The Regional District of Kitimat Stikine will soon present Thornhill’s latest statistical data to give residents get a clearer picture of their options for future governance of the community.
The new report will build on the original 2015 Greater Terrace/Thornhill Diagnostic Inventory, and include the latest data up to November of last year, including the 2016 census data. The dense, 110-page addendum will be condensed by Victoria Consulting Network before presenting it to the public.
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The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing authorized the repurposing of $17,169, left over from the original 2015 study, to pay for the work on the condition the updated report be a part of a greater community outreach exercise.
In addition to the diagnostic data, the engagement exercise will explore the implications of each Thornhill governance option: incorporating as its own municipality, merging with Terrace, or remaining as an unincorporated community under the governance of the regional district.
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Details of the public engagement have yet to be defined at this stage. A RDKS staff report recommended “a process that would present the findings of the diagnostic work done to date and gauge broader community perspectives on a potential change in governance for Thornhill.”
In order to repurpose the ministry’s funding for the outreach exercise, the final report on the findings must be filed by May or June, well in advance of the next local election.
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