Inspector Terry Gillespie of the Terrace RCMP delighted audiences with his music at the grand opening of the Prince Rupert RCMP detachment on April 29 joined by City officials and local partners marked the official grand opening of the new RCMP detachment with a public celebration on April 29 The monumental event began with a traditional flag-raising ceremony paying tribute to those who have served the community past and present “The new building replaces the old detachment that was built over 50 years ago,” said the Prince Rupert RCMP the facility in Prince Rupert incorporates state-of-the-art technology and equipment in security and features a Forensic Identification suite that includes an examination bay with modern DNA handling capabilities.” featuring modern heating and cooling systems and welcoming for both staff and the community “This project has been many years in the making long before my time as detachment commander,” said Inspector Gerald Walker Detachment Commander of the Prince Rupert RCMP “This beautiful new building with its improved space and technology isn’t just about modernizing our operations – it’s about strengthening our ability to serve and connect with the community It’s a place where our commitment to public safety can continue to thrive.” “Congratulations to the staff who worked hard to see this project through at no impact to the tax payer,” said Mayor Herb Pond The City of Prince Rupert received approval to construct the new detachment at an estimated cost of $25 million but successfully completed the project under budget at approximately $23.5 million The building’s exterior also showcases artwork by local artist and designer Nicholas John It features outdoor lighting that will change colours to highlight the artwork in celebration of future holidays and local events “Given the building is at a focal entrance point to the Downtown Core, this was seen as an opportunity to showcase civic pride and celebrate our diverse community,” said the City in an April 30 press release. The new station is located on the former Jehovah’s Witness Hall site The City said it worked for over a decade on upgrading the RCMP building to find a suitable site that meets policing standards without disrupting local services “The move into this fantastic new building marks the culmination of a long dedicated journey by the City of Prince Rupert and RCMP leaders from the past,” said Officer Walker “Our officers and staff are excited for this new chapter and are thankful for the strong relationships and support from the incredible people of this community This is a truly rewarding community to serve in.” Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account Sign In Subscribe Now Residents of Port Edward are expressing growing frustration over limited bus services to and from Prince Rupert urging calls for expanded transportation options Terri Mayer is a 61 year-old mother living in Port Edward who works at the Walmart in Prince Rupert There’s single moms out there with families there’s elderly people that have no way in or out after five o’clock Currently, the last bus from Prince Rupert to Port Edward departs at 5:10 p.m. which many residents find highly inconvenient especially for those working in Prince Rupert who also need time to complete daily activities.  It’s a $50 cab ride to get home,” said Mayer.  service was provided on this route until 10:30pm but was reduced due to low ridership and demand during the pandemic,” said Jamie Weiss Senior Media Relations and Public Affairs Advisor for BC Transit About 80 Port Edward residents have signed a petition to BC Transit and the District of Port Edward Port Edward has an estimated population of 470 and is about a 20-minute drive from Prince Rupert “It is an essential service that we have that bus go later,” said Mayer “People that don’t have a car would also like to come in [to Rupert] and go to a movie We are all trapped out there after five o’clock she was forced to lose her job in Rupert and eventually her apartment because she couldn’t work later than 4:30 and get enough hours a week her hours had been reduced down to eight per week because the employer stopped giving her longer I’m gonna lose my job again if I don’t get more busses and more times,” said Mayer Five weekday buses run from Port Edward to Prince Rupert between 7:35 a.m There are four buses on Saturdays and no service on Sundays Mayer emphasizes that if Port Edward had a store with essential items she might not have gone ahead with the petition But the lack of one makes reliable transportation even more critical Weiss explained that expanding the bus service requires additional funding from both local governments and the Province as BC Transit services are cost-shared between the municipalities and the Province.  “Decisions around service levels are made by local government partners,” said Weiss BC Transit works with the District to develop cost and prioritize their service expansion proposals then obtain local funding approval for their share of expansion costs Once requests for expansion are formalized BC Transit proceeds with a request to secure funding from the Province within the provincial budget on behalf of local governments She confirmed that if the local governments want the organization would work with the District of Port Edward and City of Prince Rupert on future service expansions “We fully understand that busses are an essential need Port Edward’s director of legislative services she is concerned about the potential impact on taxpayers as the District estimates adding even a single additional bus route could be very costly She highlighted that BC Transit is not in charge of the District.  It’s the District that pays for the service,” said the director.  Mayer has been attending public engagement sessions with the District where she has voiced her struggles with transportation She remains unsatisfied with the explanation that bus routes are too expensive questioning how the District was able to fund them before COVID-19 Thomson says she is working toward the most effective solution through public engagement She believes that understanding how many residents would actually use the service will help determine the most efficient mode and method of transportation She’s also open to exploring alternative options “We have to figure out what is actually the most cost-effective way to still assist them,” said Thomson “Because our stats that we got from BC transit are showing that very few people actually make use of the bus service right now.” She believes it’s important to consider all available options before council decides and she hopes the outcome will best serve the entire community I hope the process does not take too long,” said Mayer The Walmart worker remains worried about whether her new employer will offer her long weekly shifts or if limited bus services will again restrict her ability to work to her full potential Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines gathered at Prince Rupert Middle School to bless the site and mark the ceremonial cleansing and groundbreaking for a much-anticipated new school building The new facility is being built adjacent to the existing one in the same location replacing the original building constructed in 1958 Completion of the project is expected by September 1 Sm’ooygit Githoon (Alex Campbell) led the traditional blessing ceremony at the construction spot and various stakeholders participated in a symbolic gravel scoop marked with a golden shovel on whose territory the school is being built Marlene Clifton led a powerful singing and drumming segment joined by several students who added their voices and rhythms to the moment “The school is in poor condition and predominantly functionally obsolete," said SD 52 in an April 28 press release "The current school building has reached its designed life and it became an urgent need for an accessible the Province announced $126.8 million in funding to replace and rebuild the school which will serve approximately 600 students “Supporting this project will ensure students and the entire school community are provided with a contemporary forward-looking and seismically safe environment in which to flourish,” said SD 52 The school district stated the new facility will support the Province’s goals for universal childcare by creating space for affordable which is an essential step toward reconciliation and equitable access for families.  