Pacific NorthWest LNG cuts a ribbon and opens a new chapter for the North Coast

"This project has the potential to bring hundreds of jobs to the Northwest and be a long-term engine for economic growth in this region. By opening this community office Pacific NorthWest LNG is making it easier for residents to learn more about the project and get involved." --- Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development, attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for Pacific NorthWest LNG's community office on Friday. 

What many hope heralds a new era for the North Coast found it's first tangible sign of progress on Friday, as Pacific NorthWest LNG, opened the doors to it's downtown Prince Rupert Community Office. A location where local residents can track the latest developments of the  9 to 11 billion dollar proposed mega project for Lelu Island.

Rich Coleman, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development was on hand to help assist with the ribbon cutting ceremony, joining him on the ceremonial cutting line were Mayor Jack Mussallem of Prince Rupert, Mayor Dave MacDonald of Port Edward and Mr.  Greg Kist the President of Pacific NorthWest LNG.

The theme of many of the remarks made prior to the ribbon cutting was of the potential that the project brings to the North Coast, with residents now able to learn more about what the Petronas/Progress project may bring to the region.

Whether it's  an interest in the overall scope of the development, or a question regarding employment opportunities during the construction, or operational phase. Access to answers will be as close as a walk through the doors of the Third Avenue storefront office.

"We are optimistic about the prospect of LNG development for our community. Pacific NorthWest LNG is proving they want to invest long-term in the Prince Rupert region by building a positive relationship with our community now."-- Prince Rupert Mayor Jack Mussallem

 "We want to make sure our residents are first in line for LNG jobs and this community office will be a great resource for anyone interested to find out more about employment opportunities." -- Port Edward Mayor Dave MacDonald

Located at 105- 3rd Avenue West, the community office will feature displays that outline the LNG process and offer up background on contracting and employment opportunities regarding the project. As well interested North Coast residents can take advantage of the electronic access to the company's project website that has been set up in the office.

It  marks the arrival of the first Community engagement office in the region, with the Petronas/Progress project just one of three confirmed LNG developments currently being proposed for the Prince Rupert/Port Edward region.

Being first gives you a certain amount of bragging rights, and Greg Kist, the President of Pacific NorthWest LNG provided a thumbnail sketch of what his company hopes to achieve with the opening of their office on Friday.

"Today's official opening of our community office is representative of our commitment to the communities, including First Nations, in northwest British Columbia. Starting in the new year, residents and businesses will be able to use the office as a place to gather more information on our project, have their questions answered and discuss potential employment opportunities in the construction and operational phases of our project."

The Pacific NorthWest LNG office will open for it's full time hours in the New Year, with plans to be open four days a week in Prince Rupert, with one day set aside for community engagement in Port Edward.

You can learn more about their project and it's progress from their website.

More background on today's official opening can be found here.

We have  a wider overview of all of the proposed LNG developments for the North Coast, available on our LNG archive page of the blog.

Ridley Terminals sponsors Community Day at the Civic Centre on Saturday

Ridley Terminals is providing a pre Christmas treat on Saturday, as the Civic Centre, Swimming Pool, Auditorium and Civic Centre theatre will be free for use, from 1 until 4 PM.

As part of the family fun afternoon, there will be complimentary hot dogs and hot chocolate for those that participates.

The Free Community Day is the latest community minded event that RTI has provided funding for.

RTI last provided free access to the recreation facilities during a similar event at the Civic Centre complex over the summer months.

Joint Review Panel approves Northern Gateway but with 209 conditions, sparking debate across Northwest BC

As a regulatory tribunal, our role was to conduct a fair and accessible process that allowed those who participated to be respected and to have their views taken seriously. The ultimate purpose was to obtain the most accurate information available on all aspects of a proposed project. Our task was to design and implement a rigorous process that would result in recommendations to the Governor in Council based on a thorough and independent analysis of all aspects of the project.--- Final Portion of the conclusion from the Joint Review Panel Report into the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project, Delivered December 19th, 2013.


After close to two and half years of study, the Final Report of  the Joint Review Panel on the Northern Gateway Pipeline was delivered on Thursday. Released through the Calgary offices of the National Energy Board, the document offers up two volumes of findings for Federal Government review.

The result of their work brings forward an extensive collection of material, evidence and comment, the first portion providing some background on their journey across Alberta and British Columbia, part of  a volume known as Connections.

The second, a volume called Considerations, provides a more detailed account of the panels work on consultations, steeped in the many items of note raised during the lengthy hearing process.

Included among the work of Volume 2, is the all important Appendix 1 (pages 364-398).

Those were the destination pages for most reviewers of yesterdays release, the takeaway portion of the document where the 209 conditions can be found.  

