There’s apparently not much that can be done, but the Province through its Minister of Forests expressed his frustration and disappointment over the slow state of progress in putting the Skeena pulp mill site back into action.
Appearing in Terrace, the Minister Rich Coleman said that the process seemed too embroiled in a network of administration and bureaucracy. He also said he didn’t think that the Chinese owned company would be opening the doors on Watson Island anytime soon.
He did suggest that province would consider other forestry matters in the Northwest to try to help the industry progress, including construction of logging roads, exploring new projects such as the Houston Pellet factory, looking into energy generation with BC Hydro and continuing with the process of raw log sales.
That last idea might run up against a bit of resistance in the Northwest, it’s not particularly of benefit to the region to just ship the logs away without any form of processing, jobs as well as a vital resource leave the region without a great deal of benefit to those that work in the Northwest. But one suspects that the raw logs will continue to be shipped out, at least until times improve or Sun Wave decides what its plans are.
A full report on Coleman’s visit to Terrace was provided by the Terrace Standard.
Lack of pulp mill action disappoints forests boss Rich Coleman
By ROD LINK
The Terrace Standard
Feb 21 2007
PROVINCIAL FORESTS minister Rich Coleman doesn’t hold out much hope Chinese state-owned Sun Wave Forest Products is going to open its moth balled Prince Rupert pulp mill anytime soon.
“It’s a bit frustrating. I don’t see anything happening,” said Coleman of the operation which has sat idle for going on six years.
Sun Wave, in a complicated series of transactions, completed its purchase of both the mill and the land out of bankruptcy last year.
A substantial amount of wood used to be tied to the mill but it is now in the hands of a Tsimshian-owned company.
The mill was once part of the Skeena Cellulose network in the northwest. Along with the Terrace Lumber Company mill in Terrace, now being torn apart, the Carnaby mill in the Hazeltons, which has already been dismantled, and a mill in Smithers, the network was once an economic powerhouse.
Sun Wave sold the one remaining forest licence in the Kitwanga area last year to the Gitxsan and a mountain of chips at the idle Rupert mill to pulp and paper maker Pope and Talbot at Nanaimo.
Coleman thinks Sun Wave is embroiled in a network of administration and bureaucracy.
“They’re not even talking about money. They’re not as active as I’d like them to be,” he said.
But the minister is offering a bit of hope to the struggling northwest forest industry by asking his senior people to come up with ideas to get people back to work.
It could take the form of building logging roads to forest stands or other measures, said Coleman.
“Whatever the opportunity, it has to fit in with our fiscal plan,” he said of his ministry spending goals for the new fiscal year beginning April 1.
At the same time, Coleman has extended the ability of companies to export whole raw logs.
It’s been a traditional way for governments to provide some sort of economic gain for forest companies.
That kind of boost is even more critical for this area because the mixture of low value pulp logs versus high value saw logs is heavily weighted to the former.
It means loggers want to earn as much as they can by selling saw logs in order to balance off low returns by selling pulp.
Coleman has also seized on the emerging bio-energy market as one use for low value wood.
He points to the new Houston Pellet operation in Houston which is soon to start exporting pellets to Europe from the Prince Rupert port.
“I’ve been encouraging my people and other people to think out of the box,” said Coleman.
He also thinks there might be potential to burn wood in this province to create electricity and anticipates some proposals to emerge when B.C. Hydro begins asking for suggestions later this year.
© Copyright 2007 Terrace Standard
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Rupert Grain terminal faces a backlog of 340,000 tonnes and counting
The labour dispute at CN has contributed a backlog of grain to be shipped through the Prince Rupert Grain terminal and as the strike enters its eleventh day, the prospect for even more delays is expected.
With the Industrial Relations Board ruling in favour of the union over the weekend, the ball is back in the court of the union and the railways to get together and hammer out an agreement. A process that is agonizingly slow and causing more than few problems for manufacturers and suppliers across the country.
Standing in the wings is the Federal Government which is exploring every option in order to bring the problem to a resolution. While not tipping their hand, it’s expected that possible back to work legislation will be brought forward, though the NDP has said that option is a non starter and the other opposition parties are keeping their cards close to the vest on the issue. Though one doubts that the opposition would force a federal election on the issue of a strike that is threatening to have a sever impact on the Canadian economy, that would be almost a gift to the Conservatives.
Monday found a number of news items available to put the situation in perspective, some of which we list below with links.
Bloomberg.com- Canada plans work order to end CN strike
Canada.com- Canada readies back to work law as CN refuses to end strike
CTV News- Ottawa to legislate CN union back to work
Globe and Mail-Ottawa readies back to work legislation to end CN strike
Toronto Star-Tories ready to end CN strike
Vancouver Sun-Meter running as grain ships wait out CN Strike
CBC News- CN Rail union rejects voluntary return to work
With the Industrial Relations Board ruling in favour of the union over the weekend, the ball is back in the court of the union and the railways to get together and hammer out an agreement. A process that is agonizingly slow and causing more than few problems for manufacturers and suppliers across the country.
Standing in the wings is the Federal Government which is exploring every option in order to bring the problem to a resolution. While not tipping their hand, it’s expected that possible back to work legislation will be brought forward, though the NDP has said that option is a non starter and the other opposition parties are keeping their cards close to the vest on the issue. Though one doubts that the opposition would force a federal election on the issue of a strike that is threatening to have a sever impact on the Canadian economy, that would be almost a gift to the Conservatives.
Monday found a number of news items available to put the situation in perspective, some of which we list below with links.
Bloomberg.com- Canada plans work order to end CN strike
Canada.com- Canada readies back to work law as CN refuses to end strike
CTV News- Ottawa to legislate CN union back to work
Globe and Mail-Ottawa readies back to work legislation to end CN strike
Toronto Star-Tories ready to end CN strike
Vancouver Sun-Meter running as grain ships wait out CN Strike
CBC News- CN Rail union rejects voluntary return to work
RCMP deflate rumours of a serial rapist operating through All Native Basketball Tournament
The RCMP spent a portion of Tuesday putting a more realistic light on a string of alleged incidents over the weekend. Rumours were swirling around town of a serial rapist working the area during the All Native Basketball tournament, a rumour that the RCMP investigated and felt were events that were more along the lines of isolated incidents rather than the work of a serial offender.
The Daily News on Tuesday, covered the story on the front page with information on the three separate attacks, as well as a concern from local police of young women putting themselves at peril due to high risk activities. The main concerns of local authorities involves a high number of young women who were extremely intoxicated in the last two weeks and required medical attention, as well as a number of incidents of local youth passed out in local parks suffering the effects of the elements.
POLICE QUASH RUMOURS OF SERIAL RAPIST AT THE ANBT
Three alleged sex attacks are thought to be unconnected say investigators
By James Vassallo
The Daily News
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Pages one and three
There’s no truth to rumours that a rapist was on the prowl during the second half of the All Native Basketball Tournament, say police.
