Council Timeline: Monday, March 25, 2024

Monday's Council session saw a reduced collective in the Chamber on the night,  with Mayor Herb Pond away for the session and the City Manager Robert Buchan participating by video connection.

With Councillor Wade Niesh serving as the chair for the session, most of the night was taken up with three presentations as part of the Committee of the Whole. That session featured representatives from AltaGas, the Rural Health Network and a delegation from the Wayne Place Seniors residences all speaking to Council on the night.

The Committee of the Whole Agenda is available to review here.

The agenda for the Regular Session for the night had few items to be dealt with, of note from their work, was the Consent agenda, with a late addition of a letter to Northern Health officials and a variety of reports, included on the night was a proposal for a bandshell project for Mariner's Park from Prince Rupert Rotary.

The Agenda for the Regular Council Session can be reviewed here.  

Council  members had also participated in a Closed Session earlier in the evening, the details towards why it was closed to the public can be reviewed here.  

Of the one hour and twenty five minutes for the session, the Presentations of the Committee of the Whole accounted for one hour and ten minutes of the night; the Regular Agenda was dispatched with in fifteen.

Further information from our overview and placement in the video archives can be found below; with the permanent record of the Council minutes added as they are posted to the city website.

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In attendance: Monday, March 25, 2024

Mayor Herb Pond -- Absent
Councillor Nick Adey -- Present 
Councillor Barry Cunningham -- Present
Councillor Teri Forster --  Present
Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven --  Present
Councillor Wade Niesh -- Present (served as Chair)
Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa -- Present

Video Archive  for  Monday, March 25, 2024 

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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 

( 0:00- 1:45) Approval of Agenda  -- With Mayor Herb Pond not in attendance for the night, Councillor Wade Neish served as the Chair,  to open the Committee of the Whole he reviewed the Agenda for thesession  and then sought approval of Council  towards it. 

PRESENTATIONS 

( 1:45 -- 41:00)  Presentation from ALTAGAS

The delegation from AltaGas provided for an update on their plans for development of the  Ridley Island Energy Export Facility. They provided a review of some of the past five years of history of AltaGas in Prince Rupert through their RIPET facility at Ridley Island and the importance of their Prince Rupert operations to their corporate interests.

As part of the overview they focused on the training provided through Coast Mountain College in the northwest, as well as their commitment to hiring locally and within the Indigenous community.

They also highlighted the Rail Safety program that they have in place with fire fighters across the region, as well as their community investment in the Prince Rupert/Port Edward area.

Looking to their next project, an update was delivered to Council on the progress, the bulk of the presentation focused on the joint venture with VOPAK in RIEEF, the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility.

The Presentation outlined  that while they have not yet made a Final Investment Decision for that terminal project, the plans have been in place over the last three years, with the expectation that they will make that decision  in the second quarter of this year.

A review of the design of the proposed terminal and the regulatory licensing, Indigenous engagement and site preparation made for much of the overview.  They also provided a look at some of their outreach with Coast Mountain College towards training.

Towards questions, Councillor Adey led off the discussion, first noting of the changes that have taken place on Ridley Island from what residents may have remembered from the past when it was previously accessible by the public.

His questions were related to the Wetlands Compensation Function plan, it was noted by the Alta Gas reps that the discussion of the program was currently underway with area Indigenous communities.

The councillor's Second question was towards the FID, Mr. Adey asking what the plan would be if they decide not to move forward.  The AltaGas reps outlined how they are still looking at ways to manage costs and how they will develop it in phases, expressing confidence towards that decision.

Councillor Teri Forster asked for more background on the waste wood burning that is taking place,  it was outlined how the trees that could go to market did, with the remainder the material they being disposed of through a burn operation.

The Councillors second question was related to response to any emergencies at the facility, in reply the AltaGas Emergency Response plan was outlined, as was the relationship that they have with local agencies.

Councillor Randhawa's contribution to the conversation was to seek out a timeline for development and to ask towards the construction process, what kind of workforce would be assembled.

The timeline element was noted as still something in motion towards determining, with a target of late 2026-27 for in service operations. As for the construction it would be a phased approach, with some of the large elements to be constructed offsite from the community and brought to the site.  