They are the key points which will have to be met by Enbridge, in order to move forward their plan to transit Alberta bitumen to a shipping terminal to be built in Kitimat, British Columbia.



As the press conference outlining the release of the report was taking place, the clock was started on the Federal response to the report.

In effect providing the Conservative government of Stephen Harper 180 days to accept the report, reject it, or return it seeking change.

Still to be heard as well, Premier Christy Clark and the BC Liberal caucus on whether Enbridge will meet the Liberal's much discussed "five conditions".  That conversation perhaps will have to wait for another day, while all await the delivery of the Federal intentions regarding the JRP document.

For now, the review is in, the decision rendered and the debate, well the debate will carry on.

Reaction to the decision has been collected from the national media

Vancouver Sun-- Federal review panel gives green light to Northern Gateway pipeline
Vancouver Sun-- NEB's Northern Gateway approval is Act II in the Theatre of the Absurd
Vancouver Sun-- Business Groups herald recommendation to build Northern Gateway
Vancouver Sun-- Environmentalists pledge renewed fight to stop Northern Gateway pipeline
Vancouver Sun-- Northern Gateway project likely doomed
Vancouver Province-- 10 things you need to know after a federal review panel OK'd the Northern Gateway pipeline project
Vancouver Province-- Federal Panel green-lights Northern Gateway pipeline, with 209 conditions
Vancouver Province-- Northern Gateway pipeline will never be built, says national NDP leader
24 Hours Vancouver-- Federal Panel approves Northern Gateway pipeline
24 Hours Vancouver-- Pipeline opponents allege B. C. concerns ignored by feds
CBC British Columbia-- Northern Gateway pipeline recommended for federal approval, with conditions
CBC British Columbia-- Northern Gateway pipeline recommendation draws mixed reaction
CBC British Columbia-- Northern Gateway pipeline project: 6 things to know
Maclean's-- One hurdle cleared, many to go for Northern Gateway
National Post-- Northern Gateway pipeline approval driven by science not emotion
National Post-- Ruling discredits radical opposition in B. C. to $6.5 billion Northern Gateway Pipeline
National Post-- Northern Gateway pipeline approved by panel with 209 conditions
Globe and Mail-- Panel's approval for Northern Gateway sets stage for PM's pipeline battle
Globe and Mail-- Pipeline will spur massive demonstrations, opponents warn
Globe and Mail-- Northern Gateway: A long way yet to cross the Pacific
The Tyee-- What Does the Northern Gateway Approval Really Mean?
Vancouver Observer-- Northern Gateway pipeline approved by JRP, despite massive opposition in BC
Vancouver Observer-- Yinka Dene Alliance leader looks to legal challenge to block proposed Enbridge pipeline
Georgia Straight-- Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline gets green light from Joint Review Panel
Georgia Straight-- B. C. NDP says Christy Clark must stop Enbridge pipeline from being built
Georgia Straight-- B. C. First Nations Leader dismisses conditions attached to Enbridge pipeline decision

And from across the Northwest

Northern Sentinel--- JRP ruling in favour of pipeline draws strong reaction in Kitimat
Terrace Standard-- Review panel missed the point, says Terrace Mayor
Terrace Standard-- Enbridge pipeline will hit wall in B. C., critics say
Terrace Standard-- Cullen 'disappointed' by panel's decision to recommend pipeline
Terrace Standard-- Panel's recommendation on Northern Gateway 'not surprising', say environmental groups
Terrace Standard-- Panel gives thumbs up to Northern Gateway pipeline
CBC Daybreak North-- Opponents of Northern Gateway prepare to fight with protests and poetry as Join Review Panel makes its recommendations
CBC Daybreak North-- Northern Gateway pipeline recommendations to be released today
CFNR-- JRP Supports Northern Gateway with 209 Conditions
CFTK-- Cullen Reaction (video)
CFTK-- Monaghan Reaction (video)
CFTK-- KEDA Reaction (video)
CFTK-- JRP Austin Reaction (video)
CFTK-- Skuce JRP Reaction (video)
CFTK-- Prince Rupert Enbridge Reaction (video)
CFTK-- United Fishermen and Allied Workers' Union Voice Opposition to JRP's Final Recommendation
CFTK-- Kitimat to Maintain Neutral Stance on Northern Gateway -- For Now
CFTK-- JRP Says Yes to Northern Gateway -- Subject to 209 Conditions
CFTK-- Conditions won't Ease Concerns: Friends of Wild Salmon
CFTK-- Province Sticks to 5 Pipeline conditions

On the Northwest political front, the delivery of the JRP's decision Thursday has provided for no shortage of reaction from any number of political types in the Northwest.

