Avalanche Control Notice for most of Monday for Highway 16 travellers between Terrace and Prince Rupert

More Avalanche Control work is planned for Monday from West of
Exchamsiks Provincial Park along Highway 16 to just after Selma Island

The Ministry of Transportation and Highways has issued an advisory for those with plans for a trip between Terrace and Prince Rupert on Monday morning

Alerting motorists that CN Rail Avalanche Control Work is scheduled for the stretch of highway adjacent to China Bar just west of Exchamsiks Provincial Park.

The work will get underway at 9AM and continue through to 3 PM, Traffic control personnel will be on hand to offer guidance, travellers are advised that their could be delays of up to 45 minutes during the course of he control work.

click to enlarge

Last week the province provided a video of the most recent work on avalanche control along that same stretch of Highway 16, a nighttime project in some challenging conditions.

You can access that item here.

In addition to the Avalanche Control work, closer to Exchamsiks, there is some highway maintenance planned from 8:30 AM until 7 PM. 

Single Lane alternating traffic will be in place, with delays anticipated for those travelling the highway,

Follow Drive BC's website and twitter feed for further updates on Monday's plans.

A look at past work along the Highway 16 corridor and feeder routes can be reviewed from our archive.

Blog Watching: Week ending March 5, 2023

An incident that closed the main thoroughfare into the city for much of the day Saturday made for the most read item of the week for our list of the five most read pieces.  

That as a large audience exploring our notes on a motor vehicle-pedestrian incident at McBride and Fifth Avenue that sent one man to hospital with serious injuries and has seen another taken into custody.

The continued presence of a field of debris along Third Avenue West where the Belmont Hotel once stood, generated some discussion on social media this week and our notes on the status of the site also found a strong audience.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority received some positive news for its plans for an  Export Logistics Terminal on the southern tip of Ridley Island, an item which found some significant interest from our readers.

The BC Legislature delivered some interesting themes this week, from a discussion on midwifery; to the NDP Government's Budget for 2023-24. However, it was our look at the commentary of Skeena MLA Ellis Ross on the theme of the Coastal GasLink pipeline that found a large audience this week.

And some news from School District 52 was of note for readers this week, that as we outlined a change when it comes to Senior leadership at the Board.

From the weeks review the most read of our pieces was our item related to Saturday's investigation into a vehicle pedestrian incident along McBride Street.

Early morning vehicle/pedestrian incident at McBride and Fifth Avenue brings serious injury to 33 year old male --  Prince Rupert RCMP and Emergency Responders attended to a motor vehicle-pedestrian  incident in the early hours of Saturday morning, that sent one man to hospital and saw another arrested and taken into custody as part of the investigation.    (posted March 4, 2023) 

That article was followed by: 

Belmont Debris Field making for energetic discussion on social media  -- Our look at a topic of some discussion on social media about the state of the former Belmont Hotel and the lack of work towards clearing the debris field from the fire of near one year ago.  (posted  February 27, 2023) 

New benchmark reached for proposed Ridley Island Export Logistics Project 

-- One of a number of potential industrial developments for the region moved a bit further towards a final decision, as the PRPA's proposed Export Logistics Terminal plans for Ridley Island  cleared one environmental step. (posted  March 2 , 2023) 

Commentary on the High Boil in the Legislature on reports of possible sabotage of Coastal GasLink pipeline  --  Skeena MLA Ellis Ross found a bit of controversy in the BC Legislature this week, that following his comments related to concerns over potential sabotage of the Coastal GasLink pipeline project.  (posted March 1 , 2023) 

With 2023-24 Budget process still underway, SD52 makes Senior Administration change at Secretary-Treasurer post --  The Prince Rupert Board of Education is moving forward through its budget planning for 2023-24 with some out of town help stepping into the Secretary-Treasurer post.   (posted March 3, 2023) 

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace. 

 

You can also review the full listings of the week just past, from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page. 

For updates on new items posted daily to the blog, we direct you to our CharlesMHays Twitter feed, where we post notification of new stories as we post them. 

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here.

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

Early morning vehicle/pedestrian incident at McBride and Fifth Avenue brings serious injury to 33 year old male

A one block stretch of McBride remains closed as 
Prince Rupert RCMP investigate an early morning vehicle/pedestrian
incident that took place on the main corridor road

Update: Shortly After 5PM, the Prince Rupert RCMP released the scene and allowed traffic and pedestrians to use the road and sidewalks once again.