“We had three allegations of either sexual assault or attempted sexual assault,” said Const. Steve Richards, RCMP media relations and community policing officer.
“But from our vantage, it doesn’t appear that there is any serial offender responsible for this – just three isolated instances that are all being investigated separately.”
The first incident happened Wednesday night as a male attempted to grab a girl near the Civic Centre. She was able to leave the area and there was no assault. On Thursday night, there was an allegation of a similar incident in the downtown area – also no assault – and police have found no connection between the two events.
“By the description we were given, it couldn’t be the same person,” said Richards. ”And again, they’re being investigated separately.”
Saturday night, there was an allegation of a sexual assault in the 200 block of First Avenue West, however the perpetrator in this case was known to the victim and does not fit the description of the individuals in the other two incidents.
Although the worries of a serial rapist turned out to be unfounded in this case, RCMP are noticing a disturbing trend in certain high-risk behaviours that could place people at risk for these kinds of crimes.
”We’ve been picking up tremendous amount of people, especially young females, in the last two weeks – that were reported drunk in public and were taken away by ambulance because they were just so intoxicated,” said Richards, noting that this includes reports of people passed out in local parks for hours.
“Fortunately, there wasn’t anything that has come of that, but the possibility is there and it’s a very big concern when people are putting themselves in positions where they’re completely unable to defend themselves if something was to happen.”
In light of recent public interest disclosure sent out by RCMP a month ago, allegations by two women that different men tried to grab them and last week’s anxiety surrounding a potential rapist, people should consider employing some safer habits.
“If there’s a concern about this sort of thing going on around town, parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing, keep track of what their kids are doing, and people need to be aware of what their friends are doing,’ he said.
“These are just people who have been out drinking … but their potentially setting themselves up for something.”
The Daily News on Tuesday, covered the story on the front page with information on the three separate attacks, as well as a concern from local police of young women putting themselves at peril due to high risk activities. The main concerns of local authorities involves a high number of young women who were extremely intoxicated in the last two weeks and required medical attention, as well as a number of incidents of local youth passed out in local parks suffering the effects of the elements.
POLICE QUASH RUMOURS OF SERIAL RAPIST AT THE ANBT
Three alleged sex attacks are thought to be unconnected say investigators
By James Vassallo
The Daily News
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Pages one and three
There’s no truth to rumours that a rapist was on the prowl during the second half of the All Native Basketball Tournament, say police.
“We had three allegations of either sexual assault or attempted sexual assault,” said Const. Steve Richards, RCMP media relations and community policing officer.
“But from our vantage, it doesn’t appear that there is any serial offender responsible for this – just three isolated instances that are all being investigated separately.”
The first incident happened Wednesday night as a male attempted to grab a girl near the Civic Centre. She was able to leave the area and there was no assault. On Thursday night, there was an allegation of a similar incident in the downtown area – also no assault – and police have found no connection between the two events.
“By the description we were given, it couldn’t be the same person,” said Richards. ”And again, they’re being investigated separately.”
Saturday night, there was an allegation of a sexual assault in the 200 block of First Avenue West, however the perpetrator in this case was known to the victim and does not fit the description of the individuals in the other two incidents.
Although the worries of a serial rapist turned out to be unfounded in this case, RCMP are noticing a disturbing trend in certain high-risk behaviours that could place people at risk for these kinds of crimes.
”We’ve been picking up tremendous amount of people, especially young females, in the last two weeks – that were reported drunk in public and were taken away by ambulance because they were just so intoxicated,” said Richards, noting that this includes reports of people passed out in local parks for hours.
“Fortunately, there wasn’t anything that has come of that, but the possibility is there and it’s a very big concern when people are putting themselves in positions where they’re completely unable to defend themselves if something was to happen.”
In light of recent public interest disclosure sent out by RCMP a month ago, allegations by two women that different men tried to grab them and last week’s anxiety surrounding a potential rapist, people should consider employing some safer habits.
“If there’s a concern about this sort of thing going on around town, parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing, keep track of what their kids are doing, and people need to be aware of what their friends are doing,’ he said.
“These are just people who have been out drinking … but their potentially setting themselves up for something.”
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Northern Health welcomes news of a new CT Scanner
Monday’s Daily News featured details on the new CT scanner planned for Prince Rupert Regional Hospital. It provides a bit more background on the story than the item we discovered over the weekend.
HOSPITAL WELCOMES ADDITION OF NEW CT SCANNER
The Daily News
Monday, February 19. 2007
Pages one and three
Prince Rupert Regional Hospital will receive an updated CT scanner and a new x-ray room to replace aging medical imaging equipment at the facility.
“The CT Scanner at PRRH not only serves Prince Rupert, but communities along the North Coast and on Haida Gwaii. The hospital’s replacement CT scanner will serve the community well, and provide a back-up to the CT service in Terrace,” said Jeff Burghardt, NH Board chair.
“The new x-ray room will also provide more effective medical imaging capabilities for Prince Rupert patients and health care professionals.”
The replacement CT will provide fast image generation and scan times. The new x-ray room will also have a movable table to give easier access to patients with mobility issues.
Northern Health has approved the purchase of the equipment which will be in place at PRRH by April.
“This is another example of how we are bringing improved medical technology to the North Coast,” said George Abbot, health minister. “This replacement CT scanner means better care for people who use Prince Rupert Regional Hospital.
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses x-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. The CT scanner to be installed in Prince Rupert is a 16-slice Toshiba model. It will replace the outdated single slice unit that came to the community through nearly $700,000 in fund raising by the Hecate Strait CT Scanner Society – the forerunner to North Coast Health Improvement Society. That effort provided funding to buy the original CT scanner, and helped pay for extensive renovations.
Both the updated CT scanner and new x-ray unit will work with Northern Health’s Picture Archive and Communications System (PACS). Doctors will be able to view medical images in their offices. PACS also allows specialists in other communities to study medical images from Prince Rupert.
Northern Health will spend $468,000 to buy the equipment and pay for associated upgrades to accommodate the improved units.
The health region will pay for the project with funding from the capital grant, which is provided by the B. C. Government.
“We appreciate the cooperative effort that has led to the replacement of our aging CT scanner, and look forward to the installation of the improved multi-slice scanner in the very near future.” Said Dr. Jeffrey Simons, chair of Prince Rupert Regional Hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee.
HOSPITAL WELCOMES ADDITION OF NEW CT SCANNER
The Daily News
Monday, February 19. 2007
Pages one and three
Prince Rupert Regional Hospital will receive an updated CT scanner and a new x-ray room to replace aging medical imaging equipment at the facility.
“The CT Scanner at PRRH not only serves Prince Rupert, but communities along the North Coast and on Haida Gwaii. The hospital’s replacement CT scanner will serve the community well, and provide a back-up to the CT service in Terrace,” said Jeff Burghardt, NH Board chair.
