Clock ticking down towards possible VIA Rail disruption

Those that use VIA Rail for their travel plans, may wish to start planning possible alternatives as the national passenger rail service faces a 72 hour strike notice.

The Canadian Auto Workers Union served notice on June 4th, reports have the union and VIA Rail setting a strike deadline of midnight on June 14th.

The disruption on the North Coast won't be as dramatic as that in other regions of the nation, service to Prince Rupert is mainly a tourism based offering, the departures and arrivals on every other day for a total of three a week each way to Prince George.


In a press release posted to the CAW website, the union outlined that the strike notice was a result of "frustrations and insecurities that our members feel at VIA". The Union also took issue with the recent modernization plan, which the union suggests isn't providing for much of a modernization plan.

You can read the CAW press release here.

VIA Rail provided this update on the Labour Negotiations as well, offering up "optimism that an agreement might be reached" before that June 14th deadline.

VIA advises its customers to stay informed through their website, Facebook page or twitter feed for any breaking developments or advisories.

Prince Rupert Marine Search and Rescue looking for recruits

Those volunteers that provide for search and rescue services on the North Coast are looking for some recruits for the fall, seeking a handful of candidates that are up to a challenge and eager to serve the community.

Station 64 Prince Rupert, is on a recruiting drive for the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue service that stands by ready to lend assistance when it's requested.

They are holding an information session from 5:30-6:30 PM on Thursday, June 13th at the Prince Rupert Curling Club, where members will explain the duties and requirements of those that may wish to step up and lend a hand (and some time).

Beyond the obvious requirements for those that take to the seas to lend assistance in marine emergencies, the organization is also looking for assistance with shore based activities in administration, fundraising and marine safety promotion.

Those successful applicants will begin training in the fall to take up duties with the group of volunteers currently in place.

Last year Station 64 spent nearly 500 hours on the water, both in training and responding to marine incidents.

A full review of their services can be found here, which provides some background on the work they do on the North Coast and what their requirements are in this recruiting drive.

Those who intend to take in the information session are asked to confirm their attendance by calling 250-600-0945.

You can also follow the latest developments from Station 64 from their twitter feed or on their facebook page.

The Northern View outlined some points on the Search and rescue recruitment posting this item to their website on June 12th.

CFTK outlined the recruiting efforts with this item (video) and this item posted to their website on June 13th.

Administrative changes for SD 52

While she may have been busy packing up the box files for her pending departure for southern reaches of the province, Superintendent Lynn Hauptman was also apparently busy redrawing the administrative flow charts for the upcoming school year.

We're not sure if it was part of the controversial succession planning that was discussed earlier in April, but change is coming to the Administration level at SD52, as three Principals prepare to change schools.

In an announcement from School District 52 from May 31st, Ms. Hauptman and Tina Last, Chair of the Board of Education outlined the changes for September.

For High School students there will be a new face in charge at Charles Hays Secondary this fall, as Mrs. Sandy Pond will be moving to Charles Hays from the Pacific Coast School.

Moving across town as Mrs. Pond takes up her new duties on Prince Rupert Boulevard, will be the current CHSS Principal Sheila Wells. She will take on new challenges with Ecole Roosevelt Community School.

Ms. Wells arrives on Roosevelt Hill as Mrs. Susan Kobza heads downtown, set to take over as Principal at Pacific Coast School.

The staffing decisions may be the last bit of work for Ms. Hauptman, in April the School District announced her departure for this summer.  

The announcement of pending change in upper administration, brings to an end her time as Superintendent with the Board of Education, a position which she held since 2009.

As we outlined on the blog in May, the School District is currently seeking her replacement, utilizing the Make a Future website.  SD52 had no update on how that search is progressing in their press release of May 31st.

The full Media release announcing the changes can be found here.

You can review our archive of items on School District 52 here.