The victim of the incident has since been taken by air ambulance to the Vancouver area for further medical care towards his condition.

******************************Original Story***********************************

The Prince Rupert RCMP have closed a one block section of McBride between Fifth and Sixth Avenues as they continue with an investigation into an early morning incident of a pedestrian being struck by any vehicle.

The incident took place early Saturday within just a few feet of the city's RCMP detachment at Sixth and McBride.

In an information release this morning the Prince Rupert RCMP outlined the nature of the incident advising that an alleged impaired driver is now in custody, as well as to outline the ongoing work that is now underway.

The event occurred in the early morning of March 4th, 2023, initial reports from witnesses stated that a red Toyota Tacoma struck a pedestrian on Mcbride St near 5th Ave E. 

Front line officers as well as Emergency Health Services (EHS) rushed to the scene where they located 33-year-old man with serious injuries. 

A primary witness to the incident identified the truck as well as the driver, who did not stay at the scene of the accident. 

When officers made contact with the driver they suspected he was impaired by alcohol, the man provided breath samples which were almost three times the legal limit. 

The man is currently being held in custody and his name will not be released at this time.

A one block area on McBride adjacent to the RCMP detachment
is closed to Traffic and pedestrians as Prince Rupert RCMP conduct
an investigation into a pedestrian / vehicle incident early Saturday morning

 "As a result of the seriousness of the investigation Mcbride St will be closed for the foreseeable future, and we are asking for people to avoid the intersection of Mcbride and 5th Ave East. 

We are also asking that anyone that may have witnessed the collision, has dash camera footage or other CCTV footage to come forward and contact police immediately. 

The seriousness of this collision is another reminder of how dangerous driving while impaired is, whether that impairment is caused by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. 

The RCMP is reminding everyone to make alternative arrangements whenever they drink, take any drug, or are too tired to drive, so that everyone can make it home safe."  -- Media Relations Officer Cst. Brody Hemrich 

There has been no update provided as of yet as to the condition of the pedestrian struck by the vehicle in the incident.

Should you have information related to the incident you are asked to contact the Prince Rupert Detachment of the RCMP at 250-624-2136.

The RCMP information release can be reviewed here.

More notes on the work of Emergency Responders across the Northwest can be reviewed from our archive page.

MLA's Week: February 27 -- March 2, 2023

This week delivered the financial blue print for the NDP Government, with a Tuesday presentation from Finance Minister Katrine Conroy that shifted the government from a surplus position to that of a deficit as it prepares to deal with some financial challenges ahead though an expected slowing economy.

The week started off however with some good news for ferry travellers and plans to hold down the rising cost of travel on BC Ferries.

Price Caps could e on the way for BC Ferries fares as BC Government puts more money into transportation service

The main focus for the week however  was Budget Day and the financial plan ahead for the province.

BC Budget 2023: From Surplus to Deficit in just under 34 minutes 

For the Northwest MLA's the schedule was a mixed one, with the Skeena MLA in opposition  the one in the region making for the most  participation in the debate or discussion of the Legislature

As for more on the recent week of work from the House, the four days unfolded as follows:

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On the week, Ms Rice was mentioned three times  in the record for the week in the  Legislature from February 27-March 2.

Her Legislature work began on Monday morning when she engaged in debate on the province's plans for a midwifery program.

Midwives the themes for Monday morning presentation for MLA Jennifer Rice 

Fishery themes made for her Monday afternoon contribution to the proceedings as the MLA spoke in defence of the North Coast fishery and those who are involved with it.

North Coast Fishery items themes for MLA Rice Legislature prevention and focus for UFAWU petition to House of Commons

Tuesday Ms. Rice offered up some introductions, noting of the members of the Northern First Nations Alliance Health and Wellness Community  you can view those from the Chamber video at 10:25 AM

At week's end MLA Jennifer Rice was sharing word of how much a number of communities in her constituency would be sharing in the NDP Government's 1 Billion Dollar infrastructure funding program.

Province of BC announces that infrastructure funding is on the way for Prince Rupert, Port Edward

The North Coast MLA is also a member of the Following committees:

Select Committee on Children and Youth

Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs

Select Standing Committee on Education

Ms. Rice serves as the Government's Parliamentary Secretary for Rural health.

The North Coast MLA also addressed a range of themes and relayed  a number of government announcements through her Social Media Stream.