“The new x-ray room will also provide more effective medical imaging capabilities for Prince Rupert patients and health care professionals.”
The replacement CT will provide fast image generation and scan times. The new x-ray room will also have a movable table to give easier access to patients with mobility issues.
Northern Health has approved the purchase of the equipment which will be in place at PRRH by April.
“This is another example of how we are bringing improved medical technology to the North Coast,” said George Abbot, health minister. “This replacement CT scanner means better care for people who use Prince Rupert Regional Hospital.
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses x-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. The CT scanner to be installed in Prince Rupert is a 16-slice Toshiba model. It will replace the outdated single slice unit that came to the community through nearly $700,000 in fund raising by the Hecate Strait CT Scanner Society – the forerunner to North Coast Health Improvement Society. That effort provided funding to buy the original CT scanner, and helped pay for extensive renovations.
Both the updated CT scanner and new x-ray unit will work with Northern Health’s Picture Archive and Communications System (PACS). Doctors will be able to view medical images in their offices. PACS also allows specialists in other communities to study medical images from Prince Rupert.
Northern Health will spend $468,000 to buy the equipment and pay for associated upgrades to accommodate the improved units.
The health region will pay for the project with funding from the capital grant, which is provided by the B. C. Government.
“We appreciate the cooperative effort that has led to the replacement of our aging CT scanner, and look forward to the installation of the improved multi-slice scanner in the very near future.” Said Dr. Jeffrey Simons, chair of Prince Rupert Regional Hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee.
That was the news that was
Slate magazine had introduced a new feature to it's website, a project that harkens back to the days of the newsreel. Those two minute snippets of world events that passed for Breaking news in the days before the 24 hour news cycle on the likes of Fox or CNN.
Called the NewsLit Newsreel, it features the events of today as though Walter Winchell would present them.
They kick off their review with a look back at January 2007, a fine month for news.
Called the NewsLit Newsreel, it features the events of today as though Walter Winchell would present them.
They kick off their review with a look back at January 2007, a fine month for news.
Greetings from Prince Rupert!
Well this will get the upcoming tourist season off to a fine start, a raving review of the city’s charms on the website for the magazine Coastal Living, which according to its information page is calling Birmingham, Alabama home.
In the March issue of the magazine, Prince Rupert is described as charming and sophisticated indeed "a gem of a city", just the kind of visual image that Tourism Prince Rupert could only dream of, complete with reports of good food, good drink and good times for all.
Featuring an accompanying slideshow it paints a pretty impressive image of what may be waiting for a visitor. All in all, the kind of place a tourist might want to wander around for a couple of days.
In the March issue of the magazine, Prince Rupert is described as charming and sophisticated indeed "a gem of a city", just the kind of visual image that Tourism Prince Rupert could only dream of, complete with reports of good food, good drink and good times for all.
Featuring an accompanying slideshow it paints a pretty impressive image of what may be waiting for a visitor. All in all, the kind of place a tourist might want to wander around for a couple of days.
The sales offices for the magazine are spread across the USA, so obviously it gets a fair amount of distribution below the 49th parallel, so all we can say is prepare now for the deluge of visitors!
All Hail, Prince Rupert
Visitors seeking First Nations culture plus a dollop of English empire head to Canada’s Northwest coast.
Coastal Living Magazine
March 2007
Springtime days are long and rich with discovery in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The cool, silvery mornings are well under way by 5 a.m. The sun glows through a light fog. Mist hangs in the dark-green conifers that cloak the mountains, and basalt peaks jab the sky. Walk out on your hotel balcony and you know you’re experiencing the Inside Passage at its primeval best.
Springtime days are long and rich with discovery in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The cool, silvery mornings are well under way by 5 a.m. The sun glows through a light fog. Mist hangs in the dark-green conifers that cloak the mountains, and basalt peaks jab the sky. Walk out on your hotel balcony and you know you’re experiencing the Inside Passage at its primeval best.
Until three years ago, this little gem of a city—infused with First Nation and British Imperial legacy—went largely unnoticed. Now there is a cruise-ship dock, flights and train service are more frequent, and there’s still time to see Prince Rupert before everyone else does.
By 8 a.m. down at the main dock, Mike Taylor, like many other adventure tour guides in town, readies his boat for whale-watching or a sail to Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. “Take binoculars and a telephoto,” he says. “We don’t get too close. It’s all about respect.” Later that day he’ll lead travelers out to Pike Island to see an ancient Tsimshian village site, then take them on a hike to nearby petroglyphs.
Midmorning, Ian Morven is headed to the Carving Shed, which is part of the Museum of Northern British Columbia. Ian credits his handsome silver work and cedar carving to his Nisga’a roots, stretching back more than 10,000 years. “I pretty much live the culture,” he says. “We pick berries in summer, fish, and hunt. We respect the land, our culture, and our elders.”
There’s that word “respect” again. You hear it often in conversations around Prince Rupert. Cities, like people, have characters, and the psychological bedrock of this community is a healthy, albeit quiet, self-respect. You sense it best at Moose Tot Park, a humble city playground where, in the shadow of towering totems, children, the descendants of this melting pot, play with rambunctious glee. Mops of hair—black, blonde, brown, and red—flop in every direction.
Over in Cow Bay, it’s buzzing well before noon. This dockside street of impeccably restored buildings dates back to 1918, when a herd of dairy cattle was shipped up to produce a local milk supply. With no dock for unloading, the cows were pushed off the boat to swim ashore. They landed on what is today Cow Bay.
Charming history aside, Prince Rupert is a sophisticated town. Gathered around the tables at Cowpuccino’s, locals hash over global warming, Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and the latest furniture by designer Paul Cope. His pieces are carried locally in a shop called Homework, where owners David Smook and Lucy Pribas offer a cutting-edge assortment of high-quality goods. Prince Rupert has taste.
And with good taste comes good food. Seafood is abundant and ocean-fresh. Cow Bay Café, Rain Dining Lounge, and the Waterfront Restaurant at the Crest Hotel all top the list for fine dining.
Speaking of dinner, by 4 p.m. as many as 50 hungry bald eagles perch on the dock waiting for a fish or crab to drop as Porcher Seafoods unloads its catch. When a behemoth cruise ship makes its way slowly up the harbor, eagles fly into the air, and passengers rush to the starboard bow in a stampede so great the ship seems to list.
Down at the dock it looks as though everyone in town is wearing a costume, ready to give visitors the Royal Prince Rupert treatment. Commercial? Of course. But it feels more like a town picnic.
The excitement winds down at about 8 in the evening, when residents gather at the Crest Hotel. While they’re drinking good Canadian beer and swapping stories about their day, the mayor shows up. Herb Pond is articulate, movie-star handsome, gung-ho for Prince Rupert, and approachable. Someone asks him about the new container-terminal going in, and about timber due to be logged off the surrounding hills. Is this a problem? “We’ve looked at it all very carefully and we’ve made good choices,” he says. “No one wants Prince Rupert to change. It will all be done with respect. Respect for the land and the people.”
