Edmonton Journal Opinion piece points Enbridge towards Prince Rupert

With Enbridge left to ponder the lay of the land when it comes to their Northern Gateway project, one contributor to the Edmonton Journal's Opinion pages is offering the energy company a little advice that is becoming more and more frequent of late. 

Abandon the Kitimat proposal and redraw the map with a terminus at Prince Rupert.

Bob Russell, a former member of the Edmonton Metro Planning Commission outlined his thoughts for Edmonton paper yesterday, highlighting many of the reasons that have already formed the backdrop against the Kitimat terminal proposal.

He updates the list of the past issues that Enbridge faced and adds an additional one, the recent Supreme Court of Canada ruling in favour of the Tsilhqot'in First Nation.  

That decision has been one which many suggest will be a game changer for many industrial projects across the province.

Having reviewed the challenges of the Douglas Channel route and the many concerns previously made when it comes to that option, Russell turns his attention to what he says is the more viable alternative, that of a route to take Enbridge to the shores of the Pacific at Prince Rupert.

Russell reviews how he believes that using existing rights of way for Highway 16 and CN Rail could blaze the trail for any potential pipeline to the Port of Prince Rupert, a route he suggests could avoid any further controversy with First Nations across the province.

His map if following Highway 16, would take a portion of the pipeline along the Skeena River. A route that we are fairly certain would make for a controversial choice all in itself and one that would seem destined to make for much in the way of push back should it ever be put forward.

He also seeks to reduce the anxiety over bitumen shipments, by suggesting that the raw material be upgraded in Alberta and then goes further to offer up a scenario where discussions with the BC government should take place to establish a refinery at Prince Rupert. 

That prospect could give cause to a shudder for some on Prince Rupert City Council, two weeks ago Councillor Ashley offered up an early warning that she was not in favour of any form of oil refinery to be allowed within the City of Prince Rupert. 

At that time she offered up the prospect of further discussion on the theme still to come for our elected officials, so Council and the public may yet get to offer up some thoughts on the theme in the months to come.

The opinion piece is obviously just that, one person's opinion, for the moment it has the same amount of relevance as a conversation at a coffee shop. Yet it does indicate a growing theme that Enbridge may need to review its approach to delivery of Alberta's raw materials to world markets.

This weeks item is not the first time that it has been suggested that Prince Rupert should be considered as the terminus and shipment point. 

In early June on the blog we outlined how the theme of a change of location for Enbridge was being presented in national and international media.

Considering recent developments on the topic, we imagine that these contributions won't be the last.

The full opinion piece from the Journal can be found here.

For a review on many of the past items on the Northern Gateway proposal see our archive page here.

Past items on prospective oil terminal development on the North Coast can be found here.

City Council's Housing review might find Vancouver initiative worth a look

Prince Rupert Council will hear an update from City Planner Zeno Krekic at Monday's session, his presentation on Housing Indicators and Base line measurements an eagerly anticipated review for some of his work on the housing file for City Council.

And while it will no doubt be a helpful statistical review, or snapshot of the moment, the report for some on Council may only be a minor aspect of the larger issue of Housing that Council has been reviewing of late.

Housing concerns have been a main focus for Councillor Thorkelson during the much of this year, she frequently has brought her concerns to Council, speaking to the need for social and supportive housing for segments of the community that have had troubles accessing accommodation in the city.

At the June 23rd Council session, the theme was provided for a fairly extensive review, with Council members giving some thought to a variety of prospects to move the issue further ahead.

As we outlined on the blog at the time, among the suggestions that were reviewed, Council offered up some consideration towards forming a Housing Committee to address housing issues in the community.

Councillor Thorkelson called attention to the approach that Vancouver is currently taking towards the issue, working with Vancouver Coastal Health to address the situation.

She and other members of council that may see things along the same lines of the Vision Vancouver party, may find this press release from Mayor Gregor Robertson also of some interest to the theme.

In an initiative outlined on July 6th, the Vancouver Mayor offers up some talking points on a newly created civic office to be known as the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency,

And while the real estate market and rental situation in Vancouver is no doubt quite different than that of Prince Rupert. For those on Prince Rupert Council inclined towards more civic engagement on the theme of housing, the Vancouver plan might provide for more items for review as they formulate their own plans to address housing issues in Prince Rupert.

The full report on the proposed Housing Authority for Vancouver can be found here.