the Province said the project will contribute to B.C.’s climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions support local economic recovery and enhance school meal programs the modern school will offer students a healthier more engaging learning environment while continuing the Province’s commitment to building safe Prince Rupert Middle School reported an enrollment of 436 students the school expects over 47 per cent growth by 2037 This is a number the new facility is designed to accommodate SD52 Board Chair Kate Toye shared planning for a new middle school began over a decade ago Former North Coast–Haida Gwaii MLA Jennifer Rice said the project has been very close to her heart She has encountered different generations of people frustrated that the project wasn’t progressing “I’m so excited it’s finally happening,” said Rice School District 52 has held multiple public engagement sessions which it will continue to do to understand community needs better and incorporate them into the design process “What an opportunity to meet the vision of the people who live here and the community that wants it here.” District Principal of Indigenous Education expressed gratitude for the blessing of the land which she said makes way for future growth She said the ground has been officially broken with intention The new space will serve not only as a place of learning from Monday to Friday but also as a gathering place for community-building activities The new Prince Rupert Middle School will span an estimated 5,500 square metres over two storeys and include a Neighbourhood Learning Centre KMBR Architects Planners of Vancouver is designing the project Hundreds of Rupertites gathered under sunny skies at Seal Cove on Sunday Families with children of all ages enjoyed various activities from playing games and riding bikes to planting seedlings and watching a vibrant performance by the Wii Gisigwilgwelk (Big Northern Lights) Dancers Several port companies and ecological organizations set up interactive stalls offering hands-on activities and information to promote environmental awareness At Skeena Wild’s Conservation Trust's booth children eagerly played a game of giant Jenga the organization's educator shared a fun fact about salmon and environmental stewardship with them education programs manager at the Skeena Wild explained that the trust focuses on protecting salmon and their habitat by addressing impacts from industries like fisheries They also advocate for policy reform to promote sustainable practices and ensure minimal impact on salmon ecosystems She noted that salmon has provided sustenance and life to Prince Rupert’s coast since time immemorial being of special significance to the Indigenous people “The estuary that’s located near Prince Rupert is a very critical very important habitat for salmon,” said Blouin “But the estuary here is small and we can’t lose it,” she added The estuary coastal body is a transition zone between fresh river water and salty ocean water; a healthy section of this area is essential for salmon survival which is essential for smolts (young salmon) It allows smolts to protect themselves and become healthy before migrating from freshwater to the vast very important that the eelgrass is healthy habitat for them so that they can stay there for a couple months before going into the ocean they will die if they don’t get strong or not eat a lot and get their body ready for the ocean.” “Salmon has been so important for the economy as well So many people in this area have a connection and relationship with salmon,” said Blouin Children learned about the salmon life cycle and its many challenges The educator explained that while a female may lay around 3,000 eggs only two or three typically survive to return and spawn at their birthplace highlighting the critical importance of protecting their habitat “It is very important for them to go back to the origin Salmon must return to their birthplace to spawn so they can lay eggs on small freshwater streams with gravel beds that offer safe nesting and fewer predators than the ocean Blouin saw great engagement from the children and was glad to share important information about Prince Rupert’s sensitive watershed with them calling the children “future policymakers.” so Earth Day is a very important celebration for us,” said Blouin the only theatre movie lovers and families in Rupert could visit to smell freshly popped popcorn and be transported to another world is now up for sale “We’ve made the decision to sell our Famous Players Prince Rupert property,” said Michelle Saba vice president of communications at Cineplex Canada While the company explores the sale process the theatre will remain open and continue screening movies as usual “We’re grateful to the community for their incredible support over the past 29 years and look forward to continuing to entertain them at Famous Players Prince Rupert,” said Saba Famous Players is the only movie theatre in the city It is showing the films “A Minecraft Movie,” “The Amateur,” and “A Working Man.” The Prince Rupert RCMP officially moved into their brand-new detachment at 145 Market Place on Thursday The old building is finished now,” said Insp Public members wishing to speak with the police in-person It’s a great work environment that we have,” said Walker He appreciates how secure and disaster-proof the new location and establishment are The old Prince Rupert detachment building was built in 1978 and was recently deemed inadequate by both the City and the police force which prompted the need for a new facility “It’s a big undertaking for the City and a big commitment from the City,” said the inspector.  The City budgeted $25 million for the project which was to be funded through debt from the Municipal Finance Authority.  Walker remembers arriving in Rupert in May 2022 when the Jehovah’s Witness hall was still located where the new detachment is now He quickly began working on the floor plans and organizing meetings for the construction of the building.  People get lost in this building now,” he said with a laugh The new facility accommodates 36 staff members along with 17 municipal employees.  should the city expand—it has got that capability...The City built this The City is responsible for providing adequate accommodation to its RCMP under the Municipal Police Agreement.  There will be an opening event for the community on April 29 from 4:30 p.m The occasion will include a ribbon cutting A new federal government is expected to be named Monday night as Canada’s 2025 snap election gets underway The main parties vying for the 343 seats in the House of Commons are Mark Carney’s Liberals Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pednault’s Greens Yves-François Blanchet’s Bloc Quebecois and Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada To find out about other local poll locations, visit the Elections Canada website and type in your street address Canadians can look at their voter registration card Voters can only visit their specified polling location New Democratic Party candidate Taylor Bachrach Christian Heritage Party candidate Rod Taylor For Elections Canada’s FAQ page for questions like what kind of identification to bring, click here. Check out our website for full coverage of the results once polls close Rupertites can lace up their sneakers and step out to support the Prince Rupert and District Hospice Society for a special community hike on Sunday wheeling and rolling to raise awareness for Hospice within this wonderful community we call home!” said Joanne Donohoe a member of the society’s board of directors The event is an annual pledge-based opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the