The Gitxaala Nation and Prince Rupert RCMP are investigating a concerning issue of illegal substances coming ashore in the Nation's waters
The discovery of illicit drugs which washed ashore near the Gitxaala community of Kitkatla has sparked a joint investigation from the Gitxaala Nation and the Prince Rupert RCMP.
What could be a smuggling incident off the coast of the province saw two packages come ashore, discovered by an area fisherman, the RCMP investigation to this point suggests that cocaine could have been the contents of the illicit cargo.
In a statement Thursday, the Gitxaala Nation noted of the disturbing development, noting that both local and federal authorities are working with the leadership of the Nation to create an action plan.
With the potential for more of the illicit product potentially to come ashore the Gitxaala Nation is urging a cautious approach for members, asking them to contact the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-624-2136 if any further items are located or if members may have more information related to the incident.
They are also reminding their members of the need for personal protection towards the substances and the need to work with authorities towards the situation.
The Gitxaala leadership notes further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
More notes on the work of Emergency Responders across the Northwest and on the North Coast can be explored from our archive page.
The last week has seen Meta, the rebranded company which offers Facebook begin its shutdown of access to Canadian News sources, as part of their response to Federal Legislation that seeks to generate some Revenue for Canadian news organizations.
As the Meta Fatwa on Canadian news got underway, the four main Northwest media sources were the first to feel the wrath of Mark Zuckerberg's team, with advisories popping up since BC Day to advise that the Canadian news links were no longer available.
The Meta strategy towards the issue is a push back on the Federal legislation and with it would seem to eliminate any need for them to forward whatever financial compensation the legislation would compel.
But as for an impact on readers, listeners or viewers of Canadian media, the move will mostly be an inconvenience and something that reduces the ability to share links to local content through their platform.
Hover, most of those in the community with an interest in local news, likely already know how to access the four services listed above, so the real reduction for the most part may come from browsing of Facebook itself.
Still to come is what would be significantly larger issue, with Google threatening to do the same by banning links to Canadian news sources and news of Canadian interest; something which would be of larger concern beyond just social media activities, but again, not an insurmountable obstacle, with other browsing software available for Canadians to access if required.
As for the local Northwest news services, as long as they offer up local content that residents have an interest in, their stories and articles likely will somehow make it to the audience it was destined for.
A few avenues towards sharing of those stories from readers, listeners and viewers could come from the rival social media sites out there.
X the former twitter, while at times steeped in its own internal issues and the whims of owner Elon Musk, still has not indicated any plans to reduce access to news content, so that's one avenue, while other sources, while less popular can also be found.
For those that may not have the website addresses to each of our local news sources available, a check of our Media archive page provides you with one stop linkage to the four main local options.
Residents hoping to see a few derelict buildings in the downtown area meet their fate, will seemingly have to hold on just a bit longer to hear more on the fate of two properties of note that were addressed at the July City Council Session.
The first to be addressed was the Third Avenue West property adjacent to the now demolished Belmont Hotel, site, the location that once hosted Roses's and the adjoining lot of abandoned vehicles.
The second property on the July24th Agenda was the long abandoned Angus Apartments which was consumed by fire a few years back.
The Second Avenue West apartment building has been a long running engagement for City Council over the years.
Both orders included a caveat that states:
AND THAT Council agree that reconsideration of these orders may be made, in writing, within 14 days of the notice provided under Section 77 of the Community Charter;
AND THAT if no reconsideration notices are received within 14 days of the notice provided Staff are directed to proceed with the Remedial Action Orders immediately as requested.
As of yesterday, there is no indication that either structure is facing any imminent removal.
So far the city has not provided for any updates related to the status of their July 24th Remedial Action Orders.
You can review Mayor Pond's comments towards both situations from the City's Video archive of the July 24th Council session, starting at the 59 minute mark.
More notes related to the July Council session can be reviewed from our archive page.
As we headed out on our summer break, the signs were hopeful of a settlement in the month long labour dispute between the ILWU and the BCMEA, a tentative deal struck and then in a surprising twist, that settlement fell apart, requiring some further discussions, all while the Federal Government warned that it was ready to step in to bring closure to the month long shutdown of the west coast port facilities.