Emergency Services Files -- June 2013

Our Archive of items from the files of law enforcement and other emergency responders in Northwestern British Columbia

From the North Coast Review

June 28-- Summer Counter Attack Program launched with Canada Day weekend
June 27-- Fishing vessel incident on North Coast claims one life
June 27-- East side power outage caused by motor vehicle accident
June 17-- Tragic end to the weekend in the Hazeltons
June 15-- Highway Crash claims one life north of Terrace
June 13-- Lights out and locked doors for Prince Rupert's The Chad Smokeshop
June 5-- Fire engulfs Seal Cove Storage units
June 5-- Prince Rupert Marine Search and Rescue looking for recruits

Media Items from Across the Northwest

Prince Rupert/Port Edward/Haida Gwaii

June 28-- RCMP receive mock-trophy from Sensible BC campaign
June 28-- RCMP wasted time (video)
June 28-- Cannabis Crusader gives trophy to Prince Rupert RCMP 
June 28-- Cannabis crusader to honour Prince Rupert RCMP for 'incredible waste of time'
June 26-- Justice for Justin support growing
June 20-- RCMP tell second Prince Rupert store to take pipes, bongs off the shelf
June 19-- Something stinks about smoke shop raid
June 19-- RCMP actions questioned as candlelight ceremony honours youth found dead at Prince Rupert waterfront
June 18-- RCMP hold public meeting in Port Clements
June 17-- Brooks family fundraises for private investigator with loonie auction
June 14-- Justice for Justin Fund Banks $2,500
June 14-- Justice for Justin Fund (video)
June 13-- Prince Rupert RCMP Seize Thousands of Bongs and Pipes from The Chad Smoke Shop
June 13-- Prince Rupert RCMP seized pipes, bongs, grinders from The Chad Smoke Shop
June 13-- Warehouse Fire Update (video)
June 12-- Where were the answers?
June 12-- Mini storage fire a loss for many in Prince Rupert
June 7-- Fire Gawkers (video)
June 6-- Rupert Warehouse Fire (video)
June 6-- Prince Rupert Fire Considered "suspicious"
June 6-- Major fire burning in Prince Rupert
June 6-- Mini storage fire in Prince Rupert not suspicious, confirms fire chief
June 6-- No plane crash involved in storage blaze, fire chief confirms
June 5-- Massive fire strikes Prince Rupert East End

Terrace/Kitimat/Nass and elsewhere

June 28-- 74 year old woman dies in car accident
June 28-- Cannabis Crusader Mocks Prince Rupert RCMP
June 28-- Rollover Crash North of Terrace Kills Woman, Injures Man
June 28-- 74 Year Old Woman Dies in Crash near Terrace
June 27-- Terrace RCMP celebrates 100 Years of Policing
June 26-- Celebrating 100 years of policing
June 26-- Former Terrace resident named in hockey civil suit
June 26-- Roadblock results in multiple driver suspensions
June 24-- Police officers re-organized for summer
June 21-- Rock thrown through window on Kalum Street
June 20-- Terrace RCMP warn public about latest credit card scam
June 20-- Man attacks another man with axe
June 19-- Driver blows twice the legal limit
June 19-- City of Terrace asked to re-open closed rail crossing
June 18-- Thousands of dollars of tools stolen from construction business
June 17-- Protestors demonstrate outside Enbridge hearings
June 17-- Police seek hit and run driver, passenger
June 17-- Highway Crash North of Terrace claims one life
June 17-- New Hazelton teen drowns at Seeley Lake
June 17-- Teen drowns in northwestern BC lake
June 17-- Hazelton teen dies at Seeley Lake Provincial Park
June 17-- Northwest Teen Drowns in Swimming accident
June 17-- Teenager drowns in Seeley Lake while swimming with friends
June 17-- 16 year old boy swimming with friends drowns in lake near New Hazelton 
June 15-- Police probe fatal northwestern BC accident
June 15-- Alcohol believed to be a factor in Nass Valley fatal crash
June 15-- Fatal Crash North of Terrace
June 13-- IIO Smithers Meeting (video)
June 13-- IIO Wraps up Three Days of Community Meetings
June 13-- Terrace RCMP officers honoured with awards and medals
June 13-- Charge Laid following Highway Crash in New Hazelton
June 12-- Alleged drug dealer appears in court late
June 11-- Judge issues arrest warrant for alleged drug dealer
June 11-- Burns Lake Mill Explosion Survivor Feared Drowned in Francois Lake
June 10-- Police watchdog Organization visits Northwest This Week
June 10-- Search for Missing Man at Francois Lake
June 10-- Officials say Flood Risk All But Over in Skeena, Lakes District
June 9-- Fire and flood risk low here
June 7-- Woman missing money after bank card stolen
June 6-- Woman struck by vehicle near REM Lee Theatre
June 6-- Panhandler arrested for threatening family
June 5-- Drunk man falls into hatchery
June 4-- Hwy 113 hitchhiker turns out to be vehicle thief
June 4-- Burned Man recovering
June 3-- Man found dead at Queensway residence
June 3-- Terrace RCMP investigate Decreased Body at Queensway Residence
June 3-- Van collides with moose on Highway 16
June 3-- Teen hiker rescued after mountain fall near Terrace
June 1-- Gun amnesty declared in June