For assembly over time it would feature a load level execution with lower levels of workers on site, with AltaGas looking to work with the local community. At peak it's anticipated that 250 people could be working the site, with 50 to 60 percent of them local.

Councillor Cunningham returned to the themes of Emergency services, asking about the nature of their in house emergency response.

He then observed of both the Prince Rupert and Port Edward Fire Departments and how they don't have the specialized training and the burden it would put on the local taxpayers and stretch their resources even more.

To that he asked if AltaGas would be contributing to the local Fire Departments to reduce those burdens.

He also observed of the volume of workers and asked if they planned  for a work camp for their workers and where it was going to be, noting of the housing situation in Prince Rupert.

Towards the workforce question, the AltaGas reps noted of the existing  camp at Watson Island which they would use, as well as plans to expand that camp footprint. They also observed of the medical services that they plan to provide for those camp residents to reduce any impact on local hospital services in Prince Rupert.

A question on the volume of trains required to serve the site, provided a response of roughly 75 train cars per day of LPG for the first phase, expanding up to 90 additional cars for each of the additional commodities should they come on line.

Mr Cunningham noted of the city's concerns over the growing need for travel to Terrace for hospital purposes and how the increase in trains would increase wait times at the level crossing between Prince Rupert and Terrace.

The Councillor also observed as to how the city will be the service centre and how the terminal will bring impacts and challenges to policing and other services in the community.

In reply the AltaGas reps outlined of some of their internal programs for consultation with the community towards those issues. They also highlighted how they are tax payers to the community and how that property tax payment goes to those initiatives.

To close his commentary, Mr. Cunningham praised the working relationship with AltaGas  in the last few years, noting how he was raising the issues that make for local concerns.

Councillor Niesh outlined how he was hopeful for a Final Investment Decision and thanked AltaGas for their contributions through taxes paid to the community.

 ( 41:00 -- 1: 06:00 )  Presentation from RURAL HEATLH NETWORK 

The focus for the second presentation was a recruiting drive to have Prince Rupert join the Rural Health Network to advocate for better health care services in their community.

A portion of the presentation from Paul Adams was plagued by technical issues, what was available outlined the scope of the program, tracing its beginnings back to 2017.

The organization has been raising concerns about the state of the health care crisis in the rural areas of the province since that time and outlined the benefits that Prince Rupert could find by joining in with the other communities that make up the Network.

Towards questions Councillor Forster asked how communities could contact them towards more on their work in rural communities.

She also asked if Jennifer Rice, who is Parliamentary Secretary for Rural health was involved with engagement with the organization, as well as to their engagement with health care professionals.

Mr. Adams observed that they are engaged with both Ms. Rice and the other political leaders in the province, as well as to explain towards their communication work with front line health care professionals.

For Councillor Nick Adey, the focus for his questions was to note of their website and how it provides a good volume of material for the community. He then asked towards their pitch to have Prince Rupert join the Rural Health Network, noting how MLA Rice has advocated for it.

Mr. Adey asked what would change in how to address the concerns for Prince Rupert should they decide to join.

To that, Mr. Adams noted of the still developing  footprint of the Northern membership, highlighting how each area provides background that goes towards their research and advocacy to Health officials and government. 

The Corporate Administrator joined the discussion to note that while the technical difficulties impacted on the council members, the audience at home was able to hear the presentation fine.

Councillor Niesh asked about local recruitment in the north, the response noted how with a focus on urban recruitment for education in medicine, many of those graduates return to the large communities.

He noted that the Rural Health Network has long been advocating for a more decentralized approach towards both education and medical practice and services in the rural areas.

Councillor Cunningham noted of the biggest problem coming through of education and outlined how other areas of the country ensure that the needs of rural areas are addressed.

He also noted of some of the inequalities found in the health care system, which are impacting on rural communities.

To bring the presentation to a close, Mr. Adams observed of some of the challenges in place that have been impacting rural areas for decades, he made one more pitch for Prince Rupert to join the Network observing of the entry cost of 50 dollars, which he noted was a small cost to add Prince Rupert's voice to the network.

( 1:06:00 -- 1:10:30 )  Presentation from Residents of Wayne Place Seniors Residences

Bruce Rempel spoke on behalf of the residents of the Senior's residences that are adjacent to the Rupert quare Mall, highlighting a topic that has come before Council before, that of the noise related to truck traffic in the area in the late evenings and in the overnight period.