Things finally found some resolution by month's end a joint statement from the two sides indicating that labour peace was finally at hand.
That short update, followed a few days later by a confirmation that the two sides were moving forward with the negotiated settlement that would return workers to their duties, with a four year contract in place.
The results of the ILWU ratification vote released August 4th, noting of an acceptance of 74.66% of the membership that voted.
Following the ratification vote, the details of the negotiated settlement were obtained by Canadian Press, their overview included the Memorandum of Settlement between the ILWU and BCMEA.
That explored the contentious issue of contracting out, compensation through the Modernization and Mechanization retirement compensation elements, as well as the schedule of wage increases over the course of the four year agreement.
Frederick Street at Hays Cove Avenue is the latest flashpoint for the city's teetering water infrastructure system
The city's operations department is in the midst of a summer long game of whack a mole, with water related issues popping up around the city as the aging water infrastructure continues to implode upon itself making for long days and nights for city crews as they travel the city.
The maps below outline the scope of some of that work over the course of the last month with much of the area of concern of late focused on the city's east side, with the surge in recent waterline issues coming as the City returned to its work in the Crestview areas of the community.
Much of the current focus for city work crews and contractors is on the east side of the city
As the issues with infrastructure continued this past few weeks water pressure across much of the east side of the city was low
The city's water woes dominated much of the discussion at the July 24th Council session, with Mayor Pond and Council members observing as to the singular focus that they are putting towards the water infrastructure issues over the summer.
Of note from the Council session of July was the City's application for funding under a Federal program called Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, which has the city seeking 82 million dollars from the Federal government,
That fund was created in 2018 by the Federal government, committing $2 billion over 10 years to invest in structural and natural infrastructure projects to increase the resilience of communities that are impacted by natural disasters triggered by climate change.
City Manager Rob Buchan noted that the city had applied for the federal funding to go along with the recently received 65 million of funding from the province.
Buchan observed that as part of that funding request, the city is also required to provide for its own funding, which is currently in process, that through the twin infrastructure loan authorizations launched by the city in June.
As part of his overview of the process, Mr. Buchan paid tribute to the work of Director Richard Pucci on the work so far towards the initiatives.
For his part, Mr. Pucci provided a review of the ongoing concerns over the city's water infrastructure system and the steps that the city has taken so far to address the issues and seek out funding towards the work.
As part of his overview, he also highlighted how the work can be twinned with other service providers and to implement elements of the transportation plans.
He stressed the concerning nature of the ongoing failure of the Water system.
The Mayor observed how the financial numbers are not pulled from thin air and highlighted the need for the civic to put in its own financial resources to address the infrastructure concerns.
Noting of the Loan Authorization process underway through the Alternate Approval Process, noting that without the city's ability to inject funding, the Federal contribution would shrink.
He also noted how the current water concerns will make for the most important item that this council will have to deal with and then spoke of the city's ongoing efforts to find other sources of funding to lessen the impact of the borrowing requirements.
Mr. Pond also highlighted that the work ahead will be disruptive to the community and that some patience will be required.
You can review the full overview of the waterline issues and the quest for Federal funding from the City's Video Archive page, that element starts at the 37 minute mark.
With the deadline for responses set for Monday, residents should have some idea next week as to how the city's approach was received; or if a Plan B, by way of a full referendum and debate on the requirements will be needed before things move forward.
More notes on the July 24th Council session can be explored from our Council Timeline.
Back from our summer sabbatical, we pick up things where we left off in late July, with a look at the work of Prince Ruper City Council from their July council session.
Council members launched their more relaxed schedule for the summer months this month, hosting their only council session of the thirty one days on the 24th.
The one hour and a bit of civic themes included two reports and presentations during the Committee of the Whole portion of the night; the first on the development of a new civic website, followed by the reveal of the new Civic Transportation Plan, with the Council members taken through a range of features for both.
The Transportation themes would also come up again in the Regular Council session.
Council members also adopted a number of items that were included as part of the Consent Agenda.
Other themes for the night included two Remdial Action orders for properties in the community with building and item removals ordered for the property known as Rosies on Third West, as well as for the Angus Apartments on Second West.