We have more background on Housing issues on the North coast here, our items of note on developments from City Council can be found here.

Note: original article identified Mr. Krekic with the wrong first name, our apologies for the error.

RCMP make arrest in Belmont Liquor Store B & E

The Prince Rupert detachment of the RCMP is thanking the public for their assistance in locating a suspect in a Break and Enter at a downtown liquor store last week.

As we outlined on the blog on July 2nd, the RCMP was called to the Belmont Liquor Store on Third Avenue shortly after 6 AM on that day, responding to reports of a break and enter at the store.

As part of their investigation, the RCMP released a photo of a suspect from the case file.

This weekend, thanks to the assistance of the public, members of the Prince Rupert detachment located and arrested their suspect in the incident.

Set to appear later today at the Prince Rupert Provincial Law Courts,  is Cali Peal-Barton, who was remanded into custody and will face charges related to the July 2nd incident.

You can review the announcement of the latest developments from the incident from this item on their website.

For more items of note from our archive page on the Emergency Service files of the region.

6th Avenue East Bridge to close Wednesday for restoration work

Travellers to and from the east side who make use of the 6th Avenue East bridge, will have to make alternate routes for the summer.

As the City of Prince Rupert begins restoration work on the crossing over Hays Creek.

Signs went up last week at both ends of the bridge and the City posted this notice to their website advising as to the closure of the road to both motorists and pedestrians starting at 8 AM on July 9th.

According to the City's advisory the restoration work on the bridge will take approximately six weeks to complete, leaving travellers without the link until near the end of August.

For most that will mean a trip down Drydock Road and George Hills Way. Other options for motorists include taking 11th Avenue East to McBride, or making use of Frederick Street and then along Highway 16 (McBride).

City Council Session, Monday, July 7, 2014

Our archive of items from the session can be found below.

Special session of City Council For Monday, July 7, 2014

Home page and archive of sessions can be found here.

Live Broadcast of session can be found here

North Coast Review - Preview of Regular Session for July 7, 2014

Agenda for the Regular Session of City Council for July 7, 2014 

Notice of Special Session of Council for July 7, 2014
(Resolution to exclude the public)

Info to Council

Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Present
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Absent
Councillor Judy Carlick-Pearson-- Present
Councillor Barry Cunningham-- Present
Councillor Gina Garon-- Present
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Absent
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Absent

Minutes of Regular Session of Council July 7, 2014  

Video Recording of July 7, 2014 

North Coast Review City Council Timeline July 7, 2014  


North Coast Review Items on the July 7, 2014 Session of Council

Bylaws, Buffers and differences of opinion for Lot 444
Imperial Oil delivers an introduction to Tuck Inlet LNG proposal for City Council
Council hears details of Housing report
Presentation for Council puts a focus on Flora Banks 
City Council's Housing review might find Vancouver initiative worth a look
LNG Terminals once again on the agenda for Prince Rupert Council


Media items from other sources for the July 7, 2014 Council session can be found in our Discussion Points from City Council feature

LNG Terminals once again on the agenda for Prince Rupert Council

Prince Rupert City Council will continue on with their tutorials on all things LNG this evening, with two presentations involving proposed LNG development in the region.

The first review will come from Dr. Barb Faggetter, a Prince Rupert based Oceanographer and biologist who will speak to her findings related to development along areas adjacent to the proposed PacificNorthwest LNG site on Lelu Island.

In recent months Dr. Faggetter has held a number of public information sessions in the region regarding Flora Banks and the Pacific Northwest LNG plans for the area.

She has also provided a pair of reports on the Flora Banks and Skeena Estuary.

Flora Bank Eelgrass Survey
Skeena River Estuary Juvenile Salmon Habitat

The topic of Flora Banks has been one of much interest for such groups as  Save Our Skeena Salmon, the Skeena Wild Conservation Trust, UFAWU/Unifor, the T Buck Suzuki Foundation and the Prince Rupert Environmental Society.

All of which have made frequent mention of the work of Dr. Faggetter's on the subject.

Through the year, Councillor Thorkelson has also made mention of her work in past council sessions and urging council members to learn more about the topic.

With Dr. Faggetter's appearance of tonight, Council can follow up on that suggestion. A review which will add to the volume of work that this Council has taken on regarding the Petronas development in recent months.

More background on the Pacific Northwest LNG project can be found here.

