Municipal governments to receive early delivery of Gas Tax Funding to put towards infrastructure

Some more financial help is on the way for Canada's municipal governments, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing that the Federal government will be taking immediate action to support small towns and large cities restart their economies and create employment.

Speaking at his Daily Morning COVID briefing, Mr. Trudeau announced that the funding will be delivered their the Federal Gas Tax Fund, with the government to deliver the full funding of 2.2 Billion dollars for 2020-21 in one lump sum in early June.

The Prime Minister noted that communities have increased flexibility to make use of the additional money, noting such projects as high speed broadband access, improvements to roads and water systems or other local infrastructure programs.

“From coast to coast to coast, Canadians are feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19, while they do what they can to protect the health and safety of their families and communities. That is why we are taking action to restart the economy, get Canadians back to work, and come out of this stronger. This funding will help communities address their immediate needs, while also planning the infrastructure they need for the future.”

In previous years, the Federal Gas Tax has come in two instalments one just as summer starts and the other in the fall, this year will see all the available funding provided this month to help kick start local economic development.

At the May 25th City Council session, Chief Financial Officer Corinne Bomben presented the Audited Financial statements for 2019.

That documentation indicated that Prince Rupert received $750,000 from the UBCM Community Work Gas Tax fund last year.

The Prime Ministers announcement can be reviewed here.

Skeena Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach was quick to comment on today's news from Ottawa, with the MP observing that while welcome, the funding levels are insufficient to address the financial crisis facing municipal governments.

While Mr. Bachrach speaks to layoffs at the municipal level, last week City Manager Robert Long noted that Prince Rupert had so far been able to avoid the lay off process as it deals with the challenges of COVID.

As for today's announcement,  So far there has been no comment from the City of Prince Rupert, or Mayor Lee Brain towards what level of funding Prince Rupert will receive, or how the City may put it to use.

For more notes on Federal themes see our House of Commons archive page here.

A look at areas of Civic Infrastructure can be found here, while a wider overview of City Council discussion topics can be reviewed here.

Prince Rupert based Paramedic Tanis Douglas among those celebrated during BC Ambulance Paramedic Service Week

Prince Rupert Ambulance Paramdeic Tanis Douglas was one of
a number of BC Paramedics to speak to the challenges and rewards
of service in British Columbia

British Columbia's Ambulance Paramedics just put the wraps on the week that is reserved for observance of their work in communities across the province, with many of those who respond to emergency calls providing a glimpse into the work they do in their part of BC.

Prince Rupert based BC paramedic Tanis Douglas, who was born and raised in this community,  provided the snap shot of service on the North Coast making note of some of the unique challenges facing those who work for the Ambulance service in the North Coast region.


The full list of salutes from last week can be reviewed from the Ambulance Paramedics of BC Facebook page.

To learn more about the province's Ambulance Paramedics see this item from the service's website.

For a look at the work of Emergency Responders in the Northwest see our archive page here.

Canadian tourism sector to receive expanded funding as part of ongoing COVID response

It's an ironic period of time for Canadians to have just put the wrap on National Tourism Week.

The annual celebration of Canadians welcoming visitors from near and far coming as many communities are actually hoping, if not out right explaining that they would rather folks stay away just a bit longer.

As Canadian provinces launch their Restart programs however, Tourism is seen as at least one industry that may help return communities to a more normal period and boost local economies, with a focus on local and regional tourism ahead for this summer.

On Sunday, the Federal Government, brought the seven days dedicated to the tourism sector to an end with an announcement of more funding for the Canadian tourism sector, with 3.45 million dollars now earmarked towards Western Canadian tourism initiatives.

This funding is the result of the close collaboration between Western Economic Diversification  and tourism organizations and businesses across Western Canada and will be used to identify gaps and key areas needing additional support.

The funds will support keystone assets and regionally-based tourism associations that provide services to small- and medium-sized enterprises.