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

For our readers from the Terrace-Kitimat region, Skeena MLA Ellis Ross  was mentioned five times in the record for the week in the Legislature from February 27-March 2..

The Skeena MLA began his work in the Legislature with some welcomes the first was for a delegation from the Northwest as part of the Northern First Nations Alliance Health and Wellness group, noting of their work towards developing services in the region those comments camas 10:07 AM

He followed up with short presentation for the Legislature on the work of Dr. Howard Mills and plans for Seniors Housing in Kitimat those notes come at the 10:20 AM mark

Mr. Ross also raised his concerns over what he sees as a lack of action by the Government on reports of sabotage on the Coastal GasLink pipeline in the Northwest, a commentary which gained a rebuke from a number of members on the government side.

Commentary on the High Boil in the Legislature on reports of possible sabotage of Coastal GasLink pipeline

The MLA's commentary from the morning brought him back in the afternoon session to withdraw the contentious element of his presentation that statement came at the 1:35 PM mark of the session.

Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Ross was one of the first of the Opposition MLA's to provide for a response to the Tuesday budget from the NDP Government.

In Budget Response Skeena's Ellis Ross notes of uninspiring nature of Finance Minster's blue print, reviews a range of themes where work is needed

Mr. Ross serves as the Liberal critic on LNG and Energy

The Skeena MLA is also a member of the Following committees:

Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food 

Mr. Ross also participated in the proceedings related to estimates of the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 

The Skeena MLA also addressed a range of themes  featured as part of the MLA's social media work.

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

For our readers from the Bulkley Valley area, Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen  was mentioned once  in the record for the week in the  Legislature from February 27-March 2.

Mr. Cullen's only work of note in the Chamber on the week was to rise on a Point of order related to the comments from the Skeena MLA as part of his presentation on the Coastal GasLink issues, Mr. Cullens community to those comments can be viewed at the 11:11 AM mark

The Stikine MLA is not currently assigned to any Parliamentary Committees.  

Mr. Cullen serves as the Government's Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

The Stikine MLA also had comments on a range of themes through his Social Media stream this week

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

There is more background on all three Regional MLA's available from our MLA's Week Archive, as well as our constituency archives below. 

North Coast Constituency

Skeena Constituency

Stikine Constituency

The MLA's return to their duties on Monday, March 6th.

MLA's also participate in a number of Committee sessions scheduled through the week.

A larger overview of provincial issues can be found on our Political portal D'Arcy McGee. 

Province of BC announces that Infrastructure funding is on the way for Prince Rupert, Port Edward

Residents of Prince Rupert and Port Edward have a bit of an idea as to how much their home communities will be sharing in a one billion dollar infrastructure fund, with North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice releasing the details today, as to how the funding will be distributed to the two municipalities.

“North Coast covers a vast area of the province with many unique communities,. Each of these communities has their own needs and priorities, and this funding will make a big impact to better serve people in these areas. As communities continue to grow, local governments are having to meet increased strain on infrastructure and amenities including roads, transit, water and electrical systems, as well as community centers, parks and social services."-- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice  

The Growing Communities Fund was introduced February 10th by Premier David Eby, the $1 billion fund accessible for B.C.’s 188 municipalities and regional districts to be used to support their unique needs.

The new funding initiative was also mentioned as part of Tuesday's Provincial budget.

Towards what the two largest communities on the North Coast will receive from the province.

Ms. Rice noted that the City of Prince Rupert will receive $4,068,000. 

While the District of Port Edward is receiving $669,000 

North Coast Regional District is set to receive $1,162,000

Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond and
North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice
(image from MLA Rice's office)

Ms. Rice further observed that the grants are intended to complement, rather than displace, existing infrastructure funding (like sewer, water, roads).

For Haida Gwaii the funding allocation looks as follows:

The Village of Masset is receiving $764,000 

The Village of Daajing Giids is receiving $863,000 

The Village of Port Clements is receiving $600,000

The full announcement from the Province of British Columbia can be examined here.

Municipal infrastructure issues such as our recent waterline
issues make for the direction of a 1 billion dollar provincial fund

So far neither Mayor Herb Pond or the City of Prince Rupert have made a statement towards the provincial funding coming our way.

We may get an idea as to where the City will be allocating it's 4 million dollars on Monday, when City Council hosts their first Council session for March.

More notes on the city's infrastructure issues can be reviewed here.

A wider overview of past Council discussion themes is available here.