Council members also addressed three late items related to Development permits for three properties in the community.
Council also hosted a Closed Council session at 5PM the twelfth such closed meeting of the year. The details related to the call for exclusion of the public can be reviewed here.
Further information from our overview and placement in the video archives can be found below; with the permanent record of the Council minutes added as they are posted to the city website.
Adoption of the Agenda -- The Mayor opened the session with a review of the Committee of the Whole Agenda of the July 25th session and sought approval of Council towards it.
Petitions and Delegations
( 1:00 -- 14:30 ) The City's Director of Communications,Engagement and Social Development, provided a short tutorial on what is ahead for the launch of a new civic website for the community, noting of its cost sensitive approach.
Ms Stewart outlined how the current website was becoming more challenging to maintain as it aged and then provided some notes on the look to the new features and how it incorporates the new city logo design and branding.
The cost was 5,000 dollars for the development of the new portal which was done by a Victoria based company and will require 2,500 per year for maintenance and web hosting.
A slideshow that was part of the presentation provided additional details to the new civic information piece.
The launch date is set for early August.
The Communications Director noted that the city is welcoming comments and observations towards the new look for the website.
City Manager Rob Buchan paid tribute to the work of the civic staff towards the development of the new portal and observed of the financial benefit that came from the creation of the new site.
Councillor Randhawa asked about the potential for reporting on items such as potholes, Ms. Stewart observed that the public works reporting will be a feature as well as that residents can use the app.
Councillor Cunningham also paid tribute to the work and look of the new website plan.
( 14:30 -- 33:00 ) Brian Patterson, a representative from Urban Systems provided an update on the development of the City's Transportation Plan.
The purpose of the plan was to highlight the infrastructure priorities over the next 5-10 years ahead, focused on four areas, model interconnectivity, active transportation, public transportation and Driving elements.
The process of development was taken on over the course of the last year, included in that overview was community engagement that led to the development of the final plan and how to implement it in a phased approach.
The Transportation plan has also incorporated a range of other civic initiatives such as play spaces and parking planning into the document.
With the city currently engaged in infrastructure replacement, it was noted that some of the elements of the Transportation strategy could be incorporated and integrated into some of that work.
Towards questions Councillor Adey observed of the scope of the project, noting of the city's past work on the 2030 Vision plan and how he had the same feeling towards some of the elements that may be more aspirational than practical at the moment.
As was noted in the report, the Councillor observed as to how some of the city's infrastructure work could be tied into the Transportation planning.
Question and Inquiries from members of Council
Council members had no other questions or comments for the forum
Approval of Agenda -- The Mayor reviewed the Agenda of the July 24 session and sought approval of Council towards it, he observed of a number of additions on the night, including the June Development report and three variance development permit requests.
The Agenda was then adopted by Council.
( 34:30 -- 37:00 ) Public Comments regarding Agenda items
One member of the community, Toby Lake came forward to speak towards some of the Transportation themes of the night and the prospect of demolition of some buildings. Among his thoughts a suggestion that further setbacks be created to develop additional transportation elements.
(37:00 -- 47:00 ) Consent Agenda
Report from Corporate Administrator: 2023 Civic Recognition awards (see page 10 of Agenda)
Council Resolution Status Update to June 2023 (see pages 11-12 of Agenda)
Report from the Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development: Municipal website renewal (see pages 13 - 15 of Agenda)
Monthly Fire/Rescue report (see pages 16 - 17 of Agenda)
Proclamation: National Drowning Prevention Week (see page 18 of Agenda)
Report from the Director of Operations and Intergovernmental Relations: Infrastructure Replacement Strategy/Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) (see pages 19 - 20 of Agenda)
Report from Chief Financial Office: May 2023 Financial Variance Report (see pages 21 - 25 of Agenda)
Mayor Pond observed of a few of the themes for the public to review from the Consent agenda.
Of the themes, the Mayor called on the City Manager to speak to the DMAF proposal, with Mr. Buchan noting that the city had applied for 82 million dollars in federal funding to with the recently received 65 million of funding from the province.
As part of that funding request, the city is also required to provide for its own funding, which is currently in process through the twin infrastructure loan authorizations.