Done with respect. There’s that word again.
ALSO:Royal Rarity slide show
The success of your surgery could depend on your surgeons video skills
If you’re heading in for surgery over the next little while, there are perhaps a few questions you should be asking of your surgeon.
Never mind things like recovery times, danger factor and his or her experience with the procedures.
What you need to know is how good he or she is at computer games, what the best score ever was and how fast can he or she navigate the different levels without losing points?
A study at a New York hospital examined a total of 33 surgeons. Among the findings was that, nine of the doctors who had at some point played video games at least three hours per week made 37 percent fewer errors, performed 27 percent faster, and scored 42 percent better in the test of surgical skills than the 15 surgeons who had never played video games before.
No word was given as to what kind of games the surgeons played to increase their motor skills, but we can only assume it was a game that involved extra lives.
But for parents who dream of a life in medicine for their young ones, a word of advice. The study does not indicate that getting a head start on video games will guarantee success at med school.
In fact, a recent study from 2004 shows 94 percent of American kids played video games for an average of nine hours a week. Though the obsession comes with drawbacks as game-playing has been linked to a lack of exercise, a certain amount of aggressive behavior and poor school grades which of course will mean no admission to medical school.
Maybe use the video game as the carrot after the stick, study hard in your formative years and play your way through university and your working career.
Never mind things like recovery times, danger factor and his or her experience with the procedures.
What you need to know is how good he or she is at computer games, what the best score ever was and how fast can he or she navigate the different levels without losing points?
A study at a New York hospital examined a total of 33 surgeons. Among the findings was that, nine of the doctors who had at some point played video games at least three hours per week made 37 percent fewer errors, performed 27 percent faster, and scored 42 percent better in the test of surgical skills than the 15 surgeons who had never played video games before.
No word was given as to what kind of games the surgeons played to increase their motor skills, but we can only assume it was a game that involved extra lives.
But for parents who dream of a life in medicine for their young ones, a word of advice. The study does not indicate that getting a head start on video games will guarantee success at med school.
In fact, a recent study from 2004 shows 94 percent of American kids played video games for an average of nine hours a week. Though the obsession comes with drawbacks as game-playing has been linked to a lack of exercise, a certain amount of aggressive behavior and poor school grades which of course will mean no admission to medical school.
Maybe use the video game as the carrot after the stick, study hard in your formative years and play your way through university and your working career.
City revives idea of Fairview truck by pass road
Roads were on the mind of City council last week, and while perhaps the numerous pot holes sprouting up around town might have been a good topic to work on, it was the prospect of increased traffic through the downtown area that gave council cause to think about pavement.
With increased traffic expected with the completion of the Container Port at Fairview, the city will begin discussions with provincial officials to look at the possibility of building a road bypass to provide trucks with access to the Fairview Container Terminal.
The Daily News covered the story on page three of Monday’s paper, with the following city council brief:
The city of Prince Rupert and Prince Rupert Economic Development will be meeting with provincial officials to discuss the potential of building a road bypass to provide trucks with access to the Fairview Container Terminal.
Coun. Sheila Gordon-Payne asked last Monday whether the city had received any reply on the traffic survey of five corners, Second Avenue and the Wantage Road bypass.
Gord Howie, city administrator, said they are currently arranging some meeting sin the near future with transportation officials and the Minister of Economic Development officials around the whole issue question of infrastructure required with the first and second phases of the container port and Northern Gateway.
“We anticipate those meetings to take place in the next couple of weeks,” he said.
With increased traffic expected with the completion of the Container Port at Fairview, the city will begin discussions with provincial officials to look at the possibility of building a road bypass to provide trucks with access to the Fairview Container Terminal.
The Daily News covered the story on page three of Monday’s paper, with the following city council brief:
The city of Prince Rupert and Prince Rupert Economic Development will be meeting with provincial officials to discuss the potential of building a road bypass to provide trucks with access to the Fairview Container Terminal.
Coun. Sheila Gordon-Payne asked last Monday whether the city had received any reply on the traffic survey of five corners, Second Avenue and the Wantage Road bypass.
Gord Howie, city administrator, said they are currently arranging some meeting sin the near future with transportation officials and the Minister of Economic Development officials around the whole issue question of infrastructure required with the first and second phases of the container port and Northern Gateway.
“We anticipate those meetings to take place in the next couple of weeks,” he said.
Still waiting for an answer!
The on going saga of Watson Island continues to keep the city in suspense, as Sun Wave Forest Products let a deadline of reply slip by without any correspondence.
City Council had forwarded a letter to Sun Wave asking about their intentions for the mill, which Sun Wave purchased last summer, with little to no activity taking place on the mill site, many in Rupert are fearful that the pulp mill may never open again, bringing to a close the longest running story in recent Rupert history.
The Daily News provided an update from the city side of the debate in Monday’s paper.
CITY STILL SEEKING ANSWERS FROM MILL’S NEW OWNERS
Councillors press company about its long-term plans
The Daily News
Monday, February 19, 2007
Page three
The city is continuing to shake its finger at Sun Wave Forest Products over their apparent failure to do anything with the Watson Island Pulp Mill.
At last week’s council meeting, Coun. Sheila Gordon Payne noted the deadline the city had given Sun Wave to reply to their most recent letter had passed.
Coun. Tony Briglio added: “I think we had discussed at some point having our solicitor send a letter and I am wondering if that has happened and if not, had we ought to send a strongly-worded letter suggesting what options we might have as a community if they don’t follow through with any indication that they are doing anything out there with respect to that site.”
City administrator Gord Howie said they haven’t received any correspondence from Sun Wave since their most recent letter.
He noted the city’s solicitor had been helping him craft previous letters and he will return to the solicitor for advice going forward.
There has been little-to-no news out of the company since they acquired the Watson Island Pulp Mill last summer.
Sun Wave is the B. C. arm of the China Paper Group, a large state-owned Chinese company with more than half a dozen paper mills overseas.
The city gave Sun Wave a five year break on taxes in exchange for an agreement to operate the pulp mill, however since the purchase, the company has said it is having trouble getting operating funds from overseas into Canada.
City Council had forwarded a letter to Sun Wave asking about their intentions for the mill, which Sun Wave purchased last summer, with little to no activity taking place on the mill site, many in Rupert are fearful that the pulp mill may never open again, bringing to a close the longest running story in recent Rupert history.
The Daily News provided an update from the city side of the debate in Monday’s paper.
CITY STILL SEEKING ANSWERS FROM MILL’S NEW OWNERS
Councillors press company about its long-term plans
The Daily News
Monday, February 19, 2007
Page three
The city is continuing to shake its finger at Sun Wave Forest Products over their apparent failure to do anything with the Watson Island Pulp Mill.
At last week’s council meeting, Coun. Sheila Gordon Payne noted the deadline the city had given Sun Wave to reply to their most recent letter had passed.
