The first face to face meeting between the three candidates in the provincial election took place on April 17th at Northwest Community college, a lunch hour discussion period where students and interested citizens could ask questions on the topics on the issues that they were concerned about.
The Northern View provided a brief review of the noon hour session, a short snapshot of the candidates tone and early observations on the issues.
Not surprisingly considering the venue, among some of the talking points that they reviewed at the session was education, with Green Party candidate suggesting that her party would offer up an immediate tuition reduction of twenty percent and an incentive based plan that would see tuition refunds for graduates who live and work in BC for five years after graduation.
Also high among some of the talking points that they examined, was the environment which was also a key point of discussion for the candidates, with NDP candidate Gary Coons outlining many of the current concerns of his party such as coal bed methane development, renewable resource development and the need to ensure that energy resources remain in the hands of the public.
Liberal candidate Herb Pond outlined the key elements of how his party would handle such developments as the independent power process, building a strong economy and touched on the issue of the proposed Enbridge development and the potential arrival of tanker traffic on the north coast.
The April 17 debate was a warm up of sorts for what will for the main event of April 29th when the issues will get another look by the three candidates at the public forum at the Lester Centre for the Arts.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Kitimat blaze sends firefighters to hospital
Four fire fighters in Kitimat were sent to hospital and an extra crew was called in from Terrace for support, after a stubborn blaze in Partridge street duplex kept fire officials busy for the bulk of the afternoon on Tuesday.
Kitimat fire service personnel responded to the fire at 2:20 in the afternoon, it took them about an hour to knock down the fire. No residents were injured in the incident, but in the process of fighting the fire, some suffered smoke inhalation and were sent to hospital for observation, all but one were released that evening with the remaining firefighter kept in over night for further examination.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined and the investigation is still under way, though officials fear that the intensity of the blaze and structural damage to the building may not provide much in the way of information as to the cause.
Northern Sentinel-- Kitimat home gutted by fire
Podunk Below the Masthead Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A fond farewell to a long time link of the north coast, puppets and a camera friendly bird all part of the Tuesday edition of the Daily News.
FAREWELL TO THE QUEEN OF PRINCE RUPERT-- Monday's decommissioning of the Queen of Prince Rupert was the front page, headline story of Tuesday's paper, complete with pictures of the family portrait of BC Ferries on the North coast and photos from the Monday farewell.
The accompanying article focused on the principals of Monday's decomissioning ceremony, Gwyneth Murray who christened the vessel back 43 years ago and Captain Lance Lomax who served on the Queen of the North since 1980 in a number of positions. The two with their duties on Monday, provided for the closing chapter of the long career of the vessel that served the North coast and the Queen Charlottes for decades.
Other items of note in the Tuesday paper, was a look at recent puppet workshops at the Museum of Northern BC which saw hundreds of local students from pre school up to high school. Students have attended sessions since February, where they learned of the history of puppet making and gained some hands on instruction in creating their own works of art.
Somewhere on Kaien Island a Blue heron is getting ready for its close up and folks following along at home on their computers can be there when the debut takes place. The Applied Coastal Ecology Program at NWCC has been collecting data on the mortality rate of Blue Heron chicks on the north coast and to get a better understanding of that cycle of life, they'll be watching on line as the Blue Herons take to their nests and prepare to add to the population base. We can follow along by checking out the Blue Heron watch on the NWCC website.
The Sports page featured a review of the past weekends El Nino golf tournament as well as details on the athletic success of Jacob Thom at Vancouver Island University College in Nanaimo.
Total Pages in Tuesday's paper (12)
FAREWELL TO THE QUEEN OF PRINCE RUPERT-- Monday's decommissioning of the Queen of Prince Rupert was the front page, headline story of Tuesday's paper, complete with pictures of the family portrait of BC Ferries on the North coast and photos from the Monday farewell.
The accompanying article focused on the principals of Monday's decomissioning ceremony, Gwyneth Murray who christened the vessel back 43 years ago and Captain Lance Lomax who served on the Queen of the North since 1980 in a number of positions. The two with their duties on Monday, provided for the closing chapter of the long career of the vessel that served the North coast and the Queen Charlottes for decades.
Other items of note in the Tuesday paper, was a look at recent puppet workshops at the Museum of Northern BC which saw hundreds of local students from pre school up to high school. Students have attended sessions since February, where they learned of the history of puppet making and gained some hands on instruction in creating their own works of art.
Somewhere on Kaien Island a Blue heron is getting ready for its close up and folks following along at home on their computers can be there when the debut takes place. The Applied Coastal Ecology Program at NWCC has been collecting data on the mortality rate of Blue Heron chicks on the north coast and to get a better understanding of that cycle of life, they'll be watching on line as the Blue Herons take to their nests and prepare to add to the population base. We can follow along by checking out the Blue Heron watch on the NWCC website.
The Sports page featured a review of the past weekends El Nino golf tournament as well as details on the athletic success of Jacob Thom at Vancouver Island University College in Nanaimo.
Total Pages in Tuesday's paper (12)
Cutbacks affect six provincial parks in the Northwest
Today may be Earth Day, but if you want to experience what the earth has to offer British Columbians and our visitors, the BC Government wants to let you know that you won't have as much time this summer to get out and soak in all that there is to enjoy.
Northwest campers and park visitors will have a reduced window this season to enjoy the great outdoors as BC Parks struggles to meet its budget targets and announces cutbacks to 45 provincial parks across the province.
In the Skeena zone which serves the Prince Rupert region, six parks will have reduced openings this year, included on the list are the popular Exchamsiks and Lakelse Lake parks.
The parks which normally open to the public on May 1st will not be opened up until May 15th and the normal closing date of September 30th at Exchamsiks has been pushed up to September 8th, while Lakelse will remain open only until September 15th.
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Full details on the revised schedule and other items about British Columbia's parks can be found on the BC Parks website.
R U, an R4 or an R8? Or perhaps you don’t rate at all!
