Butze Rapids Trail makes the grade for BuzzFeed

The view of Butze Rapids
while on the trail
(from Trip Advisor page)

The Butze Rapids trail is well known around the North Coast, a popular spot that puts locals and visitors alike to the test as they navigate the pathway to the waterline and back up to the parking lot along Highway 16.

And if you thought it was popular now, just wait until the social media platform Buzzfeed is finished spreading the news.

The website known for it's compilation of lists on just about everything, recently turned its attention towards the 18 Breathtaking British Columbia Hikes to Do This summer, and the North Coast has fared quite nicely with the folks at Buzzfeed.

With the Butze Rapids trail ranked at number Six on the list of eighteen.

Our highly acclaimed outdoors experience, joins such iconic destinations as the West Coast Trail, Stawamus Chief Hike in Squamish and the Mount Gardner Hike from the Gulf Islands as just a few locations for British Columbians to explore.

The natural beauty of the Butze Rapids trail accounts for its high placement, but so too should the easy access that is available for the trail, located short minutes from Prince Rupert and even as one of the stops on the Port Edward bus route for those that don't have a vehicle.

Not mentioned in this go around from social media, but sure to be a consideration for future listings are the trails of Haida Gwaii and the Metlakatla Trail.

Butze Rapids Trail is gaining notice far beyond
the North Coast

It's not the first time that the Butze Rapids Trail has claimed a bit of fame, it is currently listed at Trip Advisor as the Number four item of the 27 things to do in Prince Rupert

Tourism Prince Rupert's information page on the Butze Rapids Interpretative Trail can be found here.

For more items on Tourism in the Northwest see our archive page here.

Much information available for review from Port's Annual Report

As a follow up to last month's Annual Public Meeting of the Port of Prince Rupert, the Port Authority has published a full report on the overview provided by CEO and President Don Krusel and a range of other officials during the June presentation.

As we outlined at the time, the Port's annual gathering provided a review of the growing trade through the Port facilities and the opportunities that lay ahead.

The Port provides further background to that conversation with their most recent documentation, which includes a look  at the Port's Financial Statements, as well as a number of notes on related issues.

The online version of the Annual Report can be found here, it features an info-graphic approach to  the presentation of the Port's main talking points for the year just concluded.

As part of that presentation is this link to the Port's Economic Impact Study from earlier this year, which provided further background into the reach that the Port is providing for across Northern British Columbia.

A short overview of the Annual Report is also available for download from the Port's website as well,  it features a message from the Chair and CEO of the Port Authority that traces some of the focus the Port is putting on diversification as it moves forward with its plans.

The Fairview Container Terminal
continues to gain increased shipments

The highlights portion of the report notes the number of new jobs created in Northern BC since 2011, the commitment of 4.3 million dollars to the Community Investment fund since 2010 and the increases found  not only in containerized cargo shipments through Fairview Terminal, but also the positive numbers from Prince Rupert Grain and the Westview Wood Pellet Terminal.

When it comes to the Total Comprehensive Income for the Year the Port has recorded a significant increase of close to 7 million dollars, listing the year end total at $24,360,000 compared to the year end of 2013, when their total Comprehensive Income was listed at $17,735,000

Among some of the further background to be found for those inclined to a little exploration, is the full overview of the Consolidated Financial Statements, prepared for the Port by the Victoria accounting firm Grant Thornton.

And while Financial statements are not the thing of riveting reading, the snippets of information to be found from them do provide for a bit more information into the workings of what is now the dominant industry on the North Coast.

That review can be found here.

Some of the key aspects that are examined include:

A review of the statements related to assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses values, as well as the risks associated to long term debt and other key elements of the Port's day to day business.

A bit of background is also provided on a number of themes related Port development in the region.

A review of employee benefits can be found throughout the document providing a look at the impact that the Port is having on employment in the region.

The nature of the Port's Community Investment Fund is explored on page 32, outlining how the amounts to be allocated to that fund are determined by a percentage of positive net earnings on a year to year basis.

Also found on page 32 is a review of the engagement between the Port and area First Nations when it comes to the expansion of the Fairview Container Terminal, specifically when it comes to the terms related to employment opportunities to be provided to First Nations Groups by the Port Authority.

The ongoing discussions related to Payment in Lieu of Taxes is highlighted on page 33 of the report, with the various parts of those discussions included in the contingencies review of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The report wraps up with the remuneration disclosure table for Directors and Senior Staff of the Port authority, which  can be found page 34 of that report.

The financial statements provide a fairly instructive glance into the footprint that the Prince Rupert Port Authority has not only when it comes to the economy for the Prince Rupert area, but across Northern British Columbia as well.

For more items on issues related to the Port of Prince Rupert see our archive page here.

Jennifer Rice to take First Nation engagement and environmental concerns into Legislature discussion on LNG

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice's
community update was delivered this week

North Coast Residents have seen the first glimpse of the approach that MLA Jennifer Rice will bring to LNG discussions in the Legislature later this month, with Ms. Rice's potential talking points delivered through the MLA's community report which arrived in mailboxes on Wednesday as part of the weekly newspaper delivery.