Mr. Buchan paid tribute to the work of Director Richard Pucci on the work so far towards the initiatives.
Mr. Pucci provided a review of the ongoing concerns over the city's water infrastructure system and the steps that the city has taken so far to address the issues and seek out funding towards the work.
As part of his overview, he also highlighted how the work can be twinned with other service providers and to implement elements of the transportation plans.
He stressed the concerning nature of the ongoing failure of the Water system.
The Mayor observed how the financial numbers are not pulled from thin air and highlighted the need for the civic to put in its own financial resources to address the infrastructure concerns.
Noting of the Loan Authorization process underway through the Alternate Approval Process, noting that without the city's ability to inject funding, the Federal contribution would shrink.
He also noted how the current water concerns is the most important item that this council will have to deal with and then spoke of the city's ongoing efforts to find other sources of funding to lessen the impact of the borrowing requirements.
Mr. Pond also highlighted that the work ahead will be disruptive to the community and that some patience will be required.
Correspondences
North Coast Regional District Board Highlights (see page 26 of Agenda)
Email from Northern Health : Re BC Speak Survey (see page 27 -29 of Agenda)
Letter from the Office of the Mayor from the City of Surrey: Re RCMP (see page 30 -32 of Agenda)
Letter from the Office of the Province of British Columbia: Re RCMP (see pages 32 - 34 of Agenda)
Thank you card from the Lester Centre (Chris Armstrong): Re Mamma Mia. (see pages 35-36 of Agenda)
Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Community News (see pages of 37 - 44 Agenda)
Invitation to Review and Comment on the NCRD Draft 2 Solid Waste Management Plan and Attend a Council (see pages of 45 - 46 Agenda)
Resolution submitted to the 2023 UBCM Convention from the City of Prince George.(see page 47 of Agenda)
Letter of Support from the North Coast Regional District : Re Prince Rupert Port Authority's Community Investment Fund for public recycling bins in Port Edward. T(see page 48 of Agenda)
Recommendation
Council then approved all items of the Consent Agenda which was accepted and filed
Staff Reports
(47:00 -- 59:00 ) Report from the Director of Development Services: Prince Rupert Transportation Plan -- Council received a report recommending approval of the plan and to provide direction to Staff. Mayor Pond highlighted the scope of the plan and outlined how the 300 page report is available on the civic website review. Of note for the council review, the Mayor observed how the implementation of the elements would be advanced as budget and resources allow.
Towards comment on the document, Councillor Adey continued on with his previous theme of review of the plan and observed that it is a document that would take some time to implement, noting of some areas of interest.
Those included, that it's just one step in improving transpiration in the city and to be realistic would be an extremely expensive process and at the moment prohibitive.
He noted that the city can put in place as much or as little from the plan as they desire. The Councillor noted of the limited financial resources that the city has at this point and the more urgent requirements, though there are opportunities with the water and sewer work ahead to implement some of the elements of the plan.
The Councillor noting that they could implement as much of the plan as possible, but noting how it's understood that it's aspirational and council will take what they can and do what they can.
Councillor Niesh echoed many of the themes of Councillor Adey, observing of it as a plan paid through by a grant, large in ideas and maps, but noting that owing the city's financial limitations at the moment, the city's only recourse at the moment is when they tear up a street they may be able to implement some of the elements.
Councillor Cunningham also had similar themes to relay, describing the plan as a great wish list, but calling attention to some of the elements that the city has no control over. He also noted of the lack of costing for many of the items that made for the plan. As the others had, his focus was on the current infrastructure concerns facing the city.
City Manager Robert Buchan, spoke to the current situation and its importance, but observed how the transportation plan strategy lays out the framework for a better future and incorporates many goals and aspirations. Something that will allow the city to speak to other levels of government and agencies towards where they can focus such things as grant applications.
He expressed some optimism that over the ten years ahead, the city may achieve many of the areas of interest from the report.
Councillor Forster noted how passing the motion did not mean that the city was committing to anything, but as opportunity come up, the city may be able to address some of the elements that were outlined.
Councillor Randhawa also noted of the opportunities it highlights over the next ten years for the city to explore.