In addition to Mr. Rempel's commentary, a tenant of the residences spoke to the reduced quality of life that they have in their homes. 

That due to the excessive noise and fumes from the trucks that is found in the area through the night and in the early morning hours.

As part of the presentation a petition was handed over to Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller.

Council members had no questions or comments related to the Committee of the Whole, with Council then adjourning to the Regular Session.

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REGULAR SESSION OF CITY COUNCIL

Introduction of Late Items

(  1:10:30 - 1:11:00) Approval of Agenda  -- Mr. Niesh reviewed the Agenda of the March 25th Regular Council session  and then sought approval of Council  towards it. 

He noted of one addition to the Consent Agenda, that of correspondences from the City related to the Health care situation at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital.

( 1:11:00 -- 1:11:30 ) Public Comments regarding Agenda items -- No members of the public took the opportunity to speak to any topics.

( 1:11:30 -- 1:12:30) Consent Agenda

Building Department Activity Report for February 2024  (see pages  7-8 of Agenda)
Request for Support Application to he Local Government Development Approvals Process Fund (see pages 9-10 of Agenda)
Monthly Fire/Rescue Report February 2024  (see pages  11-12 of Agenda)
Minutes of the Accessibility Committee of January 16, 2024 (see pages  13-18 of Agenda)

Correspondences:

Prince Rupert Children's Festival  - Certificate of Appreciation    (see page 19   of Agenda)

The only comment that was heard from the Consent Agenda was that from Councillor Adey who noted of the late items and the rather limited areas where the city can engage on the issue of Health care.

He recommended that the public should review them, observing how they were strongly worded coming from his perspective something that it should have been.

As the letters were a late addition to the Agenda, they have yet to be posted to the Agenda for the March 25th Council session, nor do they appear on any of the city's information streams.

Council then provided approval for the Consent Agenda 

Reports

Staff Reports

(  1:12:30 -- 1:15:00) Report from Rotary Club or Prince Rupert  Re: Bandshell Proposal - Pacific Mariner's Memorial Park  (see pages 20-21 of Agenda)

Towards discussion Councillor Cunningham called on the past experiences of Councillor Adey as a musician to speak of some of the challenges that site location may provide, noting of a comment from the consultation on exposure to rain.

He asked Councillor Adey for his thoughts on the positioning of the bandshell, to that theme he observed of the increased challenges that outdoor weather can provide for.

Adding that a consideration towards design might help to reduce some of that as well.

Councillor Niesh observed how that could be mentioned to the Rotarians.

Business Arising

( 1:15:00 -- 1:25:00 ) Council Round Table 

Towards discussion Councillor Adey led off the contestation for the evening. 

His first was a note of appreciation for the local group that cleaned up the Moresby Park Trail area over the weekend. He also noted of some solo efforts in the community

His second topic was to speak to the Emergency Room Closure issues, speaking first to the impact on the BC Ambulance service and to mitigate the risks of the ER closure.

The City manager directed the comment to the Corporate Administrator.

From her overview, Ms. Miller outlined that when the Emergency Room is closed additional assets are brought into the community by BC Ambulance, observing that at the most recent overnight closure that three additional crews were in town, making for four crews and a critical care paramedic.

She also noted that additional guidance is available on the Northern Health social media stream and the city's own social media stream.

Councillor Adey offered his praise for the city's initiative to relay that information.

Councillor Skelton-Morven spoke of the importance of Prince Rupert Regional Hospital for the local First Nations communities and how the closures are a concerning issue for those communities as well.

He added of the importance for the communities to alleviate the issue.

Councillor Niesh pointed to the previous presentation on Rural Health and added that there is a need to bring pressure to the government towards the issues of health care, noting of the strong industrial presence in the community and how it was a top priority for the community.

He outlined how the letters that the City has forwarded and discussions that the city will have in the future will resolve the issues.

Councillor Forster spoke to the theme of the recent demolition of the Angus Apartments and how for many in the community it was a long time coming and relayed some of the gratitude that she heard from the public that it had taken place.