services provided by the Hospice Society The non-profit offers compassionate care programs and support for those who are experiencing a life-limiting illness Donohoe explains that such services include trained volunteers visiting the homes, hospitals, or long-term care facilities of those dying or grieving. The society also offers grief and bereavement support through a monthly grief group, a nine-week Journey Through Grief program It also provides Advance Care Planning workshops to help individuals communicate their medical treatment wishes in advance and healthcare providers understand their preferences if they cannot express them later the upcoming hike will begin and end at Mariners Park “The entire community is invited to come out and hike in remembrance of a loved one in support of hospice and if they would like to help us fundraise pledge forms are available on our website www.princeruperthospice.org,” said Donohoe Prince Rupert Middle School (PRMS) is bringing back its Spring Clothing Walk to delight students on May 7 The event allows students to browse and pick out free items from the school’s “thrift shop,” offering them the joy of wearing something new and different education assistant at PRMS and Natasha Brown Indigenous Family Resource Worker at School District 52 I also think it gives them a self-esteem boost It makes me happy because they leave happy,” said McMillan she asks Rupertites to do a little spring wardrobe cleaning and donate usable clothes to the school The school is welcoming second-hand donations that can be worn this season including everything from dresses and pants to skirts Items must be clean and appropriate for youth “Anything that will be new to a student,” she added.  McMillan notes that this year’s donations haven’t been as strong as previous years while there are often plenty of options for girls there tends to be a shortage of items for boys which can be something donors want to keep in mind when contributing The idea for the Clothing Walk began years ago when McMillan noticed a student at the school without a winter jacket she offered the student a coat her daughter had outgrown but the student wasn’t wearing the jacket anymore So I went home and I got my daughter’s coat again You look around and kids don’t have the appropriate clothing So the idea just went on from there,” said McMillan She also organizes a Winter Clothing Walk at the school staff witness heartwarming moments as students light up with excitement over the clothing options McMillan recalled when a young girl spotted a pretty purple dress during her morning visit to the venue with the front office accepting donations from 8:30 a.m Donors can simply drop off items there and mention they’re for the Clothing Walk Some local businesses such as Selkies Consignment have been regular clothing donors for the Walk LeBlanc’s Boutique donated a box of brand-new jeans and tops which McMillan is extremely excited to bring to her students She finds it both funny and adorable how Grade 6 students stroll into the Clothing Walk for their first time already knowing exactly what they’re looking for Sign up below for unlimited digital access for 30 days receive our daily news alerts & breaking news house prices in Prince Rupert saw a sharp increase compared to both the same time last year and the previous quarter According to the latest data from the B.C the average cost of a residential detached house in the city was $491,301 as of March 31 This represents an increase from $412,477 on March 31 Prince Rupert holds 6th place in northern B.C Terrace ranks first with a price of $545,067 Sheila Love is the director at RE/MAX Coast Mountains in Terrace She explains that many determining factors such as interest rates and the cost of building houses can affect prices we did have a couple of very high-end homes sell in this year so far and that will affect the average price of homes,” said Love The average sale price can be skewed by a few high-value transactions which don’t accurately reflect the price of standard homes sold and a couple of others sell for $300,000 each This would dramatically increase the average sale price but that doesn’t mean a typical three-bedroom full-basement family home will sell for that price." Seasonally adjusted sales in Prince Rupert fell slightly from the previous quarter and the same period in 2024 30 properties worth a total of $14.2 million were sold through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) 21 were single-family residential properties and three were half-duplexes. This compares to 34 properties worth $11 million sold in the same period last year.  the City of Prince George recorded the highest number of transactions with 281 properties of all types worth $124.2 million changing hands in the first three months of 2025 140 properties of all types are available for purchase in the Prince Rupert area through the MLS Love notes the number of active listings available in March was lower than the amount available at the same time last year which can be another reason why the price rose.  “The less amount of houses [on the market] the average sale price across the northern region fell to $414,417 which was 2.5 per cent below the previous quarter While market activity varied widely across northern B.C. the region saw a slight sales downturn following a strong previous quarter It recorded 1,034 seasonally adjusted sales in Q1 2025 3.1 per cent below historical averages but still 11 per cent above sales from Q1 2024 Smithers ranked second in the region for home prices averaging $528,250 for a residential detached house Williams Lake closely followed at $527,630 while 100 Mile House had a price of $506,900 with an average sale price of just $173,376 as of March The supply of properties in Northern B.C. remains tight. As of March 31, 2025, there were 1,777 active listings in the region, which is approximately 23 per cent below the level considered to be a healthy long-term inventory, according to BCNREB’s latest news release Love estimates a healthy number of active listings would have been around 2,300 the Prince Rupert real estate market remains solid with rising prices signalling ongoing demand Love says that while Rupert had a slow start this year the sales are starting to pick back up.  The board said that although the sales-to-active listings ratio is fairly stable at around 19 per cent (slightly lower than Q4 2024) the risk of tariffs affecting northern industries could disrupt a positive start for Northern markets tariffs could impact the northern real estate market not by directly changing house prices but through indirect influences like higher construction costs due to taxes on building materials which could affect people’s general ability to buy or sell homes.  She notes that the real estate market’s response will largely depend on how the broader economy handles the tariffs “I think it’s too early to say exactly how it’ll affect our market adding it all depends on how these economic factors will play out in the coming months Enter your email to connect to 30 more days worth of stories by journalists living & working in Prince Rupert Thank you for supporting local journalism It has been 10 years since Prince Rupert has welcomed home former residents with a celebration of community Homecoming was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic from May 16 to May 19, the highly anticipated celebration returns promising to bring together old friends and neighbours to reconnect and celebrate the spirit of Prince Rupert The Homecoming weekend will be packed with activities designed to rekindle memories and create new ones The festivities officially begin on Thursday at the Hospitality Room This space will serve as the spot for guests to register and reminisce with familiar faces from the past before embarking on three days of celbratory events the excitement will build with the Traveling Wine & Cheese tour a unique experience featuring stops at some of Prince Rupert’s finest venues Participants will enjoy tastings at popular local spots guests can indulge in the best the town has to offer without worrying about getting home safely Saturday evening will be the centerpiece of the Homecoming weekend as the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre plays host to the Banquet and Dance This festive night will feature delicious dining and plenty of opportunities to reminisce and create new memories with friends.  