Coun. Tony Briglio added: “I think we had discussed at some point having our solicitor send a letter and I am wondering if that has happened and if not, had we ought to send a strongly-worded letter suggesting what options we might have as a community if they don’t follow through with any indication that they are doing anything out there with respect to that site.”
City administrator Gord Howie said they haven’t received any correspondence from Sun Wave since their most recent letter.
He noted the city’s solicitor had been helping him craft previous letters and he will return to the solicitor for advice going forward.
There has been little-to-no news out of the company since they acquired the Watson Island Pulp Mill last summer.
Sun Wave is the B. C. arm of the China Paper Group, a large state-owned Chinese company with more than half a dozen paper mills overseas.
The city gave Sun Wave a five year break on taxes in exchange for an agreement to operate the pulp mill, however since the purchase, the company has said it is having trouble getting operating funds from overseas into Canada.
Monday, February 19, 2007
It’s all in the numbers; School District ponders a difficult decision.
The possible closing of one or more schools on the east side of the city has the School District weighing the options as far as providing services for students and perhaps gaining more modern infrastructure down the line.
While no decision has been made regarding any school closures, the staff of the school district has put together a list of reasons why closing schools in the district may be beneficial in the long term.
Monday’s Daily News featured details of the thinking behind the issue and how it may affect the local community.
‘CLOSING A SCHOOL WILL HELP STUDENTS REACH SERVICES’
Difficult decision could mean more resources for kids
By James Vassallo
The Daily News
Monday, February 19, 2007
Pages one and three
Although the school board has not picked a date for the public consultation process to begin, district staff recently outlined why closing one school, or more, would be a good idea.
“Over the last ten years, things have changed, and the school district has done a lot of things to adjust to those changes, but we’ve always been doing what’s been defined as non-structural changes- we’ve had layoffs, we’ve gone to split classes and triple split classes, we’ve done a lot of things like that,’ said Dan Rodin, secretary-treasurer. “Enrollment has declined, the funding formula has changed which puts a lot more pressure on us – and that’s caused a lot of provinces to close schools.”
The reasons to follow suit are both economic and education-based. The Ministry of Education has identified seismic risk as being a major concern around the province. In School District 52, most of the schools, with the exception of Charles Hays and Roosevelt have been identified as having a structural problem if an earthquake hits the North Coast. While the province has said it is willing to fix schools with seismic problems, the province is encouraging districts with “over-capacity” to close some of their schools, rather than fix them all.
The benefit in the equation is that the Ministry will only then consider building a new school for the district.
As to the three schools that have been suggested as possible closure candidates – Conrad, Kanata and Seal Cove- seismic upgrades are expected to range from just over $400,000 to more than $1.6 to $2.6 million.
Savings would also be found to the tune of about $200,000 a year per close school because it would allow the reduction of a principal, custodian, secretary, noon hour supervisors and require less maintenance staff time.
“Unless there’s a significant influx of population – and the current graduation statistics continue and the number of students coming in at the kindergarten level remain at the same rate they have in the last two or three years then - we anticipate (the schools) will continue to experience declining enrollment,” said Brian Kanga, superintendent of schools.
“We will continue to have more capacity, even if the board decides to follow the consolidation process and close a school,” said Kangas.
According to Kangas, the downside of having an under-populated school is that they have only a very small amount of resource teacher time and a small amount of ELD or ESL teacher time, which means it falls to classroom teachers to do more, taking away from their primary role.
“The teachers who are trying to do those jobs have multiple tasks – they’re the classroom teacher, learning resource teacher and ESL teacher on the side and their time is really curtailed,” he said.
“Three grade splits are common and they will become more common, smaller number of kids in band, smaller number of kids for teams, smaller number of teachers to run extra-curriculars.”
By contrast, many of these issues wouldn’t be prevalent at a larger school.
You will likely have a full-time learning assistance teacher who will be there to meet more of the needs of more kids,” said Kangas. “More teachers, more staff will be willing to step up and take on the after-school activities (and) small cohorts of kids in the languages make it more difficult to offer a vibrant program.
“If we close a school, we will be able to provide additional supports that we may not be able to if we don’t have those funds. In my opinion, educational programs and services will be compromised if we continue with the status quo.”
While no decision has been made regarding any school closures, the staff of the school district has put together a list of reasons why closing schools in the district may be beneficial in the long term.
Monday’s Daily News featured details of the thinking behind the issue and how it may affect the local community.
‘CLOSING A SCHOOL WILL HELP STUDENTS REACH SERVICES’
Difficult decision could mean more resources for kids
By James Vassallo
The Daily News
Monday, February 19, 2007
Pages one and three
Although the school board has not picked a date for the public consultation process to begin, district staff recently outlined why closing one school, or more, would be a good idea.
“Over the last ten years, things have changed, and the school district has done a lot of things to adjust to those changes, but we’ve always been doing what’s been defined as non-structural changes- we’ve had layoffs, we’ve gone to split classes and triple split classes, we’ve done a lot of things like that,’ said Dan Rodin, secretary-treasurer. “Enrollment has declined, the funding formula has changed which puts a lot more pressure on us – and that’s caused a lot of provinces to close schools.”
The reasons to follow suit are both economic and education-based. The Ministry of Education has identified seismic risk as being a major concern around the province. In School District 52, most of the schools, with the exception of Charles Hays and Roosevelt have been identified as having a structural problem if an earthquake hits the North Coast. While the province has said it is willing to fix schools with seismic problems, the province is encouraging districts with “over-capacity” to close some of their schools, rather than fix them all.
The benefit in the equation is that the Ministry will only then consider building a new school for the district.
As to the three schools that have been suggested as possible closure candidates – Conrad, Kanata and Seal Cove- seismic upgrades are expected to range from just over $400,000 to more than $1.6 to $2.6 million.
Savings would also be found to the tune of about $200,000 a year per close school because it would allow the reduction of a principal, custodian, secretary, noon hour supervisors and require less maintenance staff time.
“Unless there’s a significant influx of population – and the current graduation statistics continue and the number of students coming in at the kindergarten level remain at the same rate they have in the last two or three years then - we anticipate (the schools) will continue to experience declining enrollment,” said Brian Kanga, superintendent of schools.
“We will continue to have more capacity, even if the board decides to follow the consolidation process and close a school,” said Kangas.
According to Kangas, the downside of having an under-populated school is that they have only a very small amount of resource teacher time and a small amount of ELD or ESL teacher time, which means it falls to classroom teachers to do more, taking away from their primary role.
“The teachers who are trying to do those jobs have multiple tasks – they’re the classroom teacher, learning resource teacher and ESL teacher on the side and their time is really curtailed,” he said.
“Three grade splits are common and they will become more common, smaller number of kids in band, smaller number of kids for teams, smaller number of teachers to run extra-curriculars.”
By contrast, many of these issues wouldn’t be prevalent at a larger school.