Councillor Cunningham returned to the Moresby Park clean up to pay attribute to the work of organizer Chantal Meggison, who has been in the. lead in the community towards community clean ups.

On the Health Care situation in the area, the Councillor noted how the ER has now become a doctor's office owing to the recent departures and how the facility is crucial to the community, noting of the vulnerability that is here at the moment.

He observed how its going to be used more and more, the also wondered as to the ratio of desks to Bed for Northern Health in Prince Rupert and how there is a need to reverse those priorities.

Councillor Niesh had a few thoughts on the Angus Apartments demolition, noting how the delays to that demolition were not the result of staff, but more related towards the actions of the former landlord, recounting some of the many challenges that he had provided for the city on that file.

He shared his enthusiasm towards its demolition and observed that more buildings and houses in the community will see similar action in the months ahead. He also noted how from the recent work downtown,  it's more enjoyable to drive down Third Avenue these days.

And from that final thought,  the Council session was adjourned.

You can access our Council Archive for the March 25th session here.  

From that a number of items related to the Monday session can be reviewed.

As always, our Council Timeline is only a reflection of our observations from the Council session of the night. Be sure to consult with the official minutes from the City, when posted to their website for further review.

The next City Council Session is scheduled for Monday, April 8, 2024.

That session starts at 7 PM.

Premier, Northwest NDP MLA's gathered in Terrace Friday for NWBCRBA celebration

Premier David Eby and a large volume of invited guests
at the official announcement for funding for the NWBCRBA
on Friday in Terrace

Friday was full of speechmaking, statement publishing, photos and social media messaging, with Premier David Eby taking part in what was the official presentation on the funding to come for the Northwest British Columbia Resource Benefits Association.

The event hosted at Coast Mountain College in Terrace, provided some additional talking points towards the Budget Announcement of February 22nd of the 250 million dollars to be distributed to 21 Northwest local governments over the next five years.

“By working together, we are ensuring people in northwest B.C. have the services and infrastructure they count on like roads, hospitals, water and housing. We are also making sure these communities can benefit from resource development in their region, and the pressures it brings. Everyone in B.C. deserves stability in their jobs and their communities today, tomorrow and for years to come.” --  Premier David Eby

The Friday statement noted of the path that led to the Budget announcement and the focus for the initiative.

The new one-time funding builds on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in September 2022 between the Province and the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance to help strengthen their partnership. The MOU commits to supporting local governments throughout northwestern B.C. It outlines common goals, sets out principles for future engagement and builds shared knowledge of the unique challenges faced in the region.

Among the list of many with statements coming out of the Friday gathering were MLA Jennifer Rice and Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond.

“This announcement is the result of so much intergovernmental co-operation and persistence, with passionate advocates on all levels. This funding will equip local governments in the northwest with additional resources to promote sustainable economic growth and will help build essential infrastructure required to sustain small communities and facilitate major projects in the area.” -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice

“This agreement just makes sense. We are an alliance of small remote communities servicing some of the largest industrial projects in the province. Investing back into our communities a portion of the revenues generated in the region goes a long way to aligning interests around projects that benefit every British Columbian.” -- Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond

Once the official work was out of the way in Terrace, the news was quickly relayed through a number of social media profiles from the participants on the day.

Of the local officials from the Northwest, Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas provided for the most background on the day's theme.

While the day was another opportunity to celebrate the work that went into the successful conclusion to the negotiations, there was no real new information shared on Friday.

Still be announced is how the 21 members will divide up the provincial money and when the first allotment of funding will make its way into the hands of the Finance offices for the communities.

Absent from the festivities of the full on NDP Government event for the day was the MLA who represents the Skeena riding,  BC United MLA Ellis Ross.

The full Statement from Friday can be reviewed here.

Some past notes on the NWBCRBA can be reviewed here.

Celebrations of the Achievements of Women to be found around the world and in Prince Rupert on International Women's Day

Today is being marked around the world as a day one of celebration of achievements by Women and a call for awareness of discrimination and to take action on gender parity.

All of it part of the global messages from coming out of International Women's Day.

The Global theme of the day one of Inspiring Inclusion around the world.

More on the global initiative can be found here.

In Canada, the Federal government has taken the lead on the day, with statements and a website of resources to explore to learn more of the day's focus.

The federal website commemorating the day can be explored here. 