The second presentation to Council on Monday will be an information update on the prospect of LNG development across from Seal Cove and along the east shoreline that leads further north towards Tuck Inlet.

Prince Rupert Council recently put in motion the process to potentially sell a parcel of land from Lot 444, which the City recently brought inside the municipal boundaries.

The result of the sale of that parcel could provide for the development of an LNG terminal across from Seal Cove.  At the time of Council's work on that process it was announced that Imperial Oil/Exxon/Mobil had expressed an interest in that location for their LNG Export Terminal  for the North Coast.

Tonight offers up the opportunity to hear the first public comments on that proposal from Imperial Oil.

Mr. Scott Pinhey, described on tonight's Agenda as the Opportunity Manager for Imperial Oil, will offer up some background on the West Coast LNG Opportunity and how Prince Rupert may fit into their project planning.

Imperial/Exxon/Mobil has already begun the process of seeking approval for the Export of LNG for their WCC LNG venture.

You can review our previous items on the Tuck Inlet LNG proposal here.

Prince Rupert City Council sessions are available for viewing through CityWest cable 10 or by way of the City's website.

Tonight's council session starts at 7 PM.

City Council Preview, Monday, July 7, 2014

Council's first public meeting of July will have an early focus on LNG development, before the Six Council members and Mayor take to the regular business of the night.

Council will hear two presentations on the theme of LNG, one on the impact of development on the area of Lelu Island, the other an update of sorts on plans for a proposed LNG development along Tuck Inlet.

As well as part of the presentations to Council portion of the meeting, Council members will hear an update from the City Planner on Housing baseline indicators.

Along with those presentations Council will consider a number of reports followed by some work to be done on Bylaw items on the night.

The evening wraps up with any additional items of concern from Council members and the Mayor's Report.

Before they take to the Monday night session Council will once again take to behind closed doors, with  a Closed Session of Council to take place in the early evening.

The notice for the July 7 version of the Closed Session provides for a topic which offers up little as to the nature up for discussion, but provides for an item which Council feels cannot be discussed in open session.

That the meeting be closed to the public under Section 90 of the Community Charter to consider items relating to one or more of the following: 

90.1 (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality. - Mish-Aw Road,  Watson Island, Lot 444

(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality - Insurance Claim

When Council is finished with its Closed Session business, they will then reconvene at 7 PM for the Regular Council session.

The full listing of Monday night's Agenda can be found here.

A guide to the night's content can be found below, the corresponding page number listed in red.

The session starts off with the regular adoption of agendas and minutes.

Included during the evening session  will be a presentation from Dr. Barb Faggetter, an Oceanographer and Biologist who will outline her findings on the Risks to Salmon when it comes to LNG in the Skeena Estuary.

Her presentation will be followed by a first look for the public at the prospect of LNG development from Imperial Oil, with Mr. Scott Pinhey providing  information on the West Coast LNG Opportunity for a site proposed for Tuck Inlet.

The presentations session for the evening however will start with an update from City Planner Zeno Krekic, who will provide council with some background on his Base Line Measurements as part of his Housing Indicator study.

Council then will address any unfinished business before moving on to their Reports and Recommendations section of the nights agenda.

Council will hear a report from the Engineering Department on the 17th Street Rehabilitation project (Page 13 of the Agenda)

The Chief Financial Officer will outline the background to the Gas Tax Agreement with the UBCM and its relation to the Community Works Fund (Page 14 of the Agenda)

Council with then hear Requests, attend to any Correspondences for Action and outline any resolutions that they can release from the Closed meetings.

Bylaws is next on the Agenda  with three for consideration on the night.

A Variance Permit for a property on Eight Avenue East (page 36 of the Agenda)

A Report from the City Planner to Allow Rezoning for a Multiple Family Development on Ambrose Avenue ( Page 46 of the Agenda )

A Report from the City Planner on a Zoning Bylaw to Amend and Adjust the Downtown Development Permit Area Boundary ( Page 56 of the Agenda)

Any Additional Items from Council Members is next on the night

The evening then wraps up with Reports, Questions and inquiries from Members of Council, as well as the Mayor's Report, which is then followed by adjournment.

Council next meets in Regular public session on July 7th.

The Live broadcast of the City Council session can be found here, a video archive of past sessions is available here.

Our Archive of the July 7th session can be found here.

While our archive of all sessions of council this year is available here.