Ms. Rice's Community update provides a bit of background on her work over the last session of the Legislature in Victoria, but it's her short notes on the work ahead this month, that should catch the attention of many in the region.

Particularly those interested in where she is positioned when it comes to LNG development on the North Coast and what she will be focused on as the discussion moves forward.

In the update, the MLA briefly touches on the planned Legislative session scheduled to start on July 13th, when MLA's will receive more background on the agreement reached between the British Columbia Government and Petronas/Pacific NorthWest LNG. 

Passage of the agreement by the Legislature is one of two conditions that Petronas/Pacific NorthWest LNG still has when it comes to moving forward with it's investment plans for the Lelu Island Terminal project.

The other issue still to be resolved, is a positive outcome from the ongoing Environmental Assessment process for the Lelu Island proposal.

As for the rare summer session and her participation in it, Ms. Rice outlined some of her thoughts on the theme of LNG development as part of her community update:

"The Spring sitting of the house is over now but MLAs have been called back to Victoria for a rare summer session of the BC Legislature. During this time we will be debating legislation in relation to Pacific Northwest's proposal to build an LNG terminal on Lelu Island near Prince Rupert. My position on LNG remains.  The project must have local First Nations as true partners in development. British Columbians must prosper from LNG, not just through revenue, but also through jobs in construction and in operations. Our land, air and water must be protected indefinitely"

Ms. Rice will have an opportunity to expand on the conversation when the Legislature reviews the agreement starting on the 13th, whether the terms of the agreement between Pacific NorthWest LNG and the provincial government will be enough to satisfy her concerns remains to be seen.

Though it should be noted, that with a Liberal majority in the Legislature, the passage of the agreement will very likely be put in place before the MLA's return to their summer vacation plans.

The vote however that will come following the discussion, will provide the North Coast with a firm indication as to where their MLA is when it comes to the Lelu Island proposal and will also provide a glimpse into how the NDP Opposition will approach the project and others in the region.

More background on the upcoming discussions can be found as part of our Pacific NorthWest LNG archives, for more information related to Ms. Rice's work at the Legislature see our archive page here.

Cow Bay Days up next on Prince Rupert's events calendar

The summer season of celebrations is quickly checking off the boxes on the event calendar, with Seafest, National Aboriginal Day and Canada Day now in our rear view mirrors for the summer of 2015.

However, those looking for a community festival fix can find one this weekend as the annual Cow Bay Days Festival kicks off.

The one day celebration of the city's Cow Bay area takes place on Saturday with a number of activities planned, with a  particular focus put on events for youngsters such as a Scavenger Hunt, Kids Art, Bouncy Castle, Kayaking ride and Face painting to name a few.

The centre of the majority of the activities on the day will be in the parking lot between the Cow Bay Gift Gallery and Johnny's Machine Shop, with events scheduled from 11 AM to 4 PM.

The day dedicated towards the shopping and dining district offers up a chance for residents to reconnect with the area, checking out some of the new attractions to the scene and taking advantage of some of the atmosphere of an area of the waterfront that is focused on people, rather than industry.

While there, you can drop into the Atlin Terminal to check out the shops, Gallery and other attractions as well as the Port of Prince Rupert's Interpretive Centre where you can see what the future of Cow Bay may look like one day.

As well, a walk along the boardwalk of the Terminal will offer up a chance to check up on the progress of the Cow Bay Marina and public wharf, that project is scheduled for a completion date of the end of July, with the main attraction to be the 600 foot long pier into the harbour that is sure to become a Prince Rupert destination once completed.

While not in place as of yet, perhaps the City's recently approved Rainbow Crosswalk for the Cow Bay area will be painted in time for Saturday's event.

Some previews of Cow Bay Days can be found below:

Cow Bay Days nearing
Cow Bay Days preparations

You can keep up to date on all of the North Coast Events and review those of the past from our archive page here.

Park Avenue Housing Development to get Second Public Hearing

The residents of the west side and others interested in the plans for a housing development between Park Avenue and Graham Avenue will get another chance to share some thoughts on recent changes made to the design and layout of the proposed development.

In a Notice of Public Hearing posted to the City's website, Council advises that owing to the design changes which will see an increase in the number of proposed lots allocated to the development, a new Public Hearing will take place on Monday, July 6th starting at 7 PM in Council chambers.

Those changes to the original planning came about last month, as Council included its desires for a multi person component to be added to the area in question, with Councillor Thorkelson specifically looking for some form of Seniors apartment or condo development to be developed as part of the Park Avenue proposal.

The changing dynamic of the project would see the number of lots expanded from the original 30 to 37 lots, something required as part of the desire of council to add to the densification  of housing in the area. 

Those proposed changes provided for a vocal backlash from some of the residents in the Graham Avenue area, who following an appearance at the first public hearing on the issue of June 22nd provided City Council with a petition related to their concerns over the development.