Among them was NDP MLA Jennifer Rice, who was quick to her twitter feed yesterday, expressing her fears for democracy, just ten minutes after the decision was announced.

Not to be outdone on the theme of political will, was the resolve of Skeena-Bulkley Valley NDP MP Nathan Cullen.

He issued a statement shortly following the announcement, advising that  he and those who follow his political beliefs "will continue to refuse Mr. Harper's vision for Canada as a northern petro-state..."

Prince Rupert City Councillor and UFAWU representative Joy Thorkelson, was perhaps the most outspoken of all of Thursday's commentators. Providing a wide range of talking points from outside of the Fisherman's Hall in downtown Prince Rupert on Thursday.

Stating that the decision of Thursday "is not in the interests of Canada to have this pipeline, that its the interests of a few wealthy people, the one precent ( and that) the First Nations and the workers are going to unite to prevent this from going ahead."

Theirs were among some of the most colourful of political comment on the day, setting the tone for what many expect will be some rancorous debate, both in Victoria and in Ottawa.

Rather than an end to the process,  Thursday's announcement, much like the run up to it that we outlined Wednesday on the blog, is but the prologue to what is shaping up to be a very lengthy Opera of the North.

While Enbridge reviews the 209 conditions and awaits further instruction from the Federal Government, lawyers for those opposing the pipeline project will no doubt be working on the large volume of court challenges expected to come along the way now that Thursday's decision has been delivered.

One of the first public displays of opposition is set to come Friday in Prince Rupert.

Local members of UFAWU led by Joy Thorkelson, along with MLA Rice are expected to be joined by others in opposition to the project, all taking part in the protest rally set for the Noon hour at the Prince Rupert Court House.

An indication, that we haven't heard the last on the topic, with much, much more on the theme in the months and more than likely, the years to come.

A Very Chad Estrada Christmas Special

He's back!

Chad Estrada, Prince Rupert's bon vivant man about town and long established entertainer extraordinaire, makes his much anticipated return to the spotlight Friday night.

He, the observer of all things Prince Rupert, will be hosting an evening of song, music and comedy. Sharing the night with a large cast of local entertainers to bring another of his famous revues to the Tom Rooney Playhouse.

Estrada, the man Johnny LaRue is rumoured to have once said was an entertainer's entertainer, brings his  rapier wit and comedic timing, mixed with his cool cat musical stylings to the stage at the Tom Rooney with a show time of 7:30 PM.

Appearing with the legendary Estrada will be a vast sample of Prince Rupert's talent.

Scheduled to appear with Estrada for his Christmas Spectacular are:

The Christmas Jazz Quartet

CHSS Drama Class

The Rolling Tones

Rotary Community Choir

and the Harbour Theatre Players

Tickets are available for 12 dollars at the door, and will gain you a club membership.

Doors open at 7 PM for Friday's much anticipated showcase of talent.

Pacific NorthWest LNG to open storefront office Friday

The couches have been moved into location and the finishing touches are being put to the office and on Friday, Pacific Northwest LNG will be opening up it's Prince Rupert Community Office in the downtown core.

The storefront location can be found in the Capitol Mall Building on 3rd Avenue, in the spot once home to Studio Nine.

It's opening is just the latest step in setting up a North Coast presence for the LNG company that features a majority ownership stake by the Malaysian Energy giant Petronas.

The local office will be staffed by Derek Baker to start, the one time Economic Development Officer for Prince Rupert and Port Edward joined the Pacific Northwest LNG team last month and as the office opens up for business, it will be his job to provide the latest of developments on the plans for the LNG terminal to be built on Lelu Island.

The Opening day festivities run from 1 to 3 PM, with the official opening program set to get underway at 1:30 PM. The Friday session is billed as a ribbon cutting ceremony and holiday reception.

Once open for business the storefront will be open four days a week in Prince Rupert, as Tessa Gill from Pacific NorthWest LNG outlined to Council last week, the company also has plans to make its presence available in Port Edward once a week as well.

You can learn more about their LNG project from their website page.

We offered up this review of their most recent appearance in front of Prince Rupert City Council, you can also learn more about the range of LNG developments proposed for the Prince Rupert area from our archive page.

CityWest expands on Telus partnership with Open Letter to customers

As we outlined on the blog last Friday, CityWest is getting out of the cellular phone service, announcing partnership plans with Telus last week.

Towards a bit more information on that theme, the Prince Rupert based company has provided some background on the decision, by way of an Open Letter, through an advertisement placed in this weeks edition of the Northern View.

In the letter, CityWest CEO Don Holkestad outlines some of the key points regarding the decision, which he described as one that was very difficult for the company to make.