You will likely have a full-time learning assistance teacher who will be there to meet more of the needs of more kids,” said Kangas. “More teachers, more staff will be willing to step up and take on the after-school activities (and) small cohorts of kids in the languages make it more difficult to offer a vibrant program.
“If we close a school, we will be able to provide additional supports that we may not be able to if we don’t have those funds. In my opinion, educational programs and services will be compromised if we continue with the status quo.”
Tools of the trade?
For those who have visited the dentist recently, you probably still marvel at the pointy, metallic things that they use, articles that seem to have been recommended by the Marquis de Sade as implements for proper dental surgery and appear to be the original items.
But, we’d like to safely assume that the local members of the dentists association that have modernized a bit aren’t breaking out the chain saws. That’s what dentists hired by the Oregon zoo had to do in order to treat a patient in the elephant park at the zoo. Tusko the elephant had an infected tusk and the only solution was to extract it. The process featured a number of items that are not a part of your normal trip to the dental chair, at least you hope.
Using a chainsaw, handsaws and a drill that can punch through concrete, veterinarians and a dentist took five hours to remove the majority of the infected tusk, leaving a small ring the size of a roll of duct tape, which will have to wait six weeks before it can be removed from Tusko, if the elephant is wiling.
For your next visit, perhaps keep an ear open from the waiting room. If you hear the tell tale pull sound of a chainsaw firing up, you may wish to begin looking for second opinions.
They’re still not working on the railroad!
Things are seemingly going to get worse before they get much better, when it comes to transporting goods across Canada on the rails of Canadian National.
The UTU, the Canadian branch of the union representing CN’s yard workers and conductors won its case with the Industrial Relations Board on Monday. CN had appealed to the Board to rule the job action as an illegal walkout, but the IRB saw things a little differently and ruled in favor of the Canadian union members. A decision that means that picket lines will remain up across Canada.
The UTU, the Canadian branch of the union representing CN’s yard workers and conductors won its case with the Industrial Relations Board on Monday. CN had appealed to the Board to rule the job action as an illegal walkout, but the IRB saw things a little differently and ruled in favor of the Canadian union members. A decision that means that picket lines will remain up across Canada.
The dispute is a three way situation, with the local Canadian branch of the union not only taking on the railroad, but having to deal with a head office that suspects their intentions in the dispute.
The labour dispute is having large ripple effects across the country, as CN struggles to keep the railway running with management personnel; a situation that seems a little harder than they first suggested when the strike began a week ago.
Since that time there has been a surge in the amount of industries that are claiming delivery and supply problems stemming from the walkout, a refrain that has the Federal Government now considering its options to try and get things including the freight back on the rails.
The Globe and Mail recapped the day’s events quite succinctly on its website Monday night.
The labour dispute is having large ripple effects across the country, as CN struggles to keep the railway running with management personnel; a situation that seems a little harder than they first suggested when the strike began a week ago.
Since that time there has been a surge in the amount of industries that are claiming delivery and supply problems stemming from the walkout, a refrain that has the Federal Government now considering its options to try and get things including the freight back on the rails.
The Globe and Mail recapped the day’s events quite succinctly on its website Monday night.
RCMP forced to subdue knife attacker on Fifth Ave West
Sunday night saw members of the RCMP step into a dangerous situation, when faced by a man armed with a knife in a residence on the west side of the city. Originally only one member responded to a call of a dispute over a cab fare, but when the suspect escaped custody and retreated to his house, reinforcements were called to the residence to effect an arrest.
Three officers then entered the residence where the suspect, then armed with a knife allegedly attacked the officers. Fortunately, none of the officers nor the suspect were subject to serious injuries and the man was placed under arrest.
He faces a number of charges related to the incident and was released from custody on Monday morning under a Promise to appear in court in March.
The RCMP provided further details on the incident with a press release published on their website today.
Man with a Knife Attacked Police Officers Over Cab Fare
February 19th, 2007,
Prince Rupert BC
Shortly after 8:30pm on Sunday, February 18th, a member of the Prince Rupert RCMP responded to a call in the 700 block of 5th Ave West. A man at that location was refusing to pay his cab fare. When the member arrived, the man had gone inside a residence at the location. The man came outside and spoke with the member who placed him under arrest. After a brief struggle, the man escaped and fled back into the residence. Two additional members arrived and, after announcing themselves, the three members entered the house to re-captured the man who had assaulted the responding member and escaped custody.
Once inside, members were attacked by the same male who had now armed himself with a knife. The three members were able to subdue the man without anyone being serious injured. The man was released from custody the following day on a Promise to Appear in Court, March of 2007. Several charges are being recommended against the 30 year old Prince Rupert resident including: two counts of Assaulting a Peace Officer, one count of Escaping Lawful Custody, one count of Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and one count of Fraud in Relation to Fares.
This incident illustrates how a seemingly minor call for service can turn dangerous for police. A man prepared to attack police with a knife, over a few dollars for cab fare, help to remind us as Police Officers, why we must always be alert. Members of the public are often surprised and ask why we sometimes have two or three members respond calls. Incidents like this one demonstrate why, whenever possible, we will respond to calls with more than one member.
-30-
Steve Richards,
Cst.Prince Rupert Media Relations / Community Policing
100 6th Ave West
Prince Rupert, BC V8J 3Z3
Three officers then entered the residence where the suspect, then armed with a knife allegedly attacked the officers. Fortunately, none of the officers nor the suspect were subject to serious injuries and the man was placed under arrest.
He faces a number of charges related to the incident and was released from custody on Monday morning under a Promise to appear in court in March.
The RCMP provided further details on the incident with a press release published on their website today.
Man with a Knife Attacked Police Officers Over Cab Fare
February 19th, 2007,
Prince Rupert BC
Shortly after 8:30pm on Sunday, February 18th, a member of the Prince Rupert RCMP responded to a call in the 700 block of 5th Ave West. A man at that location was refusing to pay his cab fare. When the member arrived, the man had gone inside a residence at the location. The man came outside and spoke with the member who placed him under arrest. After a brief struggle, the man escaped and fled back into the residence. Two additional members arrived and, after announcing themselves, the three members entered the house to re-captured the man who had assaulted the responding member and escaped custody.
Once inside, members were attacked by the same male who had now armed himself with a knife. The three members were able to subdue the man without anyone being serious injured. The man was released from custody the following day on a Promise to Appear in Court, March of 2007. Several charges are being recommended against the 30 year old Prince Rupert resident including: two counts of Assaulting a Peace Officer, one count of Escaping Lawful Custody, one count of Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and one count of Fraud in Relation to Fares.
This incident illustrates how a seemingly minor call for service can turn dangerous for police. A man prepared to attack police with a knife, over a few dollars for cab fare, help to remind us as Police Officers, why we must always be alert. Members of the public are often surprised and ask why we sometimes have two or three members respond calls. Incidents like this one demonstrate why, whenever possible, we will respond to calls with more than one member.