The weekend will wrap up on Sunday with a golf scramble this casual tournament promises a great time of friendly competition and camaraderie Registration for the Prince Rupert Homecoming 2025 is $125 per person, with an additional $10 fee for the golf tournament. Register via the official Prince Rupert Homecoming 2025 Facebook page or reach out via email at prhomecoming2025@citywest.ca "This year’s Homecoming promises to be the biggest reunion yet and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Prince Rupert for a weekend of nostalgia and community connection," said the organizing committee No One Covers Prince Rupert Like The Northern View Don’t miss out on reading the latest local provincial and national news. Join our community and receive daily news alerts & breaking news the shuttle bus and flight departure times from Prince Rupert to Vancouver have been moved earlier the airport shuttle from the Highliner Hotel will continue to leave at 1:40 p.m to allow passengers to reach Digby Island on time "Jazz requires this change due to their earlier flight time from May 1st onwards," said the Prince Rupert Airport on Facebook Join thousands of other like-minded readers and sign up below to gain immediate & unlimited access to our news for the next 30 days – plus start receiving our newsletters the District of Port Edward hosted a scenic four-kilometre high-ground hike on April 12 collaborated to promote community safety and preparedness “Tsunamis are one of nature’s most powerful and unpredictable forces bringing massive waves that devastate everything in their path,” said Jason Giesbrecht Prince Rupertites will finally get a chance to see a movie shot in and around the city this weekend The Island Between Tides hits the local Famous Players Cinemas starting Friday (March 7) for one week only producer Andrew Holmes described it as a "family-orientated Prince Rupert filming took place during 2022 Vancouver actor Paloma Kwiatowski plays the protagonist Lily a young woman at the centre of this fantasy Sign In Register Prince Rupert — B.C.’s second most important port city — has been hit with more than $165,000 in environmental penalties.   The Environment Ministry issued the penalties to the city for failing to properly manage two landfills and letting thousands of litres of raw sewage leak into two streams and the city’s harbour.   It’s the latest in a long line of sanctions resulting new federal regulations and the growing impact of climate change.   The violations connected to the city’s sewage system span a nearly two-year period ending in September 2024 during which the city experienced multiple sewer outfall failures more than 4,100 litres of raw sewage poured into Hays and Morse creeks two creeks that contain multiple fish species director of the Environmental Management Act Mills said some of the discharges of raw sewage as a result of outfall failures were to the shoreline or near shore in Prince Rupert Harbour.   a number of species at risk are also found in the harbour humpback and grey whales; harbour porpoises; leatherback sea turtles; green sturgeons; and the bluntness sixgill sharks The raw sewage discharged into the two creeks and the ocean was found to pose a risk to the environment and human health She pointed to several pathogens found in untreated effluent that can be toxic to both wildlife and humans.   The director added $6,460 to the environmental penalty after finding the city gained an economic benefit from its failures but tempered that increase with a $1,000 penalty reduction after the city mandated “some efforts” to mitigate the failures — using vacuum trucks and spill pads to clean up messes and temporary seals and clamps to fix broken infrastructure.   the city dug up “materials” and sanitized areas.   Prince Rupert’s failure to maintain its sewers represented a “moderate” contravention of the province’s environmental laws Victoria was the last major coastal city in North America to flush raw sewage into the ocean before it ended the practice in 2020 has had a permit to release untreated sewage into Prince Rupert Harbour since 1980 The practice continues to this day.   The city has been working to upgrade that system But according to deputy city manager Richard Pucci at least 40 kilometres of pipe were installed before 1960 much of it during the Second World War.   the sewer and drainage system operates in a semi-failure state with multiple breaks per week,” Pucci said in a recent staff report to council.   Prince Rupert has had a history of environmental violations around solid waste disposal stretching back decades.   a deleterious substance at one landfill led to the death of 19 eagles.   The latest penalties apply to the decommissioned Wantage Road landfill — hit with a $26,000 environmental penalty — and a much heavier $121,000 penalty at the operational Prince Rupert landfill.   The older landfill has a long history of industrial and commercial activity Army Core of Engineers gravel quarry and munitions building municipal waste and hog fuel from the landfill were approved to construct some fairways and greens.   the landfill was never lined with a barrier and no system was set up to capture the concentrated liquid waste that comes out of the facility.   While the city is home to Canada’s second-largest port that infrastructure operates under federal jurisdiction and the municipality has limits on what it can tax.   “These legislative barriers don’t help We’re missing out on millions of dollars It’s coming off the backs of our taxpayers,” said Pucci pointing to the city’s nearly 13,000 residents.   “Municipalities really only have one source of revenue That’s property taxes.”   Aging sewer infrastructure is not unique to Prince Rupert the regional body has seen major cost overruns as it too works to meet new federal mandates surrounding sewage treatment.   is that those costs are spread out across more people in a place like Vancouver.   “I think it takes a bigger toll on smaller communities,” he said.   Prince Rupert’s aging infrastructure combined with federal mandates for water and sewage treatment mean the city is facing up to $375 million in upgrades by 2030 the city’s infrastructure deficit has crept into the $500-million-plus range “We’ve almost exhausted our entire borrowing capacity,” he said and we’re a bit handcuffed around generating it.”   Despite its financial and regulatory problems Prince Rupert is looking to expand a pilot water treatment project to filter sewage through wetland soils and vegetation like a “big planter box,” as one city staff person put it.   is the fact that the modern landfill is built next to the ocean microbes break down much of the toxic properties of liquid waste allowing it to flow into nearby collecting ponds as a kind of garbage “tea.”   And that’s when the rain comes.   Prince Rupert is already Canada’s rainiest city Climate projections suggest rainfall could increase another 15 per cent in the coming decades Pucci said his team is already seeing the change on the ground.   a steady stream of atmospheric rivers and other extreme rain and wind events has meant a lot more water is running through the landfills and sewer systems.   That has prompted overflows at collection ponds and forced sewage outflows into the environment A steady stream of environmental penalties has followed.   “I don’t think we could imagine how much weather and precipitation we would be getting in the last couple of years,” said Pucci It is a change from what it was a few years ago.”  