“The unemployment rate understates the real weakness in the labour market, no doubt about it. … Real unemployment is rising much faster than the official rate.”-- Benjamin Tal, an economist at CIBC World Markets
It’s perhaps the most over used and possibly most irrelevant statistic quoted by the government these days, the “official” unemployment rate, the bell weather number that the government, social service agencies and business leaders use as their indicator of how the economy and Canadians in general are doing.
The monthly recitation of numbers, a listing of the employment levels of the past month is always highlighted on the newscasts and in government handouts, and in the end they are stats that may mean nothing at all.
The Unemployment rate as calculated these days’ offers but a snap shot of those that may have recently lost their employment, an influx of unemployed workers that leaves many others as uncounted statistics.
Lost in the press releases and the shuffle of numbers are those that have been forced to leave full time jobs for part time ones, or those that have abandoned the job search or fallen beyond the realm of unemployment and onto the welfare rolls..
It’s the unknown statistic that must leave government officials uneasy, just how many Canadians are considered unemployed or underemployed. And what would Canadians say if that true number was ever finally accounted for.
The numbers as they exist officially now never seem to provide the full impact of an economic downturn, one which sends former working men and women orphaned off to whatever programs are there to hide the true numbers of those out of the work force, filling in spaces while everyone hopes that the times get better.
Beyond even that reality though, are the workers that don’t even look for work anymore. It’s those that have lost jobs that are more aware than anyone, knowing that with every new announcement from industry or government of job reductions, the competition for those dwindling job opportunities is growing.
The Globe and Mail has an interesting article posted to its web site today that outlines how the real numbers may be worse and highlights the differences in unemployment status and how it’s a double edged sword for some Canadians, many who may take part time work after their full time jobs are eliminated, but in the end may disqualify themselves from EI benefits that they paid into for many years.
It’s a pattern that is developing fast, as more and more industries follow the lead of American businesses and downsize their staffs, mainly by cutting many long time workers to part time status.
It’s perhaps the most over used and possibly most irrelevant statistic quoted by the government these days, the “official” unemployment rate, the bell weather number that the government, social service agencies and business leaders use as their indicator of how the economy and Canadians in general are doing.
The monthly recitation of numbers, a listing of the employment levels of the past month is always highlighted on the newscasts and in government handouts, and in the end they are stats that may mean nothing at all.
The Unemployment rate as calculated these days’ offers but a snap shot of those that may have recently lost their employment, an influx of unemployed workers that leaves many others as uncounted statistics.
Lost in the press releases and the shuffle of numbers are those that have been forced to leave full time jobs for part time ones, or those that have abandoned the job search or fallen beyond the realm of unemployment and onto the welfare rolls..
It’s the unknown statistic that must leave government officials uneasy, just how many Canadians are considered unemployed or underemployed. And what would Canadians say if that true number was ever finally accounted for.
The numbers as they exist officially now never seem to provide the full impact of an economic downturn, one which sends former working men and women orphaned off to whatever programs are there to hide the true numbers of those out of the work force, filling in spaces while everyone hopes that the times get better.
Beyond even that reality though, are the workers that don’t even look for work anymore. It’s those that have lost jobs that are more aware than anyone, knowing that with every new announcement from industry or government of job reductions, the competition for those dwindling job opportunities is growing.
The Globe and Mail has an interesting article posted to its web site today that outlines how the real numbers may be worse and highlights the differences in unemployment status and how it’s a double edged sword for some Canadians, many who may take part time work after their full time jobs are eliminated, but in the end may disqualify themselves from EI benefits that they paid into for many years.
It’s a pattern that is developing fast, as more and more industries follow the lead of American businesses and downsize their staffs, mainly by cutting many long time workers to part time status.
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An increasing trend in the USA and one that many economists say will come to Canada as well, a trend that will be moving many from one statistical pile to another and then off the desk completely it seems, to yet one more category.
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That of out of sight, out of mind...
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the Greenest of them all?
As Canada settles in to observe Earth Day 2009, the rankings have been released and British Columbians can take their bows while they go about their Earth Day activities, as this province has been named the greenest of Canada's provinces and territories.
BC receives its top marks because of the dedication in this province towards such things as green jobs, green buildings, organic food and energy efficiency.
And while we walk around self assured in our concern over the environment, we should take a moment to spread the work perhaps, as it seems that the further east you live the less involved you are likely to be in matters environmental.
Among the bottom of the eco friendly listings are Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, New Brunswick and dead last with a grade of F is Prince Edward Island.
It seems that the eastern province doesn't give much thought to such things as energy efficiency, has a high dependency on cars, and features a lack of protected land and few certified green buildings.
Details on PEI's shaming and BC's praise can be found in Corporate Knights Magazine which looked at 10 environmental categories to come up with the Canadian Green index.
Before we get too excited about our ranking however, one cautionary note, the letter grade from Corporate Knights is only a C+, which is good, but as any good teacher might tell you clearly suggests that room for improvement exists...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The city is still waiting for a call for details on Sun Wave's intentions
CFTK News has an item posted to their website today that rekindles those frustrating thoughts of the Sun Wave saga and that company's less than forthright communication on the state of the Watson Island pulp mill.
An outstanding tax balance of 5.6 million dollars still is on the books for Sun Wave, with a deadline of September for delivery of payment. Should Sun Wave not make that payment by that timeframe, the City will become owners of moribund mill.
Mayor Jack Mussallem says in the CFTK article that the city is waiting for Sun Wave to make that call. Though judging by the company's recent record of communication, we suggest that the Mayor not get anchored to the phone, perhapst we should just leave the answering machine on and return the call should it ever comes in.
Terrace businness community welcomes a boots on the ground approach to downtown law enforcement
Terrace's downtown business community, weary of the high number of drunk and disorderly people causing trouble in their part of town are hopeful that a new program may make the downtown core a more welcoming place and rid it of the troublesome elements that have chased away business.
The Terrace RCMP has instituted a two man foot patrol unit in the downtown area, added visibility to the troubled areas of town and one which local business owners and citizens hope will reduce the amount of crime and improper behaviour in that part of the city.