In British Columbia, Premier David Edby opened this Friday with the government's message for the day.

The full provincial statement for the day can be reviewed here. 

Locally, the City of Prince Rupert has paid tribute to the women of the region as part of their message for the day.

In the community, the Prince Rupert Port Authority, Northern Savings and Coast Mountain College were among those. who have made note of the day of celebration and calls for action.

As we hear of more organizations and groups observing of this International Women's Day, we'll add those commemorations to our archive above.

More Notes on community themes can be reviewed here. 

Pink the colour of the day, as Schools, organizations observe Pink Shirt Day

The fashion choice was simple for many in Prince Rupert and as you travel around town you can see that the one colour dominated the workplace or school environment today, Pink, that as British Columbia observed on the Annual Pink Shirt Day.

An initiative to call attention towards the prevention of bullying .

The Day one which came with an official proclamation from Janet Austin the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

That followed up by a statement from Premier David Eby, who outlined some of the steps the government has taken to address bullying both at the schools and online.

The Premier noting of how he was observing the day.

“Today, my family and I will wear pink and talk about how we can be better supporters of all kids, in the halls of the school and the halls of the legislature. I encourage everyone in British Columbia to do the same. Together, we can end bullying.”

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice caught up with the Premier for a snapshot of their wardrobe and message for the day.

In Prince Rupert From Schools across the city, to the college, to a number for offices and businesses the message was one of working together to eliminate bullying.

From SD 52, Conrad Elementary outlined their focus through their newsletter earlier this month.

The largest observation of Pink Shirt Day is that coordinated through Vancouver radio station CKNW, which has been part of the anti bullying program since it began n 2007.

The Surrey School District offers up this brief historical review of the program.

Today organizers noted of a Haida Influence to their project with the Pink Shirt that was designed coming from Haida artist Corey Bulpitt. 

You can learn more about his work and his message for the day here.

They also provide some quick facts on the Pink Shirt Day program and its success to date.

Locally, the Gitmaxmak'ay Nisga'a Society has their own Tee Shirt for the day available for the community.

We're saving some space below for the snapshots from around Prince Rupert, check back from time to time to see what we've added to the page as they come along.

Coast Mountain College in Prince Rupert was among the first
to put out their photo collection

City Hall was in the Pink on Wednesday

More notes on community themes is available here.

Prince Rupert Council to chart process of Health Care consultation tonight

Concerns over Health Care in Prince Rupert will be the subject of note for City Council tonight, that as City staff provide from the Notice of Motion from the February 12th session that will chart the path forward for community consultation on Health care.

Earlier this month, we outlined some of the background to that plan from the February 12th session, the initiative led by Councillor Nick Adey who would like to see the city take on a leadership role in the quest for to attract and retain health care professionals in the community.

The motion arrived for Council as some community medical professionals advise their patients of their plans to leave the community over the next few months.

The motion for tonight outlined from the Agenda for the session to start at 7PM

At the February 12th session, Councillor Teri Forster had recommended that Council review a report from the District of Kitimat, which has recently concluded its own review of the health care challenges facing that community.

The report included seven key recommendations for Kitimat officials to consider 

Establish a Health Recruitment Coordinator

Create a Health Recruitment Incentive Program

Establish in collaboration with KHAG, an ongoing multi sector collaborative focused on health care attraction and retention

Develop incentives to encourage the construction of new, or renovation of existing housing stock 

Consider options to incentivize investment in community healthcare infrastructure

Assertively lobby the Ministry of Health and Northern Health to attract internationally educated health care professionals to Kitimat 

The District of Kitimat partner with the UBC, UNBC and Coast Mountain College to expand health care student training spaces in Kitimat and develop access and outreach programs for Kitimat residents to seek health care careers

The Full report which does echo some of the concerns found in Prince Rupert can be reviewed here.

City Council members may also want to reach out to the Burns Lake Village Counci to learn of their recent efforts in doctor recruitment.  

That community recently celebrated the announcement that three new doctors would be relocating to the Lakes District .

That brings the total of doctors to seven for the community of close to 2,000 residents.

With the Motion of notice in front of Council tonight, residents of Prince Rupert should begin to see a  sense of what City Council hopes to achieve from their initiative.