A look at the latest notes from the legislature can be explored here.

Challenges in finding crews for AMHS vessels means suspension of planned Summer service to Prince Rupert

A return for Alaska Marine Highway Service to Prince Rupert is on hold
that as AMHS has continued to struggle to find enough employees to 
staff their fleet of vessels

The stars are not aligning it seems when it comes to a return to some semblance of a regular schedule for ferry service between Prince Rupert and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Last fall it was looking fairly positive for a summer sailing season between the two communities. 

That as the Alaska Marine Highway System made plans to resume its sailing schedule am announcement that had been something that residents of Southeast Alaska had been hoping for coming out of the COVID era suspension of service.

However, like many Marine providers including BC Ferries and Washington State Ferries: along with their own unique challenges in Alaska, AMHS is finding it hard to put together crews to sail on their vessels and as a result announced some disappointing news on Thursday.

The decision of AMHS officials one which will have an impact on the travels through the AMHS Fairview Bay terminal in Prince Rupert.

click to enlarge

In their information release yesterday, the Commissioner of the Marine Highway Service noted of a number of vessel tie ups ahead this spring and summer and how they will impact on service. 

In particular the impact of not having the vessel MV Kenicott set sail, the vessel the one that had been dedicated to the Prince Rupert route.

M/V Kennicott & M/V Tazlina: Due to crewing shortages, the M/V Kennicott and M/V Tazlina will be offline and placed in a readiness state. 

As we work through our recruitment programs and hire additional crew, we will bring the vessels back on-line immediately to supplement the baseline summer schedule. 

We recognize that without having the Kennecott on-line, we are not able to service the cross-gulf community of Yakutat, we reduce service to some Southwest and Prince William Sound Communities and will not have a vessel equipped to service Prince Rupert, due to international service regulations. 

We will be working over the coming weeks to provide alternative transportation for these areas to our best ability.

The Marine Highway Service also noted of its ongoing efforts to recruit new employees and their efforts to rebuild their schedule further into 2023.

Hiring new and experienced crew is the most significant challenge to moving beyond a baseline ferry schedule. Since January, AMHS taken additional steps to hire and recruitment skilled workers. Those changes have included extending the signing bonus for IBU members, increased advertising throughout Alaska and Lower-48, outreach to all Alaska High Schools, and reestablishing a AMHS job fair presence throughout the state and Lower 48. 

The department is also considering establishing a conditional hire program for qualified candidates waiting credentialing paperwork, an on-board internship program, and a Ketchikan-based training program. We will continue to try new ways to attract and retain crew and keep our ships serving our system.

The announcement has been received with some significant disappointment both by Alaska officials and the public, the popularity and importance of the service to Prince Rupert something that Alaska Representative Dan Ortiz noted for a Haines news publication yesterday. 

“That was a surprise and a big disappointment,” Rep. Dan Ortiz said of the news at the legislative briefing that the Kennicott could be tied up this summer. The loss of service to Prince Rupert “does not sit well with Ketchikan or Wrangell,” said the lawmaker, who represents both communities. 

As the AMHS works through their challenges updates to their crewing situation and hopefully a return to a Prince Rupert Service will be relayed through their website.

More notes on Marine Transportation on the North Coast, Haida Gwaii and Southeast Alaska can be reviewed from our archive page.

Port Edward Council members get a payday top up with remuneration amendment

Members of Port Edward Council will have a few extra dollars on hand to take on the challenges of inflation this year, that as an increase to the paycheques comes along as part of their annual indemnities and allowances package.

The Council members had previously voted to receive the report in mid February, however with some incorrect data from that session, they had to do it all over again at their most recent Council Session.

The financial gains are modest for the Port Edward politicians, with Mayor Bjorndal's salary increasing by 1,372 dollars to a total of $40,425.

The Council members receive an additional 802 dollars bringing their salaries to $11,925.

The District has also seen increases towards their car allowance and use of personal cel phones.

The District's remuneration is parsimonious compared to the salaries of their neighbours in Prince Rupert.

The City of Prince Rupert compensation for elected officials came to just under 216,000 dollars for 2021, the last listing from the City's annual SOFI Report.

The next release of Civic Statement of Financial Income will come as part of the Annual report period in early summer.

Like Prince Rupert officials, Port Edward can designate their municipal representatives to Regional District and Hospital Boards, where additional compensation can be realized.

More notes from the District of Port Edward can be reviewed here.