The RCMP are also hoping to have Terrace City council approve a new parks and public places bylaw, an additional way to remove troublemakers by assessing a 200 dollar fine for each offence such as defecating or urinating in public, participating in a fight or consuming or possessing alcohol or a controlled substance.
The foot patrol project was created after Terrace Business leaders went to the city last year with a number of complaints and a demand for attention to the deteriorating conditions in the downtown area.
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It will be a project and possible solution that Prince Rupert's Business community will be watching closely, to see if some of the Terrace solutions may work on Rupert's downtown troubles.
The Terrace RCMP has instituted a two man foot patrol unit in the downtown area, added visibility to the troubled areas of town and one which local business owners and citizens hope will reduce the amount of crime and improper behaviour in that part of the city.
The RCMP are also hoping to have Terrace City council approve a new parks and public places bylaw, an additional way to remove troublemakers by assessing a 200 dollar fine for each offence such as defecating or urinating in public, participating in a fight or consuming or possessing alcohol or a controlled substance.
The foot patrol project was created after Terrace Business leaders went to the city last year with a number of complaints and a demand for attention to the deteriorating conditions in the downtown area.
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It will be a project and possible solution that Prince Rupert's Business community will be watching closely, to see if some of the Terrace solutions may work on Rupert's downtown troubles.
Podunk Below the Masthead, Monday, April 20, 2009
A good read from PRSS, a few words of information for the public from local paramedics and some background on the proposed budget make for the highlighted items of the news in Monday's paper.
PRINCE RUPERT SECONDARY STUDENTS BRING LITTLE BEAR TO LIFE-- Monday's headline, front page story provided some background on a project being put together by Prince Rupert Secondary School students, a children's book that will bring the Khutzymateen to life for children everywhere.
The project which has been organized by Tasha Parker, will be showcased in three languages, English, French and Sm'algyax. Readers will follow the adventures of a little Bear in the Khutzymateen.
The finished product comes with or without an accompanying CD, copies are available at PRSS with the book alone selling for 15 dollars, while the CD version sells for 20 dollars.
Elsewhere in Monday's paper, local paramedics took their fight with the provincial government to the streets on Saturday. Describing their stroll as an informational session, their wandering ways took them down third avenue which took them past the campaign office of Herb Pond.
Some local Liberals seemed to take offence at their arrival at the local office of their candidate, but one wonders if they realize that he would be fair game for any political questions on the issue of contract negotiations. If the candidate is going to run for the party of the current government, then he most likely should be able to offer up his opinion on the state of negotiations and how he feels about the paramedics side of the debate.
Page three of Monday's paper finally caught up to the information flow of last weeks information session at city hall about potential budget decisions. While the Northern View posted their items to their website following the Thursday meeting at City Hall, the Daily News coverage of that session didn't make it to press until Monday.
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In their review of the meeting, they outlined many of the same observations that the Northern View detailed, including the prospect of a potential 3.8 per cent increase on taxes this year, in addition to some cutbacks to a number of services, but with no layoffs anticipated due to the financial decisions to be made by May 15th.
On the sports pages Soccer ruled the pages, with a review of the weekend soccer tournament at Charles Hays.
Total pages in the Monday edition (12)
PRINCE RUPERT SECONDARY STUDENTS BRING LITTLE BEAR TO LIFE-- Monday's headline, front page story provided some background on a project being put together by Prince Rupert Secondary School students, a children's book that will bring the Khutzymateen to life for children everywhere.
The project which has been organized by Tasha Parker, will be showcased in three languages, English, French and Sm'algyax. Readers will follow the adventures of a little Bear in the Khutzymateen.
The finished product comes with or without an accompanying CD, copies are available at PRSS with the book alone selling for 15 dollars, while the CD version sells for 20 dollars.
Elsewhere in Monday's paper, local paramedics took their fight with the provincial government to the streets on Saturday. Describing their stroll as an informational session, their wandering ways took them down third avenue which took them past the campaign office of Herb Pond.
Some local Liberals seemed to take offence at their arrival at the local office of their candidate, but one wonders if they realize that he would be fair game for any political questions on the issue of contract negotiations. If the candidate is going to run for the party of the current government, then he most likely should be able to offer up his opinion on the state of negotiations and how he feels about the paramedics side of the debate.
Page three of Monday's paper finally caught up to the information flow of last weeks information session at city hall about potential budget decisions. While the Northern View posted their items to their website following the Thursday meeting at City Hall, the Daily News coverage of that session didn't make it to press until Monday.
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In their review of the meeting, they outlined many of the same observations that the Northern View detailed, including the prospect of a potential 3.8 per cent increase on taxes this year, in addition to some cutbacks to a number of services, but with no layoffs anticipated due to the financial decisions to be made by May 15th.
On the sports pages Soccer ruled the pages, with a review of the weekend soccer tournament at Charles Hays.
Total pages in the Monday edition (12)
Soon our local events will go up in lights on the big board!
The City of Prince Rupert is about to enter the electronic information age when it comes to message boards as what looks like a state of the art information sign is soon to be set up in the vicinity of the Civic Centre and Lester Arts Centre.
In this months electronic newsletter the city advises about their plans to install an electronic message board, part of a collaboration of civic and private funding.
The sign will feature a two sided, two-line computer reader board, which will update residents and visitors alike to the services and events available at the two venues on McBride Street.
Funding for the sign got a leg up when Pepsi signed on to sponsor the computer reader board portion of the sign. Manufacturing and installation of the sign will take place through contributions in kind and support from a number of local industries and services including; Digital Printing, Progressive Steel, and the Hecate Strait Employment Development Society.
City Council recently approved $10,000 toward the site prep, with an eye towards installation of the sign later this summer. They are still looking for some more local support for the project, with a Cat 5 cable and electrical power supply lines still required for the project to be put to use. The City is looking for other community minded businesses in town to take part, with space still available on the logo portion of the signage for that one company looking to step up and contribute.
The City is ready for donations or in kind support, a phone call to Michael Curnes at the Civic Centre will set your wheels in motion and help to turn on the lights on the message board later this year.