More on tonight's Council session can be reviewed here.

A wider overview of Health Care in Prince Rupert is available here.

Premier makes mini cabinet shuffle as Spring Session to start

Minister Lisa Beare

British Columbia Premier David Eby has finally announced who will fill the Cabinet Post recently relinquished by Selina Robinson the now former Minister of Post Secondary and future Skills, who left the position amid much controversy earlier this month.

Political firestorm over Palestine comments claims a BC Cabinet minister 

An announcement just after eight  this morning from the BC Government, has seen Lisa Beare  appointed as the New Minister of Post-Secondary and Future Skills, while George Chow will move into her former duties as Minister of Citizen's Services.

In Post Secondary Education Ms. Beare takes on a file now at the top of the controversy list, with recent changes to International student levels in the province making for much concern at University and college campuses across the province.

Federal/Provincial actions on International education could have an impact on Prince Rupert campus for Coast Mountain College.

Her tenure as Post Secondary and Future Skills Minister may not be a long one, the Spring Session ahead will be the preamble towards the Fall Election period.

More notes on the Legislature can be reviewed here.

Federal/Provincial actions on International education could have an impact on Prince Rupert campus for Coast Mountain college

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.

That volume is something of note for the Prince Rupert  campus of Coast Mountain College which has seen a strong number of International students enrolled  for a number of programs offered at the Fifth Street Campus downtown.

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.

One proposal from Ontario would see colleges and universities be required to guarantee housing is available for incoming student cohorts.

If that policy was to be adopted in British Columbia, the impact on the Prince Rupert campus would be significant, with Coast Mountain College still to develop a campus housing solution for this community. 

The college does offer housing accommodation at its main campus in Terrace.

Another area of note from the Federal side, includes significant changes to the employment opportunities that students can take on while enrolled at Canadian colleges and universities. 

Those temporary measures will also be in place for a period of two years.

Coast Mountain College celebrated the success of some of their International students this week and noted of the global reach that their recruitment program has delivered. 

As for the shift in focus from the two levels of government, Coast Mountain College has yet to issue a public statement or comment on the Federal or Provincial changes and how it may impact its plans for post secondary education in the region in the years ahead.

More notes on Post Secondary education in the Northwest can be reviewed here.

SD52 December meeting highlights Food Security programs, plans for Budget consultation in 2024 and observations on use of uncertified teachers

Today marks the final day for Christmas break for students, parents and staff of Prince Rupert area schools, with the resumption of classes coming on Monday morning.

As they head back to class, we take advantage of the opportunity to review the work of the Board of Education from last month, the elected officials and senior staff members  putting the wrap on their work for 2023 with their final Board meeting of last year.

The occasion one which marked the return of Andrew Samoil to his hosting duties for the Board gatherings, that following his return to work of November.

His first duty on the night was to introduce Andree Michaud with a look at Food Security that is in place at Pineridge Elementary.

Ms. Michaud noted of the efforts of community volunteers and corporate partnerships through the Prince Rupert Port Authority and City Furniture; as well as the involvement of the Moose Lodge which helped in funding for renovations for the Breakfast room program, while the Rotary Club has assisted through their Apple program.

The assistance of the schools PAC was also part of the presentation towards the program.

The overview highlighted how the program has expanded from a simple hot plate to the current set up of the range of options that students now have available to them in a dedicated room towards the initiative.

Trustees praised the work of the program and observed how the initiative has grown and developed a welcoming space for the children of the school.

Trustee  Horne called for the Board to write letters of thanks to those who have helped to shape the program.

In reply to a question from Trustee Beal, it was noted that the core group of those taking part with the program is 15 though it ebbs and flows through the year to higher amounts.

Superintendent Samoil expanded on some of the success of the program and the volume of involvement in the community. 

Other trustees explored the importance of nutrition in the schools and the impact it can have on learning in the city's classrooms.

A review of the travel plans for field trips generated one question as to what age students have to be to no longer require parental approval, towards that the answer was 18 years of age.

The look at enrolment found no changes from the last report, with 1,838 students enrolled in SD52 classrooms, Sandra Pond noted of the trends upward for enrolment numbers from recent years.

She also outlined the new approach and proficiency scales applied to the reporting order, with staff learning the new rules that have been put place by the province, with the assessments for students starting to be delivered to students and their parents/guardians.

