City council is returning for its first general meeting of the new year tonight. Here’s a preview of what’s to come.

Water boil update

Acting mayor Wade Niesh will provide an update on the status of Prince Rupert’s water boil notice during the reports and recommendation portion of the meeting.

On Jan. 11, the City released a statement on its website saying it’s receiving “improving” results back from water samples sent to the Lower Mainland for lab testing over the holidays.

“…We look forward to receiving permission to lift the Boil Water Notice as soon as Northern Health determines enough clear samples have been returned,” the city said.

Despite improving results, the boil water notice continues to be in effect and the city continues to urge caution.

READ MORE: How neighbouring North Coast villages avoided the boil water notice

Grant applications

City council will also hear two presentations on applications for grant funding.

The first is an application to Northern Development Initiative Trust for a grant of up to $20,000. The city intends to use this money to provide incentives for business owners to improve their storefront façades.

If awarded, the $20,000 would be placed in the Business Façade Improvement program.

The city will also hear from its recreation department regarding an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) for $463,337.

This money represents 73.33 per cent of the amount required to complete renovations planned in the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre, the Earl Mah Aquatic Centre and the Lester Centre of the Arts.

According to the city’s meeting agenda, these improvements include the replacement of an aging boiler and heating system components, conversion to a new pool disinfection system and installation of a new emergency ventilation system in the Civic Centre.

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