Correction: A previous version of this story stated Prince Rupert's port was the second largest in Canada the third largest after Vancouver and Montreal Prince Rupert voters can hear directly from their federal candidates at the All Candidates Forum on April 23 at 7 p.m Incumbent MP Taylor Bachrach is seeking re-election for the Skeena–Bulkley Valley region under the New Democratic Party banner The Conservative Party has nominated Ellis Ross while the Christian Heritage Party is fielding Rod Taylor Has living in Prince Rupert turned me into a wimp The first couple of weeks of February we saw what I used to refer to as "almost winter," when I lived in Smithers One of the first mornings of the "cold snap" in Prince Rupert, I went out to walk the dog and I thought it was ridiculously cold but when I looked at the temperature it was only -5 C.  Still more like sweater weather than parka weather but the scientific consensus is there is no appreciable difference between a "wet cold" and a "dry cold," because even in humid Prince Rupert the moisture content in the air at low temperatures is relatively negligible If you want to talk about "wet heat," that's another story once you've factored in the wind chill, it's all about tolerance Tolerance is based on both individual physiology and conditioning I have a buddy in Toronto who wears shorts in the winter and after the initial chill of our little "cold snap" I was back to wearing a sweater or hoody (that's a bunny hug for my fellow Saskatchewanites) Even individual physiology and conditioning won't help you when it gets to be what I like to call "stupid cold." I'm glad we didn't have to endure the kind of temperatures they had in the interior during those two balmy weeks in Prince Rupert I can't remember the last time we had so many days of back-to-back sunshine B.C.’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has fined the City of Prince Rupert a heavy $165,460 because three of its waste disposal sites do not meet the ministry’s quality standards The city holds permits from the province to operate landfills and the Sewer Outfalls are not compliant with regulations “We’ve got sort of a menu of things that we’re being penalized for,” said Coun Canada’s propane exports hit record levels in 2024 with more than 40% of shipments headed to Asia through facilities operated by AltaGas and Pembina has become a critical link in Alberta’s energy supply chain offering faster access to Asian markets and higher returns compared to US sales Uncertainty caused by US trade policies under President Trump has prompted Canadian producers and policymakers to prioritize trade diversification including the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF) will further boost propane and butane export capacity by 55,000 barrels per day reinforcing Prince Rupert’s growing role in Canada’s energy export strategy info@cosbc.ca Board of Directors Spill Response Port Security Events Careers Secretariat Service The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) reported that 23.1 million tonnes of cargo moved through Prince Rupert's port in 2024 marking a one per cent decline compared to last year.  and significant projects are underway to strengthen the port’s future The combined transport volumes at DP World’s Fairview Container Terminal grew by five per cent Operations were impacted by shifts in transpacific trade routes and a brief suspension of rail service due to wildfires Recent expansions at the Port of Prince Rupert are solidifying its role in global trade while export volumes across its six terminals are also beginning to pick up Foreign cargo volumes rose from 5.99 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2024 to 6.35 million tonnes in the same period this year the Port became part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) Chinook service which is their major regular transpacific route Prince Rupert welcomed the inaugural visit of the MSC Aurora on March 17 MSC is one of the world’s largest shipping lines renowned for its extensive routes and capacity “This will strengthen trade and connectivity between Vietnam and the rest of North America,” said Olivia Mowatt senior communications officer at the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) The Port of Prince Rupert also recently marked the inaugural call of the Gemini Cooperation This is part of a new long-term operational collaboration between two major global shipping companies The cooperation offers a comprehensive network covering seven major trade routes The Port says that Gemini Cooperation will prioritize schedule reliability to increase on-time delivery of containers reinforcing the Port of Prince Rupert’s reputation for providing speed “The expanded maritime reach these services and alliances represent supports the Port of Prince Rupert’s efforts to diversify transpacific trade and develop greater supply chain resiliency,” said Mowatt The Prince Rupert Port Authority is working to build on intermodal trade by constructing two key facilities CANXPORT and the South Kaien Import Logistics Park (SKILP) Intermodal trade is the movement of freight using multiple modes of transportation CANXPORT is a new trans-loading facility being constructed on southern Ridley Island It’s designed to help move goods like crops and plastic resin products from trains into shipping containers for export The company Ray-Mont Logistics will run it and it will be able to handle up to 400,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units – a standard unit of measurement for cargo capacity on container ships relative to a 20-foot shipping container) of annual capacity DP World at the nearby Fairview Terminal handled about 739,000 TEUs in all of 2024 It could also expand in the future to handle more types of goods SKILP is another new project being developed by PRPA in partnership with Metlakatla First Nation’s Development Corporation The main business tenant there will be LinX a facility that helps organize and move goods It will connect shipping from Asia to distribution hubs across North America The first phase being built will feature a large giving shipping companies more flexibility in managing cargo Prince Albert's only locally-owned daily newspaper a popular outdoor path in Prince Rupert has officially reopened after two months of renovations The upgraded version boasts enhanced safety and accessibility features following a series of improvements.  The entire path has been freshly resurfaced The three steepest hills have been levelled and transformed into gradual slopes making it easier for individuals with knee issues or those pushing strollers to navigate This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page has secured a seat on the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) board where she is committed to advocating for the North Following a competitive election process involving 126 communities Beauregard will serve a term with the non-profit from 2025 to 2027 BCRPA has played a key role in enhancing the quality of life for British Columbians by championing the power of recreation and parks CIB investments are powering neighbourhoods connecting communities and putting Canadians to work PRINCE RUPERT – The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) reached financial close on a $60.7 million loan to help the Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC) and the Prince Rupert Port Authority develop the Indigenous-led South Kaien Import Logistics Park Funding comes from the CIB’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII) and will be used for site infrastructure needed to develop 56 acres of flat serviced land in proximity to Fairview Terminal CN Rail and the recently announced CANXPORT facility More than half of the logistics park is leased for a logistics and warehousing complex which significantly expands and strengthens import transloading and related capabilities at the Port of Prince Rupert The remaining 23 acres are available for lease Most of the site preparation work is expected to be completed within two years and relates to heavy civil construction A subsequent phase will see private sector investment build transloading and warehousing infrastructure This