Prince Rupert mayor reflects on 2012, looks ahead to 2013
With 2012 now in the history books, Prince Rupert Mayor Jack Mussallem was optimistic while speaking with the Prince Rupert Northern View about the past year’s highlights and the year to come.
Mussallem considers successes in Prince Rupert’s industrial sector as a highlight in 2012, mentioning the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s “banner year”.
“Prince Rupert is being recognized more and more for the opportunities the port provides importers and exporters of products,” he said.
Mussallem said more Rupertities getting hired at port operations, such as the additional longshore hiring in the spring, has been a highlight in 2012.
“There’s some optimism in the community as more expansion is expected in coming years,” Mussallem said.
The second highlight the Mayor brought forward was the growth in local business, stating 13 new businesses have opened in the last 20 months.
Another highlight Mussallem reflected on was work that has been done on the cessation of train whistling to make living conditions better for residents in certain areas of the community.
Moving forward in 2013, Mussallem said he would like to see the Watson Island site sold and the existing facilities taken down and redeveloped, and he hopes the community will see a rebound in the salmon fishing industry.
In the coming year Mussallem says council will be “watching with interest on what is being proposed and scheduled for development in 2013”, including ensuring the wood pellet plant adheres to the strict guidelines for dust and noise when it’s in operation.
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