“The long-term prosperity of many Canadian communities depends on a thriving tourism industry. We are here to help SMEs and their communities start rebuilding the western Canadian tourism sector. To them I say: your courage and resiliency is truly inspiring. Let’s continue to work together to face the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Use the resources in place, reach out to us through Western Economic Diversification Canada. We’re here to listen and to support.” -- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

More notes on the Sunday announcement can be explored here.

Last week the British Columbia opened up Tourism week with its own announcement introducing its plans towards a 10 million dollar grant  for what are known as Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO's), non-profit organizations that promote tourism across the province.

The funding is designed to assist the DMO's who traditionally rely on funding through municipal and regional district taxes on hotels and accommodation.

“The tourism industry is a major economic engine and job creator for people in B.C., but the impacts of COVID 19 have left the industry struggling,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “We are supporting the tourism industry today to make sure we can welcome visitors to explore Super, Natural British Columbia when it is safe to do so.” -- Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

You can learn more on the provincial program here.

Locally tourism initiatives are launched through the local offices of Tourism Prince Rupert, which has already embarked on an impressive suite of programs to help local tourism operators.

A look at some of those programs and other responses locally to the COVID-19 pandemic can be explored here.

You can learn more about Tourism in Prince Rupert and area from our archive page here.

COVID-19 response the theme for Mayor Brain's Tax Statement message for 2020

Mayor Lee Brain has used the annual arrival of the City of Prince Rupert Tax bills to put the focus on the city's response to COVID-19, using the accompanying correspondence to provide an update on how City Council and administration have dealt with the challenges of the last six weeks.

In what is normally the space that the Mayor has used in the past to highlight some civic achievements and the work of Council in the first half of the year, this year all attention is devoted to the pandemic and its impact locally.

Among the themes that Mr. Brian explores, the work of local leaders and staff on keeping the community safe and maintaining essential services.

The Mayor also offers the City's thanks to the community for all that residents have done towards a response to the pandemic, as well as to thanks those providing essential services such as grocery store workers, care workers, sanitation workers those in transportation and port workers,

Towards a close, Mr. Brain highlights that there will be no tax increase for taxpayers this year, noting that a wider overview of the projects that the city will be working on this year will be provided as part of the City's Annual Report.

Mayor Brain's letter to Prince Rupert residents is part of the
property tax bill mailing currently underway in Prince Rupert.
(click to enlarge)

As we outlined on Friday, the City of Prince Rupert Tax bills began to arrive across the city, as part of the City's relay of information, city staff outlined their preference now for more distant options towards payment of the bills.

In the letter to residents, the City outlines the range of payment options that residents can use to pay their bills, most of them options that remove any potential personal contact between residents and city staffers.

The City posted the options to the City of Prince Rupert Facebook page as well.

Last week we made note of the new restrictions to access at City Hall, with the city having reopened their operations and allowing access to City Hall by way of an appointment only basis, limiting those in the building to one person at a time.

This years tax bills are required to be paid by July 2nd.

For more notes on the City's Financial themes see our archive page here.

A wider overview of past City Council Discussion themes can be found here.

Back to School time for Prince Rupert students means renewed Speed and Safety enforcement in school zones

With In Class instruction back for June at SD52 schools,
Motorists should remain watchful of School Zone regulations

School District launches its relaunch for in class education today, with schools now reopened and welcoming the students of parents/guardians who have decided to send their children back for the final month of the school year.

And with the return to School, will come the return of RCMP traffic enforcement during school hours, with the members from the Prince Rupert detachment ready to ensure safe conditions around
area schools.

School zones across the city have a 30 km/h speed zone every school day, the speed limitations in effect from 8 AM to 5 PM, while playground areas have 30/km/h speeds from dawn to dusk through the year.

Penalties for failure to observe the speed in school zone and other school related driving regulations range from 167 to 253 dollars.

Motorists should also be aware that it is illegal for a vehicle travelling in the same or opposite direction as a stopped school bus to pass when its red lights are flashing.

Vehicles may not pass until the red lights are turned off and the stop signal arm is down.

To remind you of some of the key awareness notes, we offer some notes from the September return to school, that provide some details on what motorists, students and parents/guardians need to keep in mind.

The most recent information released last week by the School District indicated a near 50/50 split between those parents/guardians who planned to send their children back to school and those who would continue to make use of the distance learning program that has been in place since March.

For more notes on the work of Emergency Responders in the Northwest see our archive page here.

Further background on the Back to School plans of SD52 see our Education archive.

Emergency Service Files: June 2020

Our Archive of items for the month of June, from the files of law enforcement and other emergency responders in Northwestern British Columbia.





From the North Coast Review


Northwest Communities share in Emergency Preparedness Funding
Patience, assistance of Emergency Response Team brings stand-off to a peaceful end near Hazelton Saturday
Northwest RCMP seek help of public in search for wanted Nass Man
Wolf sightings continue for Port Edward
UBCM give municipalities a heads up on path towards RCMP negotiations
Prince Rupert Fire/Rescue members keep skills sharp with ongoing training
British Columbia to review Police Act to modernize legislation and reflect today's challenges
With wolves still roaming, Council is now writing for action from the Province
Prince Rupert RCMP seek public assistance in search for Wanted Person
Independent Investigation Office called to the Northwest for second time this week
Necropsy on destroyed Port Edward wolf proves inconclusive
Port Edward residents remain on edge, after yet another wolf sighting this morning
Conservation Service Officers put down wolf in Port Edward
Prince Rupert based Paramedic Tanis Douglas among those celebrated during BC Ambulance  Paramedic Service Week
Investigation underway into Friday night incident involving members of the Prince Rupert RCMP
Prince Rupert RCMP execute early morning search warrant, make arrest at 8th East residence
Port Edward wolf attack brings strong Conservation Officer presence


**************************************************************************

Prince Rupert/Port Edward/Haida Gwaii/North Coast


Prince Rupert Fire/Rescue Facebook Page

Prince Rupert RCMP Detachment website

Prince Rupert Online Crime Reporting program link

Conservation Officer Service Facebook page



--
June 25 -- Taylor Bachrach on policing in the North (audio)

June 18 -- Sandspit Fire Department sends almost $100K to fraudster for used fire truck

June 18 -- Wanted man in Masset located .. arrested without incident (RCMP Statement)
June 18 -- Conservation Officer Service says recent attack on Port Edward Senior Citizen was 'predatory'
June 17 -- Wolves are becoming more predatory, Conservation Officer Service warns
June 16 -- Young black bear found shot, illegallyu dumped on Haida Gwaii
June 11 -- RCMP Superintendent on police violence (audio)
June 10 -- RCMP are looking for man wanted in connection with a 2017 bank robbery
June 9 -- Masset RCMP ask for public's help finding man wanted for aggravated assault
June 9 -- Masset Wanted (RCMP Statement)
June 9 -- Formal request will be made for conservation officer
June 8 -- Wanted Person (RCMP Statement)
June 5 -- Prince Rupert wolf attack on man reported on social media is unsubstantiated, said COS
June 4 -- Wolf necropsy comes back inconclusive
June 4 -- Lack of progress on MMIWG report criticized by families (audio)
June 3 -- Port Edward wolf necropsy (video)
June 3 -- Another wolf spotted in Port Edward
June 3 -- Necropsy results inconclusive on wolf killed Monday in Port Edward
June 2 -- Port Edward Wolf Attack (video)
June 2 -- Necropsy for Port Edward wolf is inconclusive
June 2 -- Port Edward man attacked by wolf
June 2 -- Conservation Officers provide update following weekend wolf attack
June 1 -- Arrest injuries in Prince Rupert (video)
June 1 -- Weekend RCMP raid in Prince Rupert (video)
June 1 -- Prince Rupert woman's serious injuries after arrest spark police watchdog probe
June 1 -- Wolf killed in Port Edward
June 1 -- Police watchdog investigates after Prince Rupert woman injured during arrest
June 1 -- Emergency Response Team assist in weekend arrest in Prince Rupert



Terrace/Kitimat

Terrace RCMP Detachment website

Terrace RCMP Twitter feed

Conservation Officer Service Facebook page

June 29 -- Conservation Officers kill black bear near Terrace
June 26 -- Province provides funding for over 100 communities for emergency preparedness
June 25 -- Death investigation on Ferry Island (video)
June 25 -- Terrace RCMP investigating deceased man on Ferry Island
June 25 -- Terrace RCMP searching for Nass Valley man wanted on arrest warrant
June 25 -- Terrace RCMP investigating sudden death
June 25 -- Man's body found on Ferry Island
June 25 -- Police investigating a sudden death on Ferry Island (RCMP Statement)
June 25 -- Taylor Bachrach on policing in the North (audio)

June 24 -- Terrace RCMP looking for Nass Valley man

June 24 -- Police looking for a wanted Nass Valley man (RCMP Statement)

June 23 -- Two black bears near Terrace, conservation officers say
June 23 -- Bear reported in the Terrace area
June 19 -- Terrace Detachment Service Report (June 8-June 14)
June 17 -- Missing woman's body found near Terrace
June 17 -- Missing woman found deceased
June 17 -- Missing Terrace woman found deceased
June 17 -- Missing person located (RCMP Statement)
June 16 -- Terrace RCMP searching for missing woman
June 12 -- New Kitimat River Safety Initiatives brought about for fishermen in wake of drownings
June 11 -- RCMP reminding motorists to slow down in school zones
June 11 -- Slow Down - School is still in session (RCMP Statement)
June 11 -- Car goes off road into water on Highway 37, just north of Humphrey  Creek Bridge
June 10 -- Kitimat Search and Rescue message (video)
June 10 -- Terrace Detachment Service Report (May 29-June 4)
June 10 -- Terrace RCMP arrest man near recycling depot
June 9 -- Kitimat Search and Rescue promote water safety
June 8 -- Jet Skier rescued in Skeena River (video)
June 8 -- "We just want answers': Kitimat man remembered for his love of grandchildren, making others smile
June 4 -- IIO investigates Kitimat man's death
June 4 -- IIO investigating Kitimat man's death
June 3 -- BC Police watchdog group investigating after June 1 death of Kitimat man
June 3 -- IIO BC notified of Kitimat incident (RCMP Statement)
June 2 -- Terrace Search and Rescue holding online auction to fund headquarters
June 2 -- Terrace RCMP seize firearms from south side residence
June 1 -- Terrace RCMP respond to firearms call on South Side
June 1 -- Terrace resident told to go home (audio)
June 1 -- Firearms call leads police to south side ( RCMP Statement)


Bulkley Valley/Lakes District 

Smithers RCMP Detachment website

Conservation Officer Service Facebook page

June 30 -- Concerns raised after RCMP seen patrolling smokehouse belonging to Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chief
June 30 -- RCMP patrol of smokehouse sparks concerns by Wet'suwet'en hereditary leader
June 29 -- Police incident near Hazelton, which lasted over 10 hours, concludes safely
June 29 -- Stand-off in the community of Gitsegukla end safely
June 28 -- Man taken into custody after multi-hour standoff near Hazelton: RCMP
June 28 -- Police incident near Hazelton safely concluded  ( RCMP Statement)
June 26 -- Fuel management to take place in Houston by BC Wildfire Service
June 26 -- Province provides funding for over 100 communities for emergency preparedness
June 25 -- Taylor Bachrach on policing in the North (audio)

June 24 -- Lifeguard app launched to prevent drug overdoses
June 24 -- Flatbed trailer theft probed in Houston

June 24 -- Houston RCMP detachment remains closed to public

June 24 -- FireSmart your garden to win a WASP home sprinkler system

June 18 -- Former Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP  calls for more RCMP oversight

June 17 -- Early morning fire shuts down Smithers-Telkwa dump
June 17 -- Fire closes Telkwa Transfer Station
June 17 -- Telkwa Fire Department receives second call in the last two and half months
June 10 -- Ramona Wilson parade marks 26th anniversary of teen's disappearance
June 10 -- Adam Tibbets Senior wanted by the Burns Lake RCMP
June 10 -- Bulkley-Nechako residents get a new alerts system
June 9 -- Carburetor ice blamed for 2019 fatal plane crash north of Smithers
June 8 -- Smithers plane crash report (video)
June 5 -- No charges to be aid against 22 pipeline protesters arrested on Wet'suwet'en territory
June 4 -- Burns Lake RCMP searching for wanted man
June 4 -- Lack of progress on MMIWG report criticized by families (audio)
June 3 -- Break-in at two cabins near Ootsa Lake
June 3 -- Cougar-sighting near Lake Babine Nation Reserve
June 3 -- Burns Lake Wanted Person  ( RCMP Statement)
June 1 -- Police watchdog recommends charges in 2017 in-custody death of Witset man



Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska

June 23 -- Sitkans grapple with national and local conversations around policing and race
June 23 -- Petersburg man sentenced for drugs in Mitkof Highway home
June 23 -- Man arrested in Ketchikan for allegedly arranging shipment of heroin and pills
June 15 -- SAR team doesn't take trapped teen for 'granite' in weekend rock climbing rescue
June 9 -- Sitka Fire Department responds to brush fire on Cascade Creek Road
June 8 -- Home destroyed by fire but residents unharmed after cat alerts owner
June 3 -- Alaska Native youth turn out to Ketchikan protest against racial injustice
June 3 -- House fire on North Tongass Highway kills one



Miscellaneous notes




Archive of month to month review for 2020






To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Real Estate Tracker: Week ending May 31, 2020

After putting our weekly tracking feature on hiatus during the height of the COVID-19 response, we make for a return for it today, that as British Columbia continues to move ahead with the Restart program for the provincial economy.

Every Monday, we look over the listing prices of the week just passed and outline the Top 10 asking prices in the area, providing a snap shot as to where the Real Estate market may be trending on a week-to-week basis.

The listings below are purely for information purposes, for further background on the properties recorded, see our links page for access to the individual real estate listings.

The Archive for our weekly review can be found here.

Our list of the top ten priced homes for the week ending May 31, 2020 can be explored below:

Real Estate listings on the West Side of Prince Rupert
Week ending May 31, 2020

Real Estate listings on the East Side of Prince Rupert
Week ending May 31, 2020

From the break we've noted that there hasn't been much of a price shift in the top end housing from our last report of March 14th to the end of May.

A few of the higher priced listings of March have either been sold or taken down in the interim, which has provided for a slight drop in the overall values for the list of ten.

However, many of the properties that were listed on March 14th remain in place and most are listed at the same price point as that two months ago.

As was previous, properties to the west of McBride, continue to dominate the weekly review, particularly the pocket of Atlin/Graham which is host for the bulk of the entries, the East side also makes a mark with three entries for review this week.

The total value of the list of sits at 6.5 million dollars,  down from the 7.1 million mark of March 14th, making for much of the same territory as in previous weeks.

The lowest mark for the list of ten  sits  at  $499,000, while our top end from the last week remains marked  at the price point of  $1,350,000



Below find our findings as of the Week ending May 31, 2020

1824 Graham Avenue                    $1,350,000 -- Remax
1714 Sloan Avenue                        $649,000 --    Remax
1800 Atlin Avenue                         $649,000 --    Remax
1933 Graham Avenue                    $649,000 --    Remax
1125 Summit Avenue                    $575,000 --     Realty Executives
1232 Conrad Street                        $569,000  --    Realty Executives
1413 Graham Avenue                    $557,000 --     Remax
130 Bill Road                                 $535,000 --     Remax
613 Cassiar Avenue                        $514,900 --    Remax
947 11th Avenue                             $499,000 --    Realty Executives

For more items related to Real Estate see our archive page here.

For background on Housing issues in the region see our past items here.

To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.