will create approximately 100,000 twenty-foot-equivalent units of capacity to transload marine containers into domestic 53-foot containers flexibility and resiliency for Canadian supply chains This project is part of Metlakatla’s long-term vision for enabling regional growth and benefiting the next generation of its members It also provides the ancillary benefits of creating and sustaining direct and indirect jobs and training opportunities for Metlakatla members and other Indigenous people in the Prince Rupert region – many of whom are already employed within this trade corridor The investment is the CIB’s second in a port CIB announced a $150-million loan to help build the CANXPORT export logistics hub at another site at the Port of Prince Rupert the project is within CIB’s Trade & Transportation priority sector which is dedicated to addressing financing gaps in new projects such as ports The Port of Prince Rupert is a critical Canadian trade gateway that ships a diversified portfolio of cargoes through several intermodal The Port is the closest North American west coast port to Asia-Pacific markets The Port is also the deepest natural harbour in North America and is able to accommodate the largest vessels in the shipping trade Our second investment at the Port of Prince Rupert will help enable British Columbia’s first Indigenous-led logistics facility We proudly support the opportunity for the Metlakatla Development Corporation to own a majority stake in the project which will provide a stable stream of revenues and create jobs for Metlakatla First Nation members and other Indigenous communities in the region The CIB’s investment in the South Kaien Import Logistics Park will support the ongoing transformation and growth of the Fairview Container Terminal and provide the flexibility needed to become a full-service gateway in Prince Rupert Under the leadership of the Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC) this project will create more jobs for the Metlakatla First Nation and local Indigenous communities the Port of Prince Rupert plays a key role in keeping our supply chains strong and resilient our Government is delivering on our commitment to strengthen trade corridors and support communities across the country MDC acquired the South Kaien lands in fee simple in 2019 We envision these lands as an integral part of the Prince Rupert Gateway and other commercial uses SKILP is step one: MDC plans to develop the remaining 280 acres in subsequent phases to support regional growth and provide economic opportunities for the region and next generation of Metlakatla members This investment is vital to anchoring the Port of Prince Rupert as a full-service trade gateway The support from CIB enables us to significantly expand logistics capabilities and capacity to increase our competitiveness while developing long-term economic benefits for First Nations-owned businesses such as Metlakatla Development Corporation at the Port of Prince Rupert Subscribe now for the latest in infrastructure The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce acclaimed Andy Enns as its 2025-2026 president March 5 during its annual general meeting March 5 at Arabisk Enns is a site services coordinator for WSG Energy Enns served as vice-president to Kristi Farrell last year He is also well-known around Prince Rupert for his contributions to the performing arts including the lead role in the community production of Shrek The Musical, scheduled for April 10 - 12 at the Lester Centre for the Arts PRINCE RUPERT – A $100 million South Kaien Import Logistics Park (SKILP) will result in long-term economic benefits for the partners in the project the Metlakalta Development Corporation (MDC) and the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) a portion of SKILP will host a logistics and warehousing complex that significantly expands and strengthens import transloading and related capabilities at the Port of Prince Rupert Construction is underway in developing the 56 acres of flat serviced industrial land in proximity to Fairview Terminal and the recently announced CANXPORT facility “MDC acquired the South Kaien lands in fee simple in 2019 We envision these lands as an integral part of the Prince Rupert Gateway and other commercial uses,” says MDC CEO Harold Leighton SKILP is step one: MDC plans to develop the remaining 280 acres in subsequent phases to support regional growth and provide economic opportunities for the region and next generation of Metlakatla members.” PRPA President and CEO Shaun Stevenson adds: “This valued partnership with Metlakatla Development Corporation reinforces our commitment to creating sustainable business opportunities that generate employment and social benefits for Indigenous peoples on the North Coast while also strengthening import transloading and logistics capabilities and resilience to shipper supply chains at the Port of Prince Rupert.” an integrated intermodal services company and subsidiary of SSA Marine As Prince Rupert’s first major import logistics operator IntermodeX will develop and operate the new 33-acre logistics and warehousing facilities with operations starting in the first quarter of 2027 Another 23 acres remain available for tenants wanting access to a deep-sea port The primary construction contractor is Coast Tsimshian Northern Contractors Alliance (CTNCA) an Indigenous-led joint venture that includes Coast Tsimshian Enterprises and IDL Projects Inc MDC received $43.3 million from the National Trade Corridors Fund to support the project The Canada Infrastructure Bank has provided $60.9 million in financing through its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative SKILP is a key component of the port’s fully integrated intermodal ecosystem that connects supply chain infrastructure within the growing gateway’s existing footprint The IntermodeX facility will complement the future operations at CANXPORT a large-scale export transloading and logistics facility currently under construction on nearby Ridley Island The two projects are designed to maximize efficiency and build greater competitive advantages for shippers by reinforcing the balance of intermodal trade flowing through the Prince Rupert Gateway the PRPA announced that 23.1 million tonnes of cargo moved through the Port of Prince Rupert in 2024 while intermodal volumes at DP World Prince Rupert’s Fairview Container Terminal rose five percent year-over-year PRPA noted that the performance was impacted by the realignment of carriers’ transpacific trade routes and the brief suspension of rail service due to wildfire that paused terminal operations Strong demand for western Canadian energy products saw AltaGas’ Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal ship 2.3 million tonnes of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) representing a 15 percent increase year-over-year Pembina’s Watson Island LPG Bulk Terminal handled 502,800 tonnes Drax’s Westview Wood Pellet Terminal shipped 1.2 million tonnes of biofuel to markets in Europe and Asia Prince Rupert Grain Terminal saw a 26 percent increase in exports handling over 4.5 million tonnes of western Canadian agricultural products Total coal export volumes fell 23 percent at Trigon Pacific Terminals with metallurgical and thermal coal exports down 29 and 22 percent Cruise passenger volumes decreased 27 percent compared to 2023 with over 59,400 cruise passengers transiting through Prince Rupert in 2024 “The 2024 results highlight the critical nature of the ongoing projects that will advance Prince Rupert as a full-service port and affirm our position as a key player in global trade and energy security,” says Stevenson “An historic period of expansion is taking place at the Port of Prince Rupert and 2024 was a pivotal year of development as we made strides towards enhancing services and capabilities and diversifying markets to maintain our competitive edge and support our trade partners.” Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress The hereditary leadership of the Gits’iis Tribe of the Ts’msyen Nation whose Lax Yuup [tribal lands] the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre occupies envisions the lot in front of the building becoming a dedicated permanent site for hosting sacred fire ceremonies I want to see a spot where we can bring people together where you can sit and reflect and connect with other people who have been impacted by residential school and intergenerational trauma,” the Gits’iis Na’aa Sigidyem Hana’ak [matriarch] N’ts’is Xysnath [Isabelle Stewart] told Guu Gaa Jung (Symbia Barnaby) the Prince Rupert Library has curated a new display celebrating Black Canadians and their impact on the country The collection includes books by or about Black Canadians explained the purpose of the display is to provide people with an opportunity to learn more about the diverse voices and critical perspectives that have shaped Canada At the 2025 BC Natural Resources Forum last month Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond highlighted the port city's vital economic role in B.C.'s natural resources sector emphasizing key projects that could support its continued growth and success the annual conference was well-attended by notable politicians industry leaders and First Nations representatives The Prince Rupert Rampage has released the schedule for the annual Coy Cup the BC Senior Men's AA hockey championship The Cup has been around since the 1922-23 hockey season when it was donated by the British Army's Col Coy of the 50th Gordon Highlanders to the BC Amateur Hockey Association it was awarded to the Enderby Hockey Club This year it will be contested from March 25 to March 29 by the host Rampage Rossland Warriors and Dawson Creek Canucks Prince Rupert is in by virtue of hosting the tournament Terrace qualified by winning the Central Interior Hockey League championship over the Quesnel Kangaroos last week Rossland defeated the Powell River Regals in a best-of-three playoff to secure their berth Dawson Creek had a play down with the Fort St John Flyers to represent the North Peace Hockey League The tournament is a round-robin format with each team playing the other three the top team gets a bye into the championship game The second- and third-place teams advance to a semi-final and the last-place team is eliminated The River Kings are the defending champions All games are scheduled for the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre The Rampage have said they will announce the results of their 2024-2025 Rampage Fights Cancer fundraiser sometime during the Coy Cup A boil water advisory for the city of Prince Rupert issued in November 2024 has been lifted the city said requirements for securing and verifying water quality have been met "The notice began in late November as a result of a power failure at the City’s remote treatment plant," the release stated the City had to meet a number of conditions The Prince Rupert Centennial Golf Course is no longer just for golfers The clubhouse has always welcomed members of the public to partake of its food menu and beverage service and has long catered non-golf-related events the management is going all out to promote the course as a dining destination in the city and attract golfers and non-golfers alike Sign up to receive the online edition of Talking Stick and discover inspiring stories and updates from the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii I have read and agree to the terms and conditions Gitxaała Enterprises has focused on energy-efficient improvements to enhance guest comfort and reduce environmental impact On the north coast of modern-day British Columbia and Haida) have welcomed guests to their territories for thousands of years the Gitxaała are continuing that tradition in a modern way while also creating economic opportunity in the community “So much of our history is in the areas seen looking out the windows of the Crest,” says Lou Ga Gwelks Linda Innes elected Chief Councillor of Gitxaała Nation “We want to be able to share that beauty and experience with all who visit.” In 2023, Gitxaała Enterprises, the Nation’s economic development corporation, purchased the Crest Hotel an iconic property along the Prince Rupert harbourfront The 107-room hotel boasts a variety of amenities Gitxaała Enterprises has invested in several upgrades – including renovating the rooms incorporating cultural elements into the hotel’s design and installing energy-efficient appliances – to ensure the hotel will continue operating as a hub for visitors to the region “The Gitxaała Nation is very pleased to be the new owners of the Crest Hotel We are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring the hotel into our Nation’s group of businesses through Gitxaała Enterprises Corporation,” says Chief Innes “We have and will continue to actively pursue economic opportunities of every viable industry in the area Gitxaała takes another step in creating long-term wealth and opportunities for the community the Crest Hotel has been a pioneer in the hospitality sector known for its dedication to excellent service and high standards the hotel was previously owned by Bill and Gwen Murray and some of their acquaintances Starting as a 44-unit lodge overlooking the harbour the Murrays added a restaurant in 1964 and doubling the number of rooms and growing the staff team The business has thrived, even in challenging economic times. Following periods of boom and bust in resource industries, communities on the coast are investing in tourism to diversify their economies. In Prince Rupert, tourism has become a major force and the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary To update the Crest Hotel for the next generation of visitors Gitxaała Enterprises has invested in new heat pumps for 80 rooms with the installation taking place between February and August 2024 some guests had voiced concern about the lack of air conditioning especially on hot summer days when open windows and fans were their only relief and our guests were able to fully enjoy it in the comfort of air-conditioned rooms,” says Christopher Colussi we’re excited about the energy efficiency of these units which will not only keep our guests cozy but also bring significant savings in the long run.” These investments will also contribute to the longevity of the Crest Hotel ensuring its presence for another 60 years shared that the Crest operates at over 95 per cent occupancy during peak times and maintains a solid 50 per cent occupancy during the shoulder season with additional workers during the spring and summer high season the Crest Hotel remains committed to showcasing and supporting local talent and artists to enhance the guest experience and support the community Among the items in the entrance on display at the Crest are silver carved jewelry all created by talented First Nations artists Christopher and his team are planning additional improvements to reflect the pride the Gitxaała people and wider Prince Rupert community have in the property we’re updating our rooms to ensure we not only meet but exceed guest expectations,” he says “We’re always exploring new ways to enhance the hotel ensuring that both our guests and residents continue to enjoy the best service and experience in the North.” The Gitxaała have lived on the Northwest coast for thousands of years through their investments in businesses like the Crest Hotel they continue to play a leading role in the local economy In 2024, Gitxaała Nation accessed over $2,000,000 in economic development funds through Coast Funds to support the purchase and installation of air conditioning and heat pump systems Explore more project investments here Prince Rupert's child poverty rate highest among B.C In February an advocacy group released data that showed Prince Rupert had the highest child poverty rate among B.C.’s urban areas with 620 children and 22.7 per cent of youth living in poverty significantly above the provincial average of 14.3 per cent According to First Call’s Child and Youth Advocacy Society’s report these numbers highlighted issues such as limited access to affordable childcare Exciting activities are lined up for a day of merriment as Prince Rupert will celebrate the Annual Children's Festival on March 1 The action will unfold at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre from 11 a.m The festival is hosted by the Prince Rupert Special Events Society (PRSES) and sponsored by the City of Prince Rupert and Trigon.  "Children can engage in physical game activities or use their imaginations by making creations from new and recycled materials," said PRSES The top floor of a two-storey house was engulfed in flames forcing a family in Prince Rupert to seek shelter on Jan The incident occurred in the early morning on the 1000 block of 3rd Avenue West and was noticed by a passerby who dialed 911 "We had an upper floor fully involved fire when we arrived on scene," said Colin O'Hara deputy fire chief at Prince Rupert Fire Rescue First Nation has sued multiple levels of government and a port authority in a lawsuit that seeks damages and recognition of land title over Canada’s third-largest port The Gitxaala Nation filed a notice of civil claim in a B.C Supreme Court Monday alleging the Canadian and B.C governments as well as the Prince Rupert Port Authority failed to properly assess its historic presence at the mouth of the Skeena River — where the port is located.  The First Nation, whose name translates to "People of the Open Sea,” cites archeological evidence and oral histories showing its continuous occupation of territories near the port The claim also challenges the results of government ethnographic studies alleging they failed to consult the Gitxaala.  the lawsuit says the First Nation “has suffered loss and harm Elected Chief Councillor of Gitxaała Nation Lou Ga Gwelks (Linda Innes) said that to date the consultation process has been like a “box-ticking exercise” used to “clear the way to development and resource extraction.”  “We have always been here,” said the chief councillor in an interview “We’ve had continuous occupation of the land and we’ve been denied that by Canada by their historic racist policies.”  Prince Rupert Port Authority spokesperson Olivia Mowatt said the port was unable to immediately respond to the lawsuit due its “legally sensitive nature.”  did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication Located on the shortest Pacific shipping route linking East Asia with North America the port of Prince Rupert is 36 hours closer to Shanghai than Vancouver The port also claims to be built on the North America's deepest harbour making approach times two to six hours less than many other major ports in the region.  the port moved more than 23 million tonnes of cargo — a slight decline from the previous two years when the port moved an estimated $60 billion in goods Canada and the Prince Rupert Port Authority signed an economic benefits agreement with the Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla First Nations in 2011.  the port authority and federal government undertook ethnographic reports assessing Indigenous occupation of the area The court document claims those studies were never disclosed to the Gitxaala until years later failed to consult with the nation on the “content or significance” of the findings. The B.C “has refused to accept Gitxaała’s own expert reports” and “continues to consult with Gitxaała based on erroneous information.” the Crowns have reasoned that at the time of European contact the Prince Rupert Harbour area was occupied by the Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla First Nations.  shows the Lax Kw’alaams occupied and used an area upriver from the mouth of the Skeena It was only after contact that the groups migrated down to the Prince Rupert Harbour They claim the groups abandoned the area around the port of Prince Rupert in 1846 when the Hudson’s Bay Company established a post at Port Simpson Metlakatla “did not in fact exist” before 1846 but came together from a number of other nations under the religious leadership of the Anglican missionary William Duncan The defendants based their assessments on unsupported evidence and weighed competing claims that “favoured other nations over Gitxaała,” the lawsuit alleges and Canada is to incentivize First Nations to accept agreements that compromise their rights and title so they can avoid being left with nothing The result creates divisions and locks Indigenous peoples in competition with one another “We are one of the most ancient societies in the region,” said the Gixtaala chief councillor “We’ve been challenged by the Crown for years and years and denied our meaningful place within the territory.” a 2017 report commissioned by the Gixtaala found a “strong” claim to title around the Prince Rupert harbour area.  The goal of the lawsuit is to “tell the Gitxaała Nation story and to seek justice respect and acknowledgement of our inherent rights,” said Sim’oogit Łabiks (Elmer Moody) hereditary chief and co-chair of Lu Sa Hax Hoyaxgm Wil’nat’aał, a joint committee of hereditary chiefs and elected council “Over and over again we have provided the evidence to the Crowns that our claim to these territories are strong,” said the chief in a statement.  The claim also alleges governments have failed to uphold commitments to reconciliation made under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) have cost the Gixtaala the ability to reasonably protect its lands and negotiate accommodations around industrial developments in the Prince Rupert Harbour.  The nation seeks legal declarations that the defendants breached their duties to consult with the Gixtaala and unspecified damages When asked what those damages could add up to Innes said their value is not clear because the Gixtaala have been left out of meaningful consultation.  the Gixtaala chief councillor hopes it will help answer two fundamental questions “How do we secure a future for our people How do we honour our people?” she said None of the claims have been tested in court.  The city received final designs to break ground on replacing critical failing water and sewer mains in the Crestview area of Prince Rupert early this year This will mark the first of several major infrastructure upgrades across the city’s east-side neighbourhoods The city has also announced plans for an Open House in 2025 inviting residents to learn more about the project and how it will affect daily life during construction families in Prince Rupert can appreciate more than 30 free and diverse activities with the city's new Unplug and Play program These include community events at the library “Each activity is designed to promote physical literacy and emotional well-being while providing a space for individuals and families to enjoy quality time together and unplug from digital devices,” said the City of Prince Rupert in a Jan Our family is heartbroken to share the news of the sudden passing of our beloved mother Bonnie Flann on March 14th at the age of 78 and we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with our dad VancouverNewsMissing girl in Prince Rupert foundBy Mina Kerr-LazenbyPublished: February 06, 2025 at 11:54AM EST Twitter feed ©2025 BellMedia All Rights Reserved Indigenous businesses make substantial impact on North Coast economy the economic arm of Gitxaala Nation, is an organization that is rapidly growing an Indigenous-owned business empire in northwest B.C Their partners are Indigenous-owned businesses that include the Gitxaala West Coast Launch Altrad Gitxaala Joint Venture and Gitxaala CityWest Communications No houses in Prince Rupert made it to BC Assessment's 2025 list of the 100 most valued residential properties in North and Central B.C The North Central region covers about 70 per cent of the province the City of Prince Rupert proposed a 6.4 per cent property tax increase for homeowners in 2025 Contractual and benefit increases for employees and external contracts with the RCMP and BC Transit were the driving factors The breakdown of the increase includes 2.6 per cent labour contractual/benefit increases Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines.