of some note for readers, with the owner of a Prince Rupert clothing store announcing its upcoming closure.

Our look at the January meeting for the Board of Education also was a well received piece, as was our follow up look on concerns over the mothballed Westview School property.

The CityWest Fibre outage issues on Haida Gwaii took on a bit of a twist, with the organization that represents Area A Crab Fishermen offering up a challenge on CityWest's narrative of the fibre cut issues.

The last of the list of five was our look at the land clearing work taking place adjacent to the area near the Drax Pellet Terminal on the waterfront. 

The most read item of the week however is about the numbers, and the diversion of opinion on just how many people will be calling Prince Rupert home in the years to come..

BC Data Report on population growth notes of coming surge in residents for British Columbia by 2046,; but few of them apparently heading the way of Prince Rupert    -- The latest review of population  trends for British Columbia shows large growth for the province with 2.5 million new residents anticipated by 2046, though for Prince Rupert the BC Stats findings make for reduced numbers form the ambitious forecast of the 2030 Vision plan of a few years ago  (posted February 1, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Prince Rupert Clothing Store sets March 2nd for final day of operations  --  Prince Rupert's commercial sector will see yet another closure, with Heloise Tupas the owner of Aria Apparels announcing her plans to wind down operations of her Rupert Square store in March.    (posted January 31, 2024)

January School Board session hears of PRMS successes , concerns over trespassing at Westview School property -- The January gathering for the Board of Education explored a range of topics to the school year to date, with the bulk of the near one hour meeting notable by a presentation on events at PRMS, along with a discussion on the status of the Westview School. We followed up on the Westview notes with a story last week exploring some history for the property.   (posted January  30, 2024) 

Area A Crab Association challenges CityWest accusations on Hecate Strait fibre cable issues, notes of inaccurate and inflammatory  statements  --  A CityWest statement from late January did not sit well with the Area A Crab Association, that organization released their own statement takin on the CityWest accusation of unsanctioned fishing and traced some of the history between the two parties.  (posted January 29, 2024) 

   

Waterfront clearing activity related to preparation for remediation work -- Some land clearing on the waterfront on the city's west side generated some interest over the last few weeks, to find out what the work was about we contact the Prince Rupert Port Authority for some Cole's Notes on their project. (posted February 2 , 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending January 28, 2024

 A City Council week brought us a couple of items for our list of five, notes of interest that book mark our listings at top and bottom.

The first a look at the plans for a new development for housing on Second Avenue West and the variances requested for it, the other item  a look at the work ahead for the roof of the Lester Centre of the arts and how the City plans to pay the million dollar cost.

Federal politics gained two spots in our weekly review, both related to the announcement of a Conservative Candidate for the next federal election.

Out notes on the announcement of Ellis Ross as the Skeena-Bulkley Valley Candidate for the Tories and how the current incumbent Taylor Bachrach reacted to the news gained a large audience this week.

And The City of Prince Rupert owned Communication company CityWest was in the news this week, that with an update on the long running fibre optic break and service outage issues for Haida Gwaii.

The most read item of the week however, came out of the Monday City Council session and what's coming for the corner of Second Ave West and Seventh Street.

Council to review plans to add housing options for property on  Second Avenue West at Sevenths Street   -- A request for a pair of variances for a property redevelopment in the downtown core made for some discussion at the Monday Council session, with parking the main theme of note from the conversation.    (posted January 22 , 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Is Ellis Ross ready to make the Federal jump?  A national Conservative publication say yes --  Things moved fast Monday on a political note that captured interest not only in the Northwest, but in BC and on the national stage, that as Ellis Ross confirmed rumours of his entry in Federal politics and a quest for the Skeena Bulkley Valley seat in the House of Commons.     (posted January 22, 2024)