They're fixing a hole in the road... not necessarily here
Prince George's budget concerns must not be quite the same as their western cousins in Rupert, the Prince George Citizen and Opinion 250 have posted a couple of stories on their websites that outline some of the services that are available to a city that has the money set aside for general maintenance.
When it comes to the number one item of complaint by drivers everywhere, Prince George seems to be getting a handle on their pothole problem, the Citizen outlines how they are approaching the 10,000 mark, when it comes to potholes around that city, working three shifts a day to try and take care of the axle busting holes that can pop up on city streets.
Likewise, the plans to clean up that city are moving forward, as the City of Prince George prepares for a giant civic clean up this week. Opinion 250 offered up a review of the progress of those plans today. All while the Mayor and council of that city took to the streets today for their photo ops to highlight this weekends clean up campaign, which will see the city partner with community groups in trying to improve the aesthetics of their city.
Of course, not everyone is happy, there are more than a few cynics who are finding that not all the potholes are getting attention, and suggest that photo ops alone won't make for a clean community.
But things seem pretty good for Prince George, compared to the recent suggestions out of Prince Rupert's City Hall. At last weeks preliminary budget discussions, some ideas being recommended were cutbacks to such things as road repairs, parks and recreation maintenance and a reduction in the support normally provided to the Civic Pride Program.
As the roads continue to crumble and the city becomes more unkempt, one suspects that the phones will soon be ringing down at 3rd Avenues City Hall offices.
With or without support, Prince Rupert's Civic Pride is planning for their own civic clean up around the city, Sunday April 26th will be the local clean up day. Those looking to Participate can meet at the Museum of Northern BC at 1 pm to help out.
When it comes to the number one item of complaint by drivers everywhere, Prince George seems to be getting a handle on their pothole problem, the Citizen outlines how they are approaching the 10,000 mark, when it comes to potholes around that city, working three shifts a day to try and take care of the axle busting holes that can pop up on city streets.
Likewise, the plans to clean up that city are moving forward, as the City of Prince George prepares for a giant civic clean up this week. Opinion 250 offered up a review of the progress of those plans today. All while the Mayor and council of that city took to the streets today for their photo ops to highlight this weekends clean up campaign, which will see the city partner with community groups in trying to improve the aesthetics of their city.
Of course, not everyone is happy, there are more than a few cynics who are finding that not all the potholes are getting attention, and suggest that photo ops alone won't make for a clean community.
But things seem pretty good for Prince George, compared to the recent suggestions out of Prince Rupert's City Hall. At last weeks preliminary budget discussions, some ideas being recommended were cutbacks to such things as road repairs, parks and recreation maintenance and a reduction in the support normally provided to the Civic Pride Program.
As the roads continue to crumble and the city becomes more unkempt, one suspects that the phones will soon be ringing down at 3rd Avenues City Hall offices.
With or without support, Prince Rupert's Civic Pride is planning for their own civic clean up around the city, Sunday April 26th will be the local clean up day. Those looking to Participate can meet at the Museum of Northern BC at 1 pm to help out.
Wanted to a good home: one slightly aged ferry recently retired
BC Ferries is putting three of its older stock up on the auction block, bringing forward an email bidding process for those that want the latest in coastal ferries circa 1960's..
While the celebrations have barely died down commemorating the Queen of Prince Rupert's 43 years of service to the North coast, time is money as they say and the Queen and two other similarly aged BC Ferries are yours for the taking at the right price.
Be sure to give some thought to your bid, as the sale price will be determined by "market demand" which apparently will dictate the selling price of the no longer required part of the fleet.
Count your pennies and cash in your pop bottles, once you've got your money lined up, you can enter your bid for your choice of vessel at shipsforsale@bcferries.com.
The Vancouver Province-- B.C. Ferries selling off three older vessels
Monday, April 20, 2009
One era ends... and another prepares to begin..
BC Ferries paid their respects to a faithful servant of the coastal waters of the province on Monday morning, as the Ferry Corporation held a decommissioning ceremony at the Fairview Bay Ferry Terminal.
As a bell sounded out, the Queen of Prince Rupert was officially retired on Monday, bringing to an end 43 years of service to the North Coast and Queen Charlotte Islands.
Over 200 Rupertites were in attendance to take one last tour of the vessel and stand by as the vessel was celebrated for her service.
The Northern View provided a report posted on line this morning featuring the tone and atmosphere of the decommissioning ceremony.
As Prince Rupert was bidding farewell to the long time fixture on the waterfront, BC Ferries was releasing a fascinating picture that showcases the past and future of the Ferry service on the North coast.
Posted on their website, (and shown above) the photo features the Queen of Prince Rupert, The Northern Adventure and the newest vessel on the North coast, The Northern Expedition, the latter having spent the weekend tied up alongside the Northland Cruise Terminal, a postcard picture taking opportunity for locals, who will no doubt be taking that tour of the new vessel in May.
BC Ferries is clearly quite excited about the debut of service for the Northern Expedition, their website features a number of tourist oriented packages designed to try and bring large numbers of visitors to the North Coast.
It's been a number of years of planning for the introduction of the new service, one which will hopefully bring the North coast to the destination status that it has been seeking for a while now. Ever since the sinking of the Queen of the North, local tourism operators and community members have been waiting for BC Ferries to provide a replacement vessel to try and bring back the volume of visitors that once passed through the city.
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At times the time frame of delivery caused concern over the potential of losing business for a good number of years, but now that the delays and wait times are over and with the vessel on display inside the harbour, expectations are probably going to be high for a good tourist year, from the ferry service anyways.
With the Northern Expedition soon to take up it's place in the northern fleet, many are hopeful that the tourism sector will begin to recapture some of those lost visits of the last few years and build upon the tradition that the Queen of Prince Rupert upheld for those 43 years.
Profiles of the candidates from the Daily News - Herb Pond
Prince Rupert’s Daily Newspaper began its in depth look at the candidates on Friday, with the first of what we imagine will be three profiles of the candidates seeking our vote on May 12th.
The first candidate to be featured by the paper was Herb Pond, who outlined some of his thoughts on such issues as the container port, investment in Prince Rupert and the North coast and his impressions on the future of the riding and the various communities that he seeks to represent.
