Prince Rupert RCMP issue safety advisory following wolf attack on Butze Rapids trail

A wildlife incident this morning on the Butze Rapids Trail has the Prince Rupert RCMP encouraging residents to take a pass on the popular recreation trail for the time being.

The details towards the incident were released in a statement from the Detachment over the noon hour.

Earlier today the Prince Rupert RCMP received a call from a family that was spending time at the beach off of the Butze Rapids walking trail when a wolf approached their group, which included a medium sized dog. 

Thankfully there was a second family nearby that had bear-bangers and began to deploy them in an attempt to scare away the wolf. 

Despite the use of bear-bangers the wolf attacked the medium sized dog. The dog escaped with no injuries. 

"We are encouraging those who regularly walk Butze Rapids walking trail to either avoid the area for the time being, or come prepared for interactions with wild-life. Although situations like this are rare, sightings and interactions with wildlife in and around Prince Rupert are not, it is unusual to have a wolf not be afraid of humans despite the families making lots of noise and scare devices." --Prince Rupert RCMP Media Relations Cst. Brody Hemrich 

The Prince Rupert RCMP is also encouraging people to review the BC government's recommendations for staying safe around wolves and coyotes. 

According to the site interactions where wolves display aggressive behaviour is rare, however, if they do act in such a way it is recommended to: 

Make yourself look as large as possible - if sitting, stand up. 

Wave your arms and throw objects at the wolf or coyote 

Shout at the wolf or coyote in a loud aggressive voice 

If the wolf or coyote continues to approach, don't run or turn your back.

Continue to exaggerate the above gestures and slowly move to safety 

The use of scare devices, such as bear bangers, horns or sirens has shown to be effective, however, wolves and other predators may adapt quickly, therefore it is important to alter how they are deployed. 

Use of chemical repellents have not shown a significant effectiveness in reducing wolf or coyote attacks, however, it may deter their behaviour temporarily

More on those measures can be reviewed here.

The RCMP also advise that if you see any wildlife acting aggressively please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 in an emergency, if you wish to report a sighting that you believe is unsafe please call the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-624-2136 or BC Conservation Officer Services at 1-877-952-7277.

More notes related to the work of Emergency Responders can be explored here.

Some forward momentum for the Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform

Site preparation work continues on the south end of Ridley Island
(far right on image above) as the Prince Rupert Port Authority
makes plans for the development of their proposed
Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform

There is some progress of note towards a project that was part of the review of projects from the Annual Public Meeting of June for the Prince Rupert Port authority. 

With the PRPA announcing the clearing of land on the south end of Ridley Island and plans for site preparation for the port's latest initiative.

The site one for a proposed export logistics complex part of an integrated footprint of large scale, bulk, break bulk trainload facility, combined with an intermodal rail yard and container storage yard.

The forward momentum noted this month by an update from the PRPA towards their summer plans for the location

Earlier this year, the PRPA had received a Notice of Determination as part of a Federal Environment review process that noted that the proposed project was not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

So far the Port has not indicated if final approval for the project has been made yet by the PRPA, the last update on a timeline for the work should it move forward had the project had a large of 2025 for completion. 

More on the project from the Port can be examined here.

Some of our past notes on the proposed development can be reviewed from our archive page here.

A wider overview of Port related themes is available here.

Bookmaking Workshop set for Saturday at North Pacific Cannery Historical Site

Port Edwards' North Pacific Cannery Historical Site is the location 
for a Saturday bookmaking program
(image from NPC FB)

An opportunity to learn more about bookmaking  comes up this weekend at the North Pacific Cannery Historical site, as Artist in Residence Cat Sivertsen hosts a program of instruction and tips for a ne activity for North Coast residents.

The session takes place Saturday July 22, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM and no experience is required to participate.

What to expect from the session is detailed on the event page for Saturday's workshop.

An artists book is a book created by an artist and not a biography about an artist. It is experimental in the media and methods, it could tell a story - or maybe not. It is always beautiful, unique and relevant to the maker and, of course, the viewer. 

The workshop will begin at the hardest part and that is, getting started and, as such Cat is delighted to share some of her ‘tricks of the trade’. These are based in simple drawing, printmaking, collage and writing processes to help you get your pencil, pen, brush and materials onto paper. 

You will then combine those into a take away as an artists book. The best part is you take home these tricks and exercises as part of your creative making practice. 

Register by emailing prcac@citywest.ca to submit your name. Registration will be confirmed when an EMT is received.

Learn more about Saturday's event from the Event page hosted by the Prince Rupert Arts Council and North Pacific Cannery Historical Site.

More notes on Community Events can be explored from our archive page.

Landfill site equipment the next item for City's RFP to do list with BC Bid

The City of Prince Rupert is looking for some new wheels, or tracks to be precise, for the city's land fill site, with  a BC Bid RFP seeking to purchase a new land fill excavator, a replacement for the current rental unit that they are using at the Ridley Island Road site.

