Completion of Grand Trunk Pathway
The high cost to finish the Grand Trunk Pathway connecting Terrace and Kitsumkalum has led to a partnership between the two local governments.
The last leg of the recreational trail from Frank Street north of Hwy 16 west to the Kitsumkalum River will cost the city $950,000 for under over a kilometre of the pathway. The City of Terrace and Kitsumkalum have partnered in an application for the sixth round of intakes for the BC Rural Dividend Fund to apply for a grant that would cover 60 per cent of the total project costs with a maximum of $500,000.
The $450,000 remainder of the total project cost would come from the city’s Community Works fund and in-kind staff time.
If funded, the city hopes the recreational trail will provide active transportation linkage to Kitsumkalum while addressing safety issues along the corridor. In 2017, the city was approved for a $10,000 BC Rural Dividend grant to conduct a feasibility study for the project.
READ MORE: City ponders Grand Trunk Pathway extension to Kitsumkalum
Voting rights for permanent residents
The City of Terrace has agreed to write a letter of support to allow for permanent residents in municipalities to participate in local elections.
Though it can take years for a Canadian immigrant to gain permanent residency status, they cannot vote for city council or local representatives.
Rodrigo Samayoa, 28, is from Guatemala and now lives in Prince Rupert, and says it took him six years to get his permanent residency. He is a volunteer with the provincial Fresh Voices campaign to increase voting rights for newcomers like him.
“For immigrants, it can be really hard and intimidating to get involved in our communities. This becomes harder when we feel we don’t have the same rights as other community members,” Samayoa says. “By giving permanent residents the ability to vote in local elections we can deepen political engagement, engagement of the community and give them a voice in decisions that directly affect them.”
Terrace is now the third city in northern B.C. to sign on to the campaign joining Prince Rupert and Kitimat before the resolution is presented at the Union of BC Municipalities conference this fall.
Public hearing for two new cannabis licenses
Six people were in attendance before the regular general meeting to voice their opinions over two new cannabis business licenses under review.
One application is for a new storefront at 4435 Lakelse Avenue from Iqbal S. Bal and Inderpal S. Dhillon, with another from Hive Cannabis Inc. at 3227 Kalum Street.
Concerns about possible increased crime rates and the number of recreational marijuana storefronts in Terrace were brought up by residents. Hive Cannabis representative Craig Smith says while they are aware of the unease, his client’s business is doctor-owned and providing high-end quality product.
With zoning restrictions, the city has enough room to allow for six cannabis storefronts in Terrace.
READ MORE: Terrace’s first licensed marijuana store opens
Dr. and Mrs. Mills memorial
A plaque recognizing the achievements and dedication of Terrace’s first doctors was unveiled last week, Aug. 6 at the edge of the Regional District’s property on Lazelle Ave.
“What was significant for Dr. Mills and his wife who was also a nurse with him was that they had no support. They were it, so the community depended totally on them,” says Coun. Lynne Christiansen. “They gave everything to this community.”
Dr. Mills and Mrs. Mills perished in a house fire in 1962 after construction for the new hospital was completed.
The City of Terrace contributed $1,500 from council unbudgeted for the memorial.
READ MORE: Health history of Terrace, B.C.
Building synopsis
Terrace’s July building synopsis puts Terrace increasingly close to surpassing its 10-year average of $16.3 million.
So far in 2019, $15 million has been spent for 150 permits in the city, including 25 single residential and 13 commercial renovations.
In July, 31 new permits were issued with a total value of just over $3.1 million dollars, compared to nine permits for $90,000 over the same time last year.
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