A full weekend ahead for Seafest

As we outlined on the blog a few weeks back, preparations for the 2013 edition of Seafest,  were almost complete and with but a few days to go until the festivities kick off, the Special Events Society has outlined some of the events available from Thursday to Sunday for the 35th presentation of the City's kick off to summer..

Among some of the highlights of the weekend ahead, Thursday's Block Party on the City Hall block of 3rd Avenue West, a Family event featuring games, music, a bouncy castle and carnival treats (fair weather event, will be cancelled in Heavy Rain)

Friday features the Seniors Tea, Band concert at Rupert Square, 3 on 3 basketball and Metalshop concert at the Lester Centre.

Saturday kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast at the Masonic Hall, the Seafest Parade at 11 AM, Quick and Daring construction, events on Third Avenue, a Fresh Air Cinema at Patullo Field and a Metalshop encore on Saturday night at the Lester Centre.

Sunday features a variety of waterfront events from music concerts to the water events.

The full schedule of Seafest Events can be found here.

As well  the Royal Canadian Navy pulls into town for the weekend, with HMCS Whitehorse available for public tours Friday through Sunday from 1 to 4 PM.

Media accounts of Seafest can be found below:

CFTK-- Seafest June 7 (video)
CFTK-- Seafest Prep (video)

CEAA Invites Public Comments on Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project

Another opportunity for local residents to offer up comments on a major Northwest project has arrived, as the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency outlines the procedure for public comments for the start of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project process.

The advisory issued on June 3rd calls for comments on the proposed natural gas pipeline that will bring natural gas from the Hudson's Hope area of British Columbia to a proposed LNG Terminal on Lelu Island.

The notice from the CEAA can be found here.

Background on the Project from the CEAA can be examined here.

The public participation phase of this initial process will come to an end on June 24th, 2013 the final date when comments can be submitted to the CEAA.

Representatives of Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project, appeared in front of Prince Rupert City Council on May 27th, 2013, you can review their presentation to Council from the City Council video archive here, the Prince Rupert Gas presentation ran from the 1 minute mark to 33 minute mark)

LNG World News, an industrial news portal offered up this review of the CEAA process.

You can learn more about the proposal from our LNG Archives, the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project will supply the Petronas/Progress Terminal project on Lelu Island.

Pacific Northwest LNG Open Houses start tonight

One of the two main proponents of Natural Gas Terminals on the north coast is holding its Open House over the next two days, an opportunity for residents of Port Edward and Prince Rupert to learn more about their plans.

Pacific Northwest LNG, which has plans to develop a terminal on Lelu Island, hosts their first Open House tonight at 7 PM at the Port Edward Elementary School.

They then move their presentation to Prince Rupert with a Wednesday evening session at the North Coast Convention Centre (Below Chances), that session also starts at 7 PM.

At both events, representatives of Pacific Northwest LNG will be in attendance to receive feedback and answer questions from the public on their planned 11 billion dollar investment to the region.

A preview of sorts was held last week in Prince Rupert City Council chambers, when Pacific Northwest representatives appeared in front of council on May 27th to outline some of the background behind their project (see video presentation from the 33 minutes to 59:30 minutes mark  on the city video archive).

You can learn more about the proposal from their website.

Our North Coast Review archives also provide much in the way of background on all of the proposed developments for the North Coast, you can review those items here.

Note and correction: Mea culpas all around, we note that we missed the timeline of the meetings completely, the start time was 4 PM, the end was 7.  Apologies to those that were inconvenienced by our error.