Daily News Election profiles
Herb Pond
By George T. Baker
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday, April 17, 2009
Page 12
Relaxing in the depths of his campaign office chair, Herb Pond is gaining a certain amount of strength from his surroundings.
It's a confident atmosphere in an office that has a look of professionalism and success wrapped around it.
It reflects a man who was known for the past six years as Mayor that what he does best is sell - sell Prince Rupert and sell the North Coast.
That's not uncommon for a political candidate during an election. For what is a campaign but a drawn out hiring process where a prospective representative tries to sell his and his party's talents and ambitions to the constituency?
Pond is known for having a specific talent as the city's salesman - or booster if you will - and that will be an important personality trait that he'll have on offer during his campaign, which kicked off this past Tuesday.
Pond sincerely believes that he and the BC Liberals can deliver a prosperous future for the North Coast.
Optimistic is probably the best way to describe the positive ex-Mayor. Much about him seems well aligned with politics, often a place where optimism and positive messages seem to be the 9xygen those in Victoria breathe. Then there is the history of Prince Rupert, a roller coaster of a town that booms and busts with the best of them.
Despite rumours to the contrary, Prince Rupert has not yet reaped all the rewards of its natural gifts. It is something Pond made clear in a Daily News headline back in October, when he declared the city was "not booming yet."
"We have just started. This is just the very beginning. I think some people lose sight of that," said Pond with his customary enthusiasm.
"That's why ports in California are scared. It's not for the three cranes that we have on the waterfront today. They recognize that the plan that was drawn up by the people of Prince Rupert and that the corridor works and there will be more cranes."
If Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii and the surrounding villages are really going to gain long term traction, said Pond, the focus can't be on the direct jobs that are created by a port but by the economic region that is provided as a result of having a successful port.
The BC Liberals have committed to the Asian Pacific Gateway, which the party claims would provide the province a $76 billion gain in trade and add 250,000 jobs. Some of that money and job creation, reasons Pond, would have to make its way to the North Coast.
"We love longshore jobs - but it's not about a few hundred jobs. It's about having a shipping corridor that is so attractive that someone is putting a factory in Prince Rupert to make windows from our forestry products or furniture pieces or even reprocessing salmon in a different way,” said Pond.
The container port continues to create good buzz up and down the west coast and even as the 'little port that could' (with hopes that it will one day be the big container port that does) it increases business. Pond said it's that kind of investment that shows a commitment to the region by the BC Liberals.
However, even as the area gains a new identity, part of its alternate identity appears to have been lost. Fishing isn't what it used to be only a decade ago when the city saw a significant amount of money coming in with the fishing boats.
According to a 1999 survey on the economic value of the fishing industry in Prince Rupert, fishermen were paid $115 million in wages in 1997. Pond doesn't see those glory days coming back.
"I don't think you can go back in anything that you do. I don't care if it's as an individual or as a society. There is no question that people have fond memories of the 70s when cash was easy. [But] I don't think we are going to see that comeback in the fishing industry or the forestry industry. That doesn't mean there isn't a viable future or a really solid industry."
Instead, Pond believes that the fishing industry needs to focus on the Port, too. He said Alaska fish are going to come this way and Rupertites would be the ones processing them.
Talk about the port almost always comes with a caveat though - what about South Delta and why does it seem to be a BC liberal priority when the locals there don't support it and locals here are backing the Prince Rupert Port.
As reported in the Daily News on Thursday, the Northern corridor has thus far been a poor sister to the southern corridor. Right now there is $2.35 billion earmarked for the south while only $46 million is in place for the northern route.
That's exactly why Pond is getting involved. He believes it's time for the riding to have someone the provincial government will bend its ear to.
"If you were looking for a reason as to why I want to sit as MIA, it's because I want to let people know that there is a Prince Rupert and that investment in Prince Rupert makes sense."
In a riding that has been an NDP stronghold for what seems like donkey years, it's going to take a real selling job to convince not only Rupertites but those on Haida Gwaii and those living in the North Coast villages that the BC Liberals is the party to lead the riding out of the wilderness.
Since 1972 when Graham Lea won, the NDP has held the North Coast/Prince Rupert seat with the sole exception of Bill Belsey, who won during the great NDP purge of 200 1.
To some, that election was seen as an extension of provincial disappointment - tired of the NDP 90s and looking for a change. When incumbent MIA Gary Coons won the election in 2005, perhaps that confirmed this.
Pond thinks he can change that. He feels he connects well with First Nations community members (Pond said he chose to run partly because of what was happening with the Recognition and Reconciliation Act) and the labour class, two traditional NDP communities.
"It wasn't just words. I've heard from First Nations leaders throughout the riding that they feel the reality of that promise," said Pond.
Pond added that if you don't believe he is a job deliverer then have a look at his track record as Mayor.
“At times I made people angry - but in the big picture, when you look at the track record of those six years, we delivered several hundred jobs in and around the container port," said Pond.
That's the sell job from the salesman himself.
It's a job Pond hopes to continue for the riding beyond 2009.
The first candidate to be featured by the paper was Herb Pond, who outlined some of his thoughts on such issues as the container port, investment in Prince Rupert and the North coast and his impressions on the future of the riding and the various communities that he seeks to represent.
Daily News Election profiles
Herb Pond
By George T. Baker
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday, April 17, 2009
Page 12
Relaxing in the depths of his campaign office chair, Herb Pond is gaining a certain amount of strength from his surroundings.
It's a confident atmosphere in an office that has a look of professionalism and success wrapped around it.
It reflects a man who was known for the past six years as Mayor that what he does best is sell - sell Prince Rupert and sell the North Coast.
That's not uncommon for a political candidate during an election. For what is a campaign but a drawn out hiring process where a prospective representative tries to sell his and his party's talents and ambitions to the constituency?
Pond is known for having a specific talent as the city's salesman - or booster if you will - and that will be an important personality trait that he'll have on offer during his campaign, which kicked off this past Tuesday.
Pond sincerely believes that he and the BC Liberals can deliver a prosperous future for the North Coast.
Optimistic is probably the best way to describe the positive ex-Mayor. Much about him seems well aligned with politics, often a place where optimism and positive messages seem to be the 9xygen those in Victoria breathe. Then there is the history of Prince Rupert, a roller coaster of a town that booms and busts with the best of them.
Despite rumours to the contrary, Prince Rupert has not yet reaped all the rewards of its natural gifts. It is something Pond made clear in a Daily News headline back in October, when he declared the city was "not booming yet."
"We have just started. This is just the very beginning. I think some people lose sight of that," said Pond with his customary enthusiasm.
"That's why ports in California are scared. It's not for the three cranes that we have on the waterfront today. They recognize that the plan that was drawn up by the people of Prince Rupert and that the corridor works and there will be more cranes."
If Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii and the surrounding villages are really going to gain long term traction, said Pond, the focus can't be on the direct jobs that are created by a port but by the economic region that is provided as a result of having a successful port.
The BC Liberals have committed to the Asian Pacific Gateway, which the party claims would provide the province a $76 billion gain in trade and add 250,000 jobs. Some of that money and job creation, reasons Pond, would have to make its way to the North Coast.
"We love longshore jobs - but it's not about a few hundred jobs. It's about having a shipping corridor that is so attractive that someone is putting a factory in Prince Rupert to make windows from our forestry products or furniture pieces or even reprocessing salmon in a different way,” said Pond.
The container port continues to create good buzz up and down the west coast and even as the 'little port that could' (with hopes that it will one day be the big container port that does) it increases business. Pond said it's that kind of investment that shows a commitment to the region by the BC Liberals.
However, even as the area gains a new identity, part of its alternate identity appears to have been lost. Fishing isn't what it used to be only a decade ago when the city saw a significant amount of money coming in with the fishing boats.
According to a 1999 survey on the economic value of the fishing industry in Prince Rupert, fishermen were paid $115 million in wages in 1997. Pond doesn't see those glory days coming back.
"I don't think you can go back in anything that you do. I don't care if it's as an individual or as a society. There is no question that people have fond memories of the 70s when cash was easy. [But] I don't think we are going to see that comeback in the fishing industry or the forestry industry. That doesn't mean there isn't a viable future or a really solid industry."
Instead, Pond believes that the fishing industry needs to focus on the Port, too. He said Alaska fish are going to come this way and Rupertites would be the ones processing them.
Talk about the port almost always comes with a caveat though - what about South Delta and why does it seem to be a BC liberal priority when the locals there don't support it and locals here are backing the Prince Rupert Port.
As reported in the Daily News on Thursday, the Northern corridor has thus far been a poor sister to the southern corridor. Right now there is $2.35 billion earmarked for the south while only $46 million is in place for the northern route.
That's exactly why Pond is getting involved. He believes it's time for the riding to have someone the provincial government will bend its ear to.
"If you were looking for a reason as to why I want to sit as MIA, it's because I want to let people know that there is a Prince Rupert and that investment in Prince Rupert makes sense."
In a riding that has been an NDP stronghold for what seems like donkey years, it's going to take a real selling job to convince not only Rupertites but those on Haida Gwaii and those living in the North Coast villages that the BC Liberals is the party to lead the riding out of the wilderness.
Since 1972 when Graham Lea won, the NDP has held the North Coast/Prince Rupert seat with the sole exception of Bill Belsey, who won during the great NDP purge of 200 1.
To some, that election was seen as an extension of provincial disappointment - tired of the NDP 90s and looking for a change. When incumbent MIA Gary Coons won the election in 2005, perhaps that confirmed this.
Pond thinks he can change that. He feels he connects well with First Nations community members (Pond said he chose to run partly because of what was happening with the Recognition and Reconciliation Act) and the labour class, two traditional NDP communities.
"It wasn't just words. I've heard from First Nations leaders throughout the riding that they feel the reality of that promise," said Pond.
Pond added that if you don't believe he is a job deliverer then have a look at his track record as Mayor.
“At times I made people angry - but in the big picture, when you look at the track record of those six years, we delivered several hundred jobs in and around the container port," said Pond.
That's the sell job from the salesman himself.
It's a job Pond hopes to continue for the riding beyond 2009.
Daily News Pressing Questions April 17, 2009
The Pressing Questions feature continued in Friday April 17ths edition of the Daily News, part of the papers ongoing election coverage.
The Question: "The provincial government has shown a commitment to South Delta Port. Do you believe it is time for the Port of Prince to become a priority for the provincial government?"
Gary Coons - New Democratic Party
Absolutely it is time for our port to become a priority. Our port is a more environmentally-friendly way to move products to Asia because it takes less time and the distance is shorter. Gordon Campbell assured British Columbians that funding would be provided on an equal basis for all BC Ports but the push for Delta has been foremost on his mind.
The economic health of the north is of the utmost importance. The BC NDP will be investing to support economic diversification and investments in port and rail infrastructure to all regions and sectors of the province.
Lisa Girbav - Green Party
Port expansion and the support of our container port should be a priority of the provincial government. The port provides long term sustainable jobs and brings much needed economic diversification to Prince Rupert. However, we do need to recognize that increased traffic can lead to problems. More ship traffic leads to increased pollution from fossil fuels as well as invasive species. As well, to fight climate change we need to rely more on local production and reduce long distance transportation as much as possible.
Herb Pond - Liberal Party of BC
Premier Campbell's government invested heavily into a strategy to attract Asian and North American cargo to ports in British Columbia - including funding for Fairview Phase 1, which created over 250 great work opportunities around Prince Rupert. Terminals are nothing without strong rail and road connections. The terminals of the Port of Prince Rupert benefited greatly from the $1 billion investment partnership that poured $185m back into the North through the Northern Development Initiative and that was the crucial catalyst for our new container Port. The Port of Prince Rupert was a priority of mine as Mayor of Prince Rupert. As MLA it will continue to be a priority for me and the BC Liberals.
The Question: "The provincial government has shown a commitment to South Delta Port. Do you believe it is time for the Port of Prince to become a priority for the provincial government?"
Gary Coons - New Democratic Party
Absolutely it is time for our port to become a priority. Our port is a more environmentally-friendly way to move products to Asia because it takes less time and the distance is shorter. Gordon Campbell assured British Columbians that funding would be provided on an equal basis for all BC Ports but the push for Delta has been foremost on his mind.
The economic health of the north is of the utmost importance. The BC NDP will be investing to support economic diversification and investments in port and rail infrastructure to all regions and sectors of the province.
Lisa Girbav - Green Party
Port expansion and the support of our container port should be a priority of the provincial government. The port provides long term sustainable jobs and brings much needed economic diversification to Prince Rupert. However, we do need to recognize that increased traffic can lead to problems. More ship traffic leads to increased pollution from fossil fuels as well as invasive species. As well, to fight climate change we need to rely more on local production and reduce long distance transportation as much as possible.
Herb Pond - Liberal Party of BC
Premier Campbell's government invested heavily into a strategy to attract Asian and North American cargo to ports in British Columbia - including funding for Fairview Phase 1, which created over 250 great work opportunities around Prince Rupert. Terminals are nothing without strong rail and road connections. The terminals of the Port of Prince Rupert benefited greatly from the $1 billion investment partnership that poured $185m back into the North through the Northern Development Initiative and that was the crucial catalyst for our new container Port. The Port of Prince Rupert was a priority of mine as Mayor of Prince Rupert. As MLA it will continue to be a priority for me and the BC Liberals.
Inlander demolition order gets an extension
It may be as far away as the May long weekend before the debris of the fire site of the Inlander Hotel is finally cleared away.
City Council heard the results of an environmental assessment of the site from owner Ivan Rudman, which delivered the news that because of an asbestos issue on the site an extension to the demolition time frame was required. Mr. Rudman stated that once the asbestos issues were taken care of, he believed that it would take only a couple of weeks to remove the remains of the building.
Council voted on an extension to the demolition order, but have included a requirement that Rudman provide a schedule of demolition to council by April 27th.
With an extension in place and potential asbestos removal to get underway shortly, the most optimistic date of site clearing that the owner could provide to council was perhaps by Victoria Day.
Which if proven to be the best case scenario for demolition, will make for at least one interesting sight for those city tours for May's cruise ship passengers and other visiting tourists while the work gets underway.
City Council heard the results of an environmental assessment of the site from owner Ivan Rudman, which delivered the news that because of an asbestos issue on the site an extension to the demolition time frame was required. Mr. Rudman stated that once the asbestos issues were taken care of, he believed that it would take only a couple of weeks to remove the remains of the building.
Council voted on an extension to the demolition order, but have included a requirement that Rudman provide a schedule of demolition to council by April 27th.
With an extension in place and potential asbestos removal to get underway shortly, the most optimistic date of site clearing that the owner could provide to council was perhaps by Victoria Day.
Which if proven to be the best case scenario for demolition, will make for at least one interesting sight for those city tours for May's cruise ship passengers and other visiting tourists while the work gets underway.
Podunk Below the Masthead Friday April 17, 2009
The Haida influence is celebrated, the Acropolis Manor saga continues on and the Inlander Hotel won't be fading from view as fast as most might like. Some of the items from Friday's Daily News.
A CELEBRATION OF HAIDA INFLUENCE IN UNIQUE WAYS-- An exhibition of Kostan Lagace's artwork is set to take place at Opa Sushi in May, the Daily News previewed that showing and outlined some background on Lagace as the front page, headline story in the Friday paper.
More discussions on the fate of the old Acropolis Manor are on the agenda as Northern Health authorities agree to a May11th meeting with the North Coast Advisory council. Prince Rupert city council discussed the issue at their recent gathering and have throw their support behind efforts to find a way to use the old structure for other health concerns in the city. That's a suggestion that Northern Health isn't quite on side with, recently outlining why they feel that the building requires far too much work to make it a viable location for delivery of services. The two sides will once again exchange their views on the issue in May.
The site of the half consumed Inlander Hotel will remain on the cityscape for a little while longer, Inlander owner Ivan Rudman appeared in front of City council at its last meeting on Tuesday and outlined how asbestos concerns in the debris of the fire scene have slowed down his schedule of demolition on the downtown hotel.
Originally facing a thirty day demolition order, he received an extension on that order. Rudman told council that he believes that the site could be cleared of it's debris by Victoria Day.
The Sports section reviewed an exhibition game between PRSS and Ketchikan that took place on Thursday at the Charles Hays field.
Total pages in the Friday edition of the paper (16)
A CELEBRATION OF HAIDA INFLUENCE IN UNIQUE WAYS-- An exhibition of Kostan Lagace's artwork is set to take place at Opa Sushi in May, the Daily News previewed that showing and outlined some background on Lagace as the front page, headline story in the Friday paper.
More discussions on the fate of the old Acropolis Manor are on the agenda as Northern Health authorities agree to a May11th meeting with the North Coast Advisory council. Prince Rupert city council discussed the issue at their recent gathering and have throw their support behind efforts to find a way to use the old structure for other health concerns in the city. That's a suggestion that Northern Health isn't quite on side with, recently outlining why they feel that the building requires far too much work to make it a viable location for delivery of services. The two sides will once again exchange their views on the issue in May.
The site of the half consumed Inlander Hotel will remain on the cityscape for a little while longer, Inlander owner Ivan Rudman appeared in front of City council at its last meeting on Tuesday and outlined how asbestos concerns in the debris of the fire scene have slowed down his schedule of demolition on the downtown hotel.
Originally facing a thirty day demolition order, he received an extension on that order. Rudman told council that he believes that the site could be cleared of it's debris by Victoria Day.
The Sports section reviewed an exhibition game between PRSS and Ketchikan that took place on Thursday at the Charles Hays field.
Total pages in the Friday edition of the paper (16)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
3.8 percent more on your municipal tax bill a possibility this year
In what seems to be an annual ritual now, the City of Prince Rupert is once again looking at a slight increase to property taxes this spring.
At an open house on Wednesday, the City outlined some of the challenges it faces these days with a declining tax base to collect taxes from and a less than robut local business and industrial climate which continues to put most of the tax pressure on that residential base.
With revenues on the decline in the city, some budget paring was required to keep tax increases to as low a number as possible, which in this case will be an anticipated 3.8 per cent increase. Without some of the suggested cuts to services outlined on Wednesday, the total tax increase for 2009 could have been 11.9 per cent, a number which the city more than likely suspects (and probably rightly so) wouldn't be universally welcomed by a tax weary public.
Some of the suggested reductions include a decrease of 350,000 dollars from Parks and Roads, most of which will come from reductions in landsape issues on boulevards, trails and fields. Also the rough nature of some of Prince Rupert's roads may continue as the road repairs budge faces a 120,000 dollar reduction.
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Sidewalk maintenance and street sweeping will also see a reduced emphasis this year. The contentious banner program from last year will not apparently be a high profile endeavour this year and Civic Pride will have to rely more and more on their own devices to take on their projects.
Community Groups will have to seek out funding from other options this year as the city plans on reducing the amount of grants it provides to local organizations by at least 216,250 dollars in 2009.
And while the city cuts back in some areas, they are also increasing spending in others. Capital purchases will increase by 158,000 dollars while Capital works projects (such as the Hays Creek Sewer Main, Duncan Road, Spirit Square and other high profile infrastructure plans) will increase by 5.2 million dollars.
The anticipated tax rate of 3.8 per cent will increase the tax bill in July by roughly 52 dollars, based on the average price of a house in the city pegged at 168,702 dollars. For some it may be higher, for others a shade lower.
City Employees it would appear will remain safe from any major cutbacks, as no suggestions on layoffs were presented to the public at the open house, though some positions apparently won't be filled over the summer.
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In fact job seekers will want to keep their eyes on the City Hall job postings boards as there are plans to increase one civilian staff member to the RCMP detachment as well as provide one staff position in the Engineering department.
The city will review the recommendations at their April 27th meeting, they must pass the budget requirements by May 15th.
The City website has a number of documents posted to outline the five year plan and its impact on the city's financial picture.
Northern Expedition slips alongside for a short stay
Rupertites spent the weekend wandering the walkways of the Atlin and Northland Cruise Ship Terminal areas taking a look at the newest vessel in the BC Ferry Fleet.
The Northern Expedition was tied up at the Northland Cruise Ship Terminal over the weekend, having spent the last week or so running training sessions for BC Ferry staff in the waters around the city and while not locals were allowed on board for look over, more than a few took advantage of the downtown location to get an up close look at the vessel.
The official open house comes up on May 2nd when BC Ferries will show off the German built ferry which offers space for 600 passengers, 55 staterooms and room for for 130 vehicles. Rupertites can look over the new features from 1 to 4 pm, Skidegate residents and others on the Charlottes will get their chance one day later from 2 to 5pm.
A first glance at the new ferry seems to suggest more of a cruise ship look as opposed to the traditional outline of the ferry as we have come to know it on the North coast.
The Northern Expedition will take over from the Queen of Prince Rupert in mid May, The QPR will receive it's official farewell on Monday, as BC Ferries decommissions the vessel with a ceremony starting at 9 am, Rupert residents can take one final tour of the ship between 9 and 11 am.
The Northern Expedition was tied up at the Northland Cruise Ship Terminal over the weekend, having spent the last week or so running training sessions for BC Ferry staff in the waters around the city and while not locals were allowed on board for look over, more than a few took advantage of the downtown location to get an up close look at the vessel.
The official open house comes up on May 2nd when BC Ferries will show off the German built ferry which offers space for 600 passengers, 55 staterooms and room for for 130 vehicles. Rupertites can look over the new features from 1 to 4 pm, Skidegate residents and others on the Charlottes will get their chance one day later from 2 to 5pm.
A first glance at the new ferry seems to suggest more of a cruise ship look as opposed to the traditional outline of the ferry as we have come to know it on the North coast.
The Northern Expedition will take over from the Queen of Prince Rupert in mid May, The QPR will receive it's official farewell on Monday, as BC Ferries decommissions the vessel with a ceremony starting at 9 am, Rupert residents can take one final tour of the ship between 9 and 11 am.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Sure Herb and Gary can have the Daily News, but Lisa, Lisa has the Vancouver Sun...
The Green Party's candidate on the North Coast Lisa Girbav is getting more exposure in one Saturday, than perhaps both Gary Coons and Herb Pond will find in this entire campaign.
Right there on the front page of The weekend edition of the Vancouver Sun, is the picture of Prince Rupert's Miss Girbav, the photo placed above the fold as they say, providing an instant recognition factor for Rupertites picking up their weekend paper and a pretty good introduction for the rest of the province.
Now to be honest, the accompanying article does not explore her thoughts on the issues, nor does it highlight any of the campaign details of local interest. It is instead, with a one line mention of the North coast candidate, part of a larger feature on page A13 of the weekend paper that explores the concept of how much the candidates most resemble the voters they are trying to impress.
Miss Girbav's age is the key point of her inclusion in the article, which examines how the demographics of the campaign are diverse and reflective of the province. Our local green candidate at 19 showcasing the youngest age of the spectrum of candidates, while the Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Capliano Ralph Sultan at 75 highlights the oldest.
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Still for a young candidate just beginning a political career, making the front page of the Vancouver Sun is a pretty impressive debut. Better yet, it was her second mention on that papers website in less than twenty four hours.
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Considering that the Green Party isn't quite in the same financial league as the Liberals and the NDP when it comes to gaining attention from the media, the inclusion of their youngest candidate on the front page of the province's largest newspaper can only provide much in the way in interest in their message and in their campaign.
Considering that the Green Party isn't quite in the same financial league as the Liberals and the NDP when it comes to gaining attention from the media, the inclusion of their youngest candidate on the front page of the province's largest newspaper can only provide much in the way in interest in their message and in their campaign.
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And in politics, finding a way to become relevant and of interest to the voters is what it's all about.
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