Council then voted to approve the motion. (see pages 49 - 235 of Agenda)
(59:00 -- 1:01:00 ) Report from the Corporate Administrator: Remedial Action Order for 741 - 3rd Avenue West -- Council received a report recommending that Council direct staff to proceed with a Remedial Action Order for the building at 741-3rd West, with the cost towards its removal be placed on the property taxes for the property. Council was also asked to also approve the removal of the bus and vehicle on that property, with the cost of removal added to the taxes on the property. Mayor Pond provided some additional background on the properties in question that associatied to the former Rosies location adjacent to the former Belmont Hotel site. Council approved the motion with no discussion.(see pages 236 - 237 - of Agenda)
( 1:01:00 -- 1:03:00 ) Report from the Corporate Administrator: Remedial Action Order for 1112 & 1133 Second Avenue West -- Council received a report recommending that Council direct staff to proceed with a Remedial Action Order for building removal located at 1127 & 1133 2nd Avenue West. The costs of removal placed on the property taxes for the said property; As well it was recommended that Council direct staff to provide notice to the property owner in accordance with Section 77 of the Community Charter. The Mayor once again provided background on the property in question known as the Angus Apartments. Council approved the motion with no discussion (see pages 238 - 239 of Agenda)
There were three late additions to the Agenda
( 1:03:00 -- 1:04:30 ) Development Permit Application: DVP 23-14-- Council received a request for a development permit for a property on Rudderham Place, Council approved the motion to move forward to statutory notification with no discussion.
( 1:04:30 --1:05:00 ) Development Permit Application: DVP 23-15 -- Council received a request for a development permit for a property on 8th Avenue East, Council approved the motion to move forward to statutory notification with no discussion.
( 1:05:30 --1:06:00 ) Development Permit Application: DVO 23 15 -- Council received a request for a development permit for a property on Ritchie Street, Council approved the motion to move forward to statutory notification with no discussion.
( 1:06:00 --1:06:30 )Mayor Pond also outlined a note from the Closed session previous to the Regular council, advising that the City of Prince Rupert would be hosting the 2025 North Central Local Government Association meetings in Prince Rupert.
Business Arising
(2:21:00 -- 2:30:00) Council Round Table and Public Question Period --
Councillor Forster asked for an update from staff on the recent challenges relayed by the organization PURS.
Councillor Adey spoke to the theme of public notification and recounted some of the turbulence that the city has encountered in past public notifications. Observing of the importance of the public notification element and the opportunity for the public to make use of the public comment period at each council session to speak to their concerns.
He observed how it's important that the city ensure that the answers are provided in an endorsed, or formalized way.
Towards that he highlighted a concern he had received from a local resident about the bridge at the Salt Marsh and the need for it to see some safety modifications.
In reply, the city's Operations Director advised that the City was aware of the situation and was in the process of addressing the issue, they had looked to the work three months ago but with supply delays the material has arrived and the project will be addressed shortly.
City Manager Buchan observed on the public comment period, noting how it was not to be viewed as a Question and Answer period, but that city staff does take notes on the views that are shared and where appropriate they do attempt to follow up.
Council Forester spoke to a previous question from the public on the public swim issue of a few weeks ago and praised City staff for taking the issue and seeking a solution to the situation that was raised.
The Mayor observed that the city has really great staff that are receptive to feedback from the public.
Mr. Pond also echoed some of the City Manager's comments related to the public comment period, noting how the city builds its agendas to avoid 'gotcha questions' as they strive to come prepared for their sessions.
He suggested that staff develop a Frequently Asked Question component to the civic website for Council to refer residents to towards those themes that continue to arise.
With Council off for over a month ahead, the Mayor wished all a safe and enjoyable summer period.
Adjournment -- The Mayor brought the session to a close with a call to adjourn
You can access our Council Archive for July 24 here, from that page a number of items regarding the Council Session, including links to any local media coverage can be found.
As always, our Council Timeline is only a reflection of our observations from the Council session of the night. Be sure to consult with the official minutes from the City, when posted to their website for further review.
Council continues with their more relaxed summer schedule of once a month sessions, with the next Regularly scheduled session to take place on Monday, August 28th .