-30-
Steve Richards,
Cst.Prince Rupert Media Relations / Community Policing
100 6th Ave West
Prince Rupert, BC V8J 3Z3
He tinkered so we could click!
We use his invention every single day of our lives; his creation has rescued many a television viewer from the agony of a bad TV program, simply by changing the channel with the click of a button.
Robert Adler, who passed away today at the age of 93, probably was an unknown name too many of us, be he was most likely the most important guy to ever visit your television room. He was the co-creator of the television remote, a project that he worked on with a fellow by the name of Eugene Pollard for Zenith. By the late fifties Adler and Pollard had put the finishing touches on their wireless converter, through the sixties they refined their product that remained the standard until the infra red versions that we use today.
Adler was a rather creative fellow; he had right up until this year applied for patents on 180 different electronic devices, the last being a patent on touch screen technology. He spent sixty years with Zenith the last of the big American television companies which merged with LG electronics back in 1999.
He’s probably one of the most recognized of American inventors that we have never heard of. In his memory we should change the channel tonight and thank him for the mainstay of our everyday television routine!
Robert Adler, who passed away today at the age of 93, probably was an unknown name too many of us, be he was most likely the most important guy to ever visit your television room. He was the co-creator of the television remote, a project that he worked on with a fellow by the name of Eugene Pollard for Zenith. By the late fifties Adler and Pollard had put the finishing touches on their wireless converter, through the sixties they refined their product that remained the standard until the infra red versions that we use today.
Adler was a rather creative fellow; he had right up until this year applied for patents on 180 different electronic devices, the last being a patent on touch screen technology. He spent sixty years with Zenith the last of the big American television companies which merged with LG electronics back in 1999.
He’s probably one of the most recognized of American inventors that we have never heard of. In his memory we should change the channel tonight and thank him for the mainstay of our everyday television routine!
If only the programming was as dependable as the invention he gave us!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The Daily Show if done by Fox
It kicked off with a nightmare scenario for Liberals, Rush Limbaugh as President and Ann Coulter as his faithful vice-presdient hanging out in the White House, and with that scene setter Fox News Channel’s answer to Jon Stewart was launched. Called The 1/2 Hour News Hour, Fox is hoping that right wingers will be able to quit wringing their hands long enough to enjoy a few yucks at the expense of the likes of Al Franken, Bill Maher and the rest of leftist cabal that they see everywhere.Mind you it must have been a hard call for Fox to interrupt the gruesome wall to wall Anna Nicole Smith coverage (which itself has been upstaged by garish Britney Spears meltdown updates) for even half an hour, but brave they are at Fox News.
The program which is the creation of Joel Surnow the executive producer of 24, is a decidedly right wing answer to the day’s news, though not quite delivered as well as Stewart’s more liberal offering. And unlike the Stewart program, it’s missing a live audience, the laugh track to the Fox News show was decidedly apparent and overbearing for jokes that weren’t particularly of the side splitting vein. Nothing says security and success like a laugh track!
In order to make sure that no Liberals might stray into the viewing range, the show was preceded by the usual hectoring of Sean Hannity, a fellow that could probably make Jerry Fallwell or Pat Robertson feel like liberals if given the chance. Needless to say, any liberal that survived the Hannity program lead in was probably too numb to view the ½ hour news hour with any coherence.
The show however has become a hot topic among liberals around the internet, Slate dedicating a portion of its website to coverage of the program’s construction and offering up some opinions on its future.
Some of the reviews were less than flattering, such as from the Boston Globe and Seattle Post Intelligencer, the New York Times tried to remain objective perhaps aware of the ever suspicious glances thrown its way. Even old Mother England waded into the review with the Guardian panning the debut, however what was surpising was the Washington Post found a few goods things to report upon, perhaps protecting their political turf in Washington. Although the best they could come up with was right funny, in spots.
Not to be outdone, once the show ended Fox News took to patting itself on the back over the debut. Going so far as to replay what they called “Hilarious Highlights” on the news cycle.
Fox last year hired on Dennis Miller to host a section on the Hannity and Colmes program called Get This, if they really want to make this comedy work perhaps they should hire him on to the staff of the new show. He made the Weekend Update news format the winner it was, apparently the anchors of the ½ hour news hour never studied the tapes. Then again, even Dennis Miller probably wouldn’t want to be associated with this one, because well Dennis Miller is actuallyat times quite funny!
Indeed, Fox itself may not be so sure, they haven't added links for the program on their website. You have to do quite a bit of searching on the site to find any mention of the program and so far the only video you can find of it is from You Tube, which of course lets the public post their thoughts on the show, which are even more caustic than the paid reviewers.
Fox may not want to give up hope; there may be a use for the show. Considering the lineage of the program, as the creation of the folks at 24, maybe it’s just a test of a new interrogation method for super agent Jack Bauer.
Give Jack at TV set; a DVD player, a copy of the ½ hour news hour and a terrorist, and well, we suspect America will be safe again!
Fox may not want to give up hope; there may be a use for the show. Considering the lineage of the program, as the creation of the folks at 24, maybe it’s just a test of a new interrogation method for super agent Jack Bauer.
Give Jack at TV set; a DVD player, a copy of the ½ hour news hour and a terrorist, and well, we suspect America will be safe again!
And next week’s winning numbers are….
Ooops, this won’t do much for consumer confidence. The Western Canada Lottery Commission is investigating how a website for the February only lottery “Millionaire for Life” managed to post “winning numbers” for a draw that supposedly hasn’t taken place yet.
On Saturday, eagle eyed lotto players browsed through the Millionaire website and discovered that according to the site, the winning numbers had been selected.
The Lottery Commission has been quick to pull that particular site down from the web and quickly advised consumers that what lotto players saw was a test mock up of what the page will look like on draw day, which is supposed to be February 28th.
Citing human error as the culprit, the Commission vows to get to the bottom of the situation and to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.
Ticket purchases for the draw are conducted by Quick pick, which means that an individual number will be generated each time and only one ticket holder will win the Million dollars for twenty five years at the end of the month.
It also means, that quite possibly someone already holds that number that was posted, which gave the Lottery Commission cause to advise that they aren’t a winner, yet…
Since the website has been pulled down, we won’t know what the numbers posted were, so we won’t be able to compare them to the “Official” winning numbers posted at the end of the month.
We wonder what the odds are on the same numbers popping up again on the 28th, perhaps the lottery corporations should offer odds on Sports Action, might be a creative way to make some extra cash on the situation.
On Saturday, eagle eyed lotto players browsed through the Millionaire website and discovered that according to the site, the winning numbers had been selected.
The Lottery Commission has been quick to pull that particular site down from the web and quickly advised consumers that what lotto players saw was a test mock up of what the page will look like on draw day, which is supposed to be February 28th.
Citing human error as the culprit, the Commission vows to get to the bottom of the situation and to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.