NDP take up the 'Ellis Ross Challenge with first nots on Skeena-Bulkley 'valley Conservatives announcement -- Whenrever the next Federal election comes our way, voters in Skeena-BulkleyValley will be part of on election night narrative, with the local riding one expected to be a highly contested, one with the announcement of the Ellis Ross candidacy ahead, the region's NDP supporters are ready for the upcoming battle.  (posted January 23 , 2024) 

CityWest points to unsanctioned crab fishery as cause of recent fibre breaks affecting service to Haida Gwaii -- The City of Prince Rupert owned communication company has outlined the latest notes on the near month Lon fibre optic service interruption to customers on Haida Gwaii.  (posted January 26 , 2024) 

   

Lester Centre roofing plans to move forward with some civic funding shuffling and hopes for a PRPA. grant -- With over a million dollars required towards repairs for the Lester Centre of the Arts roofing structure, City Council decided to put aside plans for the replacement of a traffic light, as well as to hope for success with a grant request for the Prince Rupert Port Authority.   (posted January 24 , 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending January 21, 2024

The News made the news this week, with yet another Canadian newspaper chain facing changes, this one close to home as the Black Press group and its collective of papers in Northwest BC seek creditor protection and make plans for a sale to a group of investors.  

A year of declining shipments, mostly found at the DP World Fairview Container Facility was the main item of note from the final data release on port shipments in 2023 from the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Concerns over unregistered dental workers in BC found their way to Prince Rupert that through an advisory from the BC College of Oral Health Professionals, the details noting of an individual who worked in BC and appears to have been in Prince Rupert for a brief period of time.

The City of Prince Rupert's plans for repair of the Sixth Avenue Bridge gained a mixed reaction this week, with much of the commentary towards the city delivered through their own Social media stream.

And the city has seen more vandalism this time with arson take place, with the concerning situation moving from downtown to the Prince Rupert Golf Course on Ninth West.

The most read item of the week however, was our notes related to this weeks announcement on he fate for Black Press and its holdings of community papers in BC.

Black Press, owners of the Northern View, to move forward on corporate restructuring and sale transaction  --  More challenges for Canada's newspaper business, with the ownership of the papers of the northwest, including Prince Rupert's Northern View set to change, the impact on the chains publications something which likely awaits word from the new ownership groups.   (posted January 15, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

2023 brought Five percent decline in annual shipment volume for Prince Rupert Port Authority    --   The final bit of data for 2023 from the Port of Prince Rupert charts the success and challenges of the terminals of the Gateway footprint. (posted January 18, 2024)

Local Dental clinic among those who used hygienist not registered for practice in BC --   A case file from police in Saanich, has given the BC College of Oral Health Professionals cause to alert patties around BC of the work of un registered worker.  (posted January   17 , 2024) 

City of Prince Rupert;'s Sixth Avenue Bridge plans getting a bit of push back from public through city's social media stream  -- The City's decision to keep the status of the Sixth Avenue Bridge as a one way eastbound crossing until repairs are completed later this year  generated some conversation on the city's own Social media page.  (posted January 15, 2024) 

   

Prince Rupert Golf Course latest facility to see vandalism and property damage  -- More vandalism was reported around Prince Rupert this past week, with the city's public golf course the venue for a vandalism and arson spree.  (posted January 16, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending January 14, 2024

It having been a City Council week, one which featured the first session for the Prince Rupert collective for 2024, a large volume of the list of five explores some of the themes coming out of the Monday Council session.

Though the item which captured the most attention on the week was Federal and  the announcement that Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will be coming to town later this month, hosting an Axe the Tax rally at the Lester Centre.

Towards the municipal themes on the week, three topics made their way to the Five most read list, 

 

Parking and a chance for city staff to outline that their parking enforcement is based on volume of cars and not singling out the All Native Basketball tournament made for the most read council them, followed by progress for the Housing plans for Drake Crescent, as well as a look at the theme of road safety in the downtown core.

The work of the city's RCMP detachment also gained some interest, that following their announcement that an arrest had been made related to a number of thefts in recent days.

However in a week of municipal themes, it was something from the Federal scene that makes for our top story of the five, with the Skeena Bulkley Valley Conservatives looking forward to a Prince Rupert visit from Conservative Leader Pierre Polievre. 

Pierre Poilievre makes Prince Rupert rally plans for January 23rd --  The Opposition Conservative leader who is riding high in the federal polls at the moment, brings his Axe the Tax program and other political themes to Prince Rupert later this month.   (posted January 11, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Parking in Prince Rupert is not Racial, but Spatial -- Monday's City Council session provided for a discussion on civic parking policies when it comes to large events in the community, that amid some concerns of bias by civic bylaw enforcement policies..   (posted January 10, 2024)

Arrest made following string of Prince Rupert thefts -- With watchful eyes on social media tracking some concerns over thefts and suspicious behaviour in neighbourhoods, the Prince Rupert RCMP announce an arrest on a recent case file.   (posted January 8 , 2024) 

City Council moves Drake Crescent Townhomes process forward  -- A proposed townhome development on the city's east side, which would make for the first significant increase in family housing in a number of years, moved a bit further along this week at Council.  More notes on the Drake Crescent plans can be reviewed through our Monday Council preview piece.  (posted January 11, 2024) 

   

Road safety through the downtown core of note for Councillor Adey -- The City Councillor made note of some concerning issues related to pedestrian and motorist safety in the downtown core, though any major change likely will have to wait until infrastructure work takes place along the stretch of road.   (posted January 12, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending January 7, 2024

A new year, brings a new catalogue for our most read items for this year 2024, with a busy week and a range of themes capturing the attention of many of our readers over the first four days of the 365 on the calendar.

A topic that always captures the interest of readers, that of the visual look of the downtown area once again found a large audience, with our look at some extensive plywood installations at the Old Daily News building making for the top item for the week.

A unique but traditional approach to the fishery for Lax Kw'alaams also found a large audience, with our notes on the Band's plans for a fish wheel on the Skeena River of interest for readers.

The annual release of BC Assessment findings for the Prince Rupert area by BC Assessment also generated some strong readership as we took note of the reported decline in assessment for many properties in the region.

Health care also made for two stories that captured the attention of readers, first with our look at some expansion plans for the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Operating Room area.

As well, our update on the impact of Influenza A on the hospital and its operations also was of some interest to readers.

Our top story of the five on the week takes us to the corner of Eighth Street and Second Avenue West and some attention to the building by the owner.

New Year brings new plywood for downtown's former Daily News building --  It seems if you put up some plywood in the downtown core area, it's destined to be a conversation starter. Such was the fate for our notes on an updated look for the old Daily News building.  It generated comments both on the blog and on a local social media stream which had highlighted the story; spurring on some themes that City Council might want to look over towards the perceptions of the downtown area.   (posted January 4, 2024) 

That article was followed by: 

Lax Kw'alaams outline Fish Trap plans for area of Lower Skeena River  --  A land use application with the BC Government offers up a glimpse of some fishery plans for the Lax Kw'alaams Band.  (posted January 2, 2024)

Average Prince Rupert property assessments decline by 8% as 2024 BC Assessments roll out -- The start of the year began with a familiar release of property information, with BC Assessment delivering its property assessments for this year online, with paper copies to arrive in your mailboxes shortly. The data for 2024 showing declines in assessment for many Prince Rupert area residents.   (posted January 3, 2024) 

Plans for expansion of services at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital bring BC Bid call -- While many in the community worry about a loss of medical services in the community, Northern Health has some plans in motion towards an expansion for their urology and Operating room services.   (posted January 3, 2024) 

   

Additional steps in place at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital following outbreak of Influenza A; Health Officials call for postponement of non-essential visits to the facility -- If you have been thinking that this has been a particularly nasty flu season, you would be spot on, with a strain of the flu making for enhanced measures and a call to hold back on any un-necessary visits to the health care facility.  (posted January 4, 2024) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here 

 To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.