This fall also saw the annual FSA testing program with 67 percent of Grade 4's and 60 percent of Grade 7 students participating.

Trustee Pucci asked towards the volume of those students who did not write the FSA's with Ms. Pond outlining some of the reasons towards those numbers.

He asked for the Board to provide a comparison as to how the Prince Rupert results relate to those found province wide. Trustee Dalton also asked for some additional details towards those students who did not participate.

In other Board related assessments, Ms. Pond observed that some of the Districts Grade twelve students also wrote their literacy assessments in the fall, while January will bring a Numeracy and Literacy assessments for Grade ten students.

She, also provided some snapshots of some of the specific classroom initiatives that are found around the District.

A review of the current status of the Child care programs in the community was also provided, along with a look at some of the initiatives in place, including one in conjunction with Coast Mountain College towards child care instruction.

Mr. Jerry Slykhuis, who continues on as the District's contracted SecretaryTreasurer  returned to the meetings participating from the Fraser Valley; he provided for some explanations of some of the financial variances and the work underway towards Budget planning.  

He noted that the Amended Budget will be evolving over the next four weeks, making use of the most recent enrolment numbers and other elements.

He observed that with additional staffing that comes with increased enrolment, the District will be facing continued challenges in funding which have not increased to had been hoped for.

He also noted that the District would be coming out of Funding protection within the next year.

The Operations and Technology reviews followed, with trustee Horne praising some of the work done on security themes.

On financial themes, the District set out its plan for Budget consultation work in the New year.

Some policy work was also a focus on the night, among the themes, the topic of trustee remuneration and how the District may want to address it. Trustee Horne introduced a number of talking points towards that theme for Board members to consider as the work towards that project continues.

The Board reviewed their scheduling plans for 2024, with the Board deciding to hold to their schedule of Monday meetings, which has been a temporary measure, one which would be extended to the end of April.

The final element of the session was a short Question and Answer period for the public to participate in.

Former SD52 trustee spoke to the theme of uncertified
teachers in the schools at the December 18th Board meeting

One participant from the public gallery contributed to the Board meeting, that being former Board Trustee Tina Last. In an exchange with the Board that lasted for the final four minutes of the night, she posed questions related to staffing for teaching positions with the District.

Ms. Last, who has grandchildren enrolled in District schools, noted of the use of uncertified teachers to fill positions that the School District can't find certified educators for at this time. 

While acknowledging the challenges that the Board faces in attracting teachers, she also observed how those classrooms in Districts that are using the uncertified teachers, are not getting the level of teaching that they should be getting.

"What can we look forward to, or what do you need from your voters in the community to say hey, this is not going to work, we can't sustain this, we need qualified teachers ... How do we get what our kids deserve, what do you need" -- Former SD52 Trustee Tina Last at the December 18th Board meeting

In reply, Board Chair Kate Toye observed how it was a topic that the Board discusses quite frequently.  

But  the Chair also noted that she was a bit concerned about going off script related to what is on the Board's agenda and setting a precedent in answering a question that is not on the Agenda.

Superintendent Samoil then offered to meet with Ms. Last  in his office to go over how the District is addressing the issue, as well as what options the public could provide to contribute to the topic.

The Full presentation of the night can be reviewed below:

More notes on education on the North Coast can be explored here.

New Semester brings new faces to Coast Mountain College Prince Rupert

The Holiday break is over for college students across the northwest and in Prince Rupert the new year means a new cohort of students for the programs of Coast Mountain College.

For some it means a return to studies from the Fall semester but for a number of others it marks a new experience and a new country, with the Coast Mountain College campus in Prince Rupert welcoming a number of International students to the community this week.

The College's International outreach has proven to be a popular initiative to attract students from afar; with the Prince Rupert campus home for a growing volume of the diaspora of the world making its way to the north coast.

This week marks the college's Orientation program, with the Prince Rupert campus hosting its event tomorrow in the Multi-Purpose room.

At the Friday session Students will receive their official welcome back to studies and for some a welcome to town; as well as to hear more about what college life in Prince Rupert is like from 10AM to 2PM

 More notes from Coast Mountain College  across the Northwest can be explored here.