Ticket purchases for the draw are conducted by Quick pick, which means that an individual number will be generated each time and only one ticket holder will win the Million dollars for twenty five years at the end of the month.
It also means, that quite possibly someone already holds that number that was posted, which gave the Lottery Commission cause to advise that they aren’t a winner, yet…
Since the website has been pulled down, we won’t know what the numbers posted were, so we won’t be able to compare them to the “Official” winning numbers posted at the end of the month.
We wonder what the odds are on the same numbers popping up again on the 28th, perhaps the lottery corporations should offer odds on Sports Action, might be a creative way to make some extra cash on the situation.
The patient Pigs of Podunk
The mayor seemingly overcome with the spirit of Chinese New Year constructed his latest “Message from the Mayor” in a porcine frame of mind. (see transcript below)
The Mayor outlined some of the achievements of the current administration, as well as some of its frustrations. He commended the residents of the city for our patience in the past and apparently having consulted some Chinese horoscopes, suggested that 2007 is destined to be our year.
Now I’m not sure how the populace will take to being compared to pigs, although cynics might point out that if anyone would be familiar with the concept of pork and it’s by product, it would most decidedly be a politician.
In the end however, judging by his listing of those projects that are a little off target in the timing department, he might have subtitled the effort “a year late and more than a few dollars short.”
The mayor’s latest missive accompanied the explanation of the new tax collection system. With the New Year (North American or Chinese) has come a change in collection times, which sees the patient pigs of Rupert paying their utility taxes three months earlier than in previous years, giving the city an extra three months of revenue to add to their coffers. Presumably in order to allow the City to continue to do everything in their power, to put a great deal of effort, into providing strong support, to move things forward in the Podunkian barnyard.
Patient pigs that we are; we’ll wait to see what the next year brings in completed porcine projects and if indeed 2007 will finally be; “our year”.
CITY OF PRINCE RUPERT
FEBRUARY 2007
City Update
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
It is said that patience is a virtue. If that’s true then Prince Rupert is getting pretty virtuous.
In addition to working so hard and for so long at re-building our economy, and indeed our community, we’ve also been doing a great deal of waiting.
Four years ago, the City committed to do everything in its power to bring about a replacement for Acropolis Manor. In spite of every effort by the City, including donating land and waiving building fees, Northern Health has experienced many delays. However, at long last it looks like the project is finally getting underway with site preparation in full swing.
The City also put a great deal of effort into the development of the Treasure Cove gaming centre which was to have opened almost a year ago. Again, we did everything within our power to move the project forward but there were other delays including an expansion of the original project. Today, the progress is evident as the building begins to take shape. It is expected that the facility will be operating before the summer.
Likewise, the shopping centre proposed by Royop received strong support from Council and the Mayor’s office. The City has exceeded every commitment as far as timing of approvals. Once again, changes to the scope of the project resulted in delays. It now appears that the expanded project will begin site preparation sometime this summer.
Finally, the City worked creatively and aggressively with SunWave to secure the earliest possible restart of pulping operations at Watson Island. Clearly the lack of progress by SunWave has been disappointing to everyone. Council continues to push for activity on this site.
Without a doubt, the Port of Prince Rupert continues to be our most exciting development activity taking place in the City. The Port expansion is on time, on budget, and looking to exceed expectations as soon as it opens… but again, it’s involved a great deal of waiting.
In 2006 the City was able to tackle some major capital projects and completed:
Cow Bay Bridge Repair
2nd Avenue Bridge major repair
Millennium Walkway
Completion of Fulton Street stairs
Running track renewal (in conjunction with the School District)
Much of the world is just now celebrating the arrival of a New Year – the year of the pig. According to one web site, this is a year where “any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome so look forward to a year in which to really shine, either personally or professionally.”
In Prince Rupert to date we’ve been very patient pigs. 2007 looks like it will finally be our year.
Herb Pond,
Mayor
The Mayor outlined some of the achievements of the current administration, as well as some of its frustrations. He commended the residents of the city for our patience in the past and apparently having consulted some Chinese horoscopes, suggested that 2007 is destined to be our year.
Now I’m not sure how the populace will take to being compared to pigs, although cynics might point out that if anyone would be familiar with the concept of pork and it’s by product, it would most decidedly be a politician.
In the end however, judging by his listing of those projects that are a little off target in the timing department, he might have subtitled the effort “a year late and more than a few dollars short.”
The mayor’s latest missive accompanied the explanation of the new tax collection system. With the New Year (North American or Chinese) has come a change in collection times, which sees the patient pigs of Rupert paying their utility taxes three months earlier than in previous years, giving the city an extra three months of revenue to add to their coffers. Presumably in order to allow the City to continue to do everything in their power, to put a great deal of effort, into providing strong support, to move things forward in the Podunkian barnyard.
Patient pigs that we are; we’ll wait to see what the next year brings in completed porcine projects and if indeed 2007 will finally be; “our year”.
CITY OF PRINCE RUPERT
FEBRUARY 2007
City Update
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
It is said that patience is a virtue. If that’s true then Prince Rupert is getting pretty virtuous.
In addition to working so hard and for so long at re-building our economy, and indeed our community, we’ve also been doing a great deal of waiting.
Four years ago, the City committed to do everything in its power to bring about a replacement for Acropolis Manor. In spite of every effort by the City, including donating land and waiving building fees, Northern Health has experienced many delays. However, at long last it looks like the project is finally getting underway with site preparation in full swing.
The City also put a great deal of effort into the development of the Treasure Cove gaming centre which was to have opened almost a year ago. Again, we did everything within our power to move the project forward but there were other delays including an expansion of the original project. Today, the progress is evident as the building begins to take shape. It is expected that the facility will be operating before the summer.
Likewise, the shopping centre proposed by Royop received strong support from Council and the Mayor’s office. The City has exceeded every commitment as far as timing of approvals. Once again, changes to the scope of the project resulted in delays. It now appears that the expanded project will begin site preparation sometime this summer.
Finally, the City worked creatively and aggressively with SunWave to secure the earliest possible restart of pulping operations at Watson Island. Clearly the lack of progress by SunWave has been disappointing to everyone. Council continues to push for activity on this site.
Without a doubt, the Port of Prince Rupert continues to be our most exciting development activity taking place in the City. The Port expansion is on time, on budget, and looking to exceed expectations as soon as it opens… but again, it’s involved a great deal of waiting.
In 2006 the City was able to tackle some major capital projects and completed:
Cow Bay Bridge Repair
2nd Avenue Bridge major repair
Millennium Walkway
Completion of Fulton Street stairs
Running track renewal (in conjunction with the School District)
Much of the world is just now celebrating the arrival of a New Year – the year of the pig. According to one web site, this is a year where “any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome so look forward to a year in which to really shine, either personally or professionally.”
In Prince Rupert to date we’ve been very patient pigs. 2007 looks like it will finally be our year.
Herb Pond,
Mayor
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