The City is accepting multiple proposals with optional equipment with the City's operations department setting a price point not to exceed 250,000 dollars.

The City hopes to acquire the new new unit no later than January 1st which is also the last date that they would have it delivered to the Landfill site.

The Request for Proposals closes at 2 PM on August 3rd.

The Full prospectus for the RFP is available through the BC Bid Portal

More notes related to past City of Prince Rupert Bids and Tenders can be reviewed here.

KSI Lisims LNG moves forward towards work on full application for environmental assessment

The next step for the Nisga'a Nation's plans for an LNG Terminal is about to get undweay, that after approval from the BCEAO of the Process Order, setting in motion the planning required towards completing a full application for an environmental assessment certificate.

The process allows for 120 days towards this phase of the KSI Lisims work.

The details towards the Process Order and what is required of the proponents towards it  can be reviewed here.

Should the project move on towards construction, the Terminal facilities would be located at Wil Milit on the northwest coast of British Columbia at the northern end of Pearse Island. 

In their statement last week, KSI Lisims noted that the project is designed to be the largest net-zero LNG export facility in the world. 

Once operational, Ksi Lisims LNG will produce 12 million tonnes of LNG per year. It will create thousands of jobs within B.C. and provide substantial financial benefits to the Nisga’a Nation as well as to neighbouring Indigenous nations.

The three proponents for the project include the Nisga'a Nation, Rockies LNG Partners and Western LNG. 

Should all their approvals come through, they anticipate operation status for their Terminal by 2028.

An overview of the project can be reviewed here.

Some past notes on the KSI Lisims LNG project can be explored from our archive page.

Haida Nation, Federal Government and Province sign Recognition Agreement

The Haida Nation and two levels of government have moved forward
on reconciliation following a signing ceremony yesterday
(Photo from Council of Haida Nation)

What the three parties have called a significant step toward reconciliation took place in Skidgeate on Tuesday, as the Haida Nation along with the Federal and Provincial Governments signed on to a co-developed recognition Agreement.

The Nang K̲’uula - Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement recognizes the Haida Nation as the holder of Haida Title and Rights—including inherent rights of governance and self-determination—and the Council of the Haida Nation as the governing body of the Haida Nation, authorized by the Haida Nation Constitution.

image from Council of Haida Nation

“By signing the Nang K̲’uula - Nang K̲’úulaas Recognition Agreement, both Canada and British Columbia have shown respect for the contemporary governance system of the Haida Nation. This work sets the stage for peaceful co-existence between governments in a way that doesn’t compromise the inherent title and rights of the Haida Nation. We look forward to taking the next steps in making things right.” --  Gaagwiis (Jason Alsop) President of the Haida Nation
 

In a statement from yesterday hailing the agreement it was noted that the work is a critical step toward reconciliation and serves as a foundation for the next set of agreements to be negotiated between the Haida Nation, British Columbia and Canada. 

Further negotiations will address the implementation of the Haida Nation’s inherent rights of governance and self-determination, and other priority topics under the GayGahlda “Changing Tide” Framework for Reconciliation. 

Tuesday's signing ceremony formalized the commitment of Canada to legally recognize the Council of the Haida Nation as the governing body of the Haida Nation through legislation, mirroring the work done by the Haida Nation and British Columbia this past spring with the passing of The Haida Nation Recognition Act.

Murray Rankin, BC's Minister for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation observed on how the agreement would build towards lasting reconciliation on Haida Gwaii.

“Today, the Haida Nation, British Columbia, and Canada recognize each other in a government–to–government relationship. The Nang K̲’uula • Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement and the Haida Nation Recognition Act, which comes into force as provincial law today, are significant steps towards recognizing the Haida Nation’s inherent right of governance and achieving lasting reconciliation in Haida Gwaii.” 

You can read up on more about the Changing Tide framework here.

More on yesterday's ceremony can be found here.

The Council Of Haida Nation has a collection of photos and videos of the event posted to their social media stream which you can view here.

More notes from Haida Gwaii can be explored here.

Mid August dates for Udderfest 2023

The Harbour Theatre Society is putting the final touches on the planning for Udderfest 2023,  a celebration of the arts that was launched 23 years ago and has brought some memorable performances to the community over those two decades.

From theatre to music the week of August 16-20 will showcase both local talent and that from out of town, with one notable headliner pencilled in for two shows over the five day festival.

Luke Wallace will bring his musical advocacy to the Tom Rooney stage twice during the festival, though the exact dates have yet to be released.

Five acts have been confirmed including the always popular Kids theatre presentation for the Festival, with the schedule to come in the weeks ahead as well the opportunity to pick up festival passes and individual tickets.

Follow the Harbour Theatre Social Media Stream for more updates on the festival as we get closer to August 16th and opening day for Udderfest.

More notes on the City's Arts scene can be explored here.