Among the concerns are issues related to the nature of the housing to be allowed in the area, as well as traffic issues that many fear will come with the start of the development.

Some of the background on the recent developments can be found below:

Councillor Thorkelson looks to include Senior's Housing in Park Avenue Development planning

Park Avenue Proposal receives petition push back

At the Public Hearing of July 6th, those that believe they will be affected by the proposed amendment Bylaw will have the opportunity to speak to the issue, or if they wish deliver a written account of their concerns or comments on the proposed development.

 

Those that cannot attend the Public Hearing can provide a written submission related to the proposal, the deadline to deliver their submission is 4:30 PM of July 6th, the correspondence should be directed to the Corporate Administrator Rory Mandryk.

You can review the City's Notice for the Public Hearing here.

The proposed housing development for Park Avenue will receive a
Second Public Hearing scheduled for 7:00 PM on July 6th at City Council chambers

The need for the second public hearing offers up a bit of delay in the zoning process for the project proponents, the first outline of the development was delivered to City Council at the March 23rd Council session as City Planner Zeno Krekic provided a review of the development plans to council.

Since that time there have been a number of council sessions which featured discussion on the theme of some sort, some background on the path to this point can be found below:

April 3 --Public Meeting scheduled regarding Park Avenue Housing rezoning issue

March 31 -- Proposed West Side Housing Development moves to public notification stage

March 23 -- Council to consider zoning issues related to proposed housing development off of Park Avenue

The Public Hearing of July 6th will be a special session of Council, the next regular Public Council session is not scheduled until July 20th as City Council heads into its summer schedule of once a month sessions until September.

Hopefully, the city's technical staff have resolved the electronic issues of the June 22nd meeting, which delivered a council session with no audio feed available for the evening's lengthy public session.  

Due to those technical issues, there has been no video record of the June 22nd provided to the City Council YouTube page, (nor is there an explanation regarding the missing session) leaving an information gap in the unofficial record that some in the community find helpful for review of Council's public discussions.

For more items related to those City Council discussions see our archive page here.

More on housing issues in the Northwest can be found here.

Northwest Campfire ban goes into effect Thursday

The hot and dry conditions of May and June have officials of the Northwest Fire Centre watching the forest regions across the Northwest for any signs of potential danger.

And as we move into July with conditions remaining quite dry around the region, as of tomorrow the Fire Centre will begin enforcement of a campfire and Open Fire ban for much of the Northwest.

The Open Fire ban goes into effect at the noon hour on Thursday and will remain in effect until the public is otherwise notified.

The area of concern is virtually the entire Northwest Fire District, with Rainbow Summit serving as the north/south dividing line determining where the ban begins.

Included in the ban are campfires, industrial and backyard burning, the use of fireworks, firecrackers, tiki torches, sky lanterns, chimneas and burning barrels, as well as a range of portable stoves and outdoor cooking apparatus that are not CSA or ULC approved.

The prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but will not apply within the boundaries of a local government area that has forest-fire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department. 

Those visiting areas inland should check with local authorities in the region they are visiting to see if any local restrictions have been put in place.

Much of Northwest British Columbia will be under
an Open Fire and Campfire ban starting Thursday

You can review the full conditions of the Open fire ban from this advisory from the Northwest Fire Centre.

More background of Forest protection related notes from this year can be found here.

Happy Canada Day, 148 and Counting!

Canada Day Celebrations at Mariner's Park starts at Noon today
(from the Prince Rupert Special Events website)

While you wait for the start of the festivities at Mariner's Park, or at other locations across the Northwest, and in celebration of our 148th birthday, a few diversions for your Canada Day enjoyment.

Think you can pass the test?

CTV British Columbia dares you take their citizenship test

Do OK on that one?  Here's another test of Your Canadiana

Or just review what Canadians say makes us proud a trend that doesn't seem to change from year to year.

A Spaceman and his brother have a song for you!

The Hadfield brothers with "In Canada"

Speaking of songs, here's a fellow that could carry a tune...

It's our symbol today, and has been for fifty years now, but as the CBC reminds us the Maple Leaf wasn't always the beloved fabric of unity it represents today.

Not everyone loved the flag (though all things considered, we think things have turned out OK )

Once they got past it all (kind of, sort of) the flag finally found it's proper place on Parliament Hill and everywhere else across the land and beyond and has been flying ever since.

A moment to remember those who served their nation in time of war and to keep the peace.

Celebrate some of our inventions (the list is nowhere near complete though...)

Take in a few moments of our heritage.

Or sit back for a full fledged Canadian Film Festival

Does it take someone from the USA to explain it all to us?

Or, do we get it all on our own!

Enjoy your Canada Day, take a moment to think of what Canada means to you and how you can make it better.

A look at what's ahead for the Day in Prince Rupert can be found here, complete with this evening's fireworks show set for after 11 PM.

Did someone say Fireworks?