Among the points of note on the changing nature of CityWest's cellular service for the city:

The decision to exit the cellular service came after looking at ways that the company could have rejuvenated its cell business and improve service; however it recently became clear to the company that they would not be able to offer the latest in smart phone technology without a significant financial investment.

It was with improving service to their customers in mind, that CityWest decided to partner with Telus, with Holkestad outlining some of the aspects of the Telus partnership that they believe CityWest customers will find to their liking.

The Telus option for phones is now available in temporary space in CityWest's "flagship" store in downtown Prince Rupert, the Telus presence in the CityWest building is expected to be a temporary thing over the next few months, so as to provide customers with a convenient option when they switch.

As for the CityWest network, it's expected to remain in service over the next few months, however the day will soon come when the CityWest network is shut down, a date that has yet to be determined. However the CEO is encouraging customers to take advantage of the Telus options as soon as possible, so as not to be inconvenienced by the change in the future.

By exiting the cellular business, CityWest will now be able to focus their energies on developing some new products, the details of which they plan on announcing in 2014.

The letter wraps up with a bit of history over the achievements of CityWest since the 1990's and the pride that all employees take in advancing technology to its customers.

The final paragraph offering up the view of Don Holkestad that deciding to exit the cell business as being one of the most difficult business decisions that he has had to make, but one that he is confident of being the right decision for CityWests customers, for their employees and for their shareholder.

Interestingly enough, the Open Letter is not available on the CityWest website at the moment, so should you wish to view the document, you will have to look to page A27 of the Northern View of Wednesday night,

For those that perhaps have already banished the paper version to the recycling bin, you can use the papers' e edition (see here page A27) to view the digital version of it.

While you're browsing through it, the Telus notice of their new store opening in the CityWest offices can be found on page A12

A fine line to tread for North Coast LNG travellers?

The Vancouver Sun's Gordon Hoekstra has raised some interesting observations regarding the recent travel arrangements of municipal politicians on the North Coast and elsewhere in BC, particularly when it comes to the surge of interest in major projects in many parts of the province.

The Vancouver Sun journalist reviewed the recent trips of elected representatives of both Prince Rupert and Port Edward to overseas LNG destinations, using those trips as background to the larger issue of potential conflict of interest situations.

Using Mayor Mussallem's trip to Trinidad and Tobago and the journey to Malaysia of Port Edward Mayor Dave MacDonald as examples, the Vancouver based journalist offered up some thoughts on the optics of such journeys.

Reviewing the theme of conflict of interest and the lines that can be crossed and how these types of trips raise some alarm bells for political scientists.

For background for his piece Hoekstra, consulted two Political scientists, Max Cameron at UBC and Patrick Smith at SFU.

And from their review of the twin files, the consensus would seem to be that municipalities need to be cautious when accepting these research trips.

Perhaps going so far as to request the opportunity to choose which project they would like to see. As well as to ask to meet critics of the projects, in addition to meeting with company officials when they go on the whirlwind tours.

The article provides a number of points for all communities to consider when it comes to travel paid for by third parties, particularly as the major project euphoria continues to wash ashore in British Columbia.

For their part, both Mayor Mussallem and Ron Bedard, Port Edward's Chief Administration Officer were quoted in the story, offering their thoughts on the topic and outlining, how in their opinion and after legal review, neither trip was considered to be in conflict.

You can review the full article from the Vancouver Sun here.

While the Vancouver Sun journalist and a collection of political scientists may have some concerns over the travel arrangements of municipal politicians, they are seemingly not concerns that have crossed the mind of anyone on Prince Rupert City Council.

As you'll see when you review the Mayor's presentation of October, few if any of the city's councillors had much of anything to say about the Mayor's trip, or the surprise nature of it.

Our review of the Mayor's LNG primer can be found here, the City Council Video Archive offers up the Mayor's review for Council from the October 15th session (it runs from the 36 minute mark through to the 45 minute mark)

At that session, only Councillor Thorkelson had a question for the Mayor and it wasn't about the trip, as much as it was  a review of her frustrations on the lack of information available to council on LNG development.

The provincial law that provides the guidelines on conflict of interest is through the British Columbia Community Charter, Division Six, which outlines a number of items of note on the theme.

A B. C. government official contacted by the Vancouver Sun for the Hoekstra article advised, that "ultimately it is the courts that would decide whether a council member had breached either of the provisions (conflict or gifts)."


Perhaps the theme of out of town travel ( particularly that which is paid by third parties) may be a topic that Council will wish to explore in the new year.

Seeking to clarify for the city's residents, just what the parameters on these types of trips may be.

And for good measure, offer up a guideline as to where the line between research and conflict may be found.