The decision of whether the City of Prince Rupert will be able to extend its municipal boundaries for the first time since the city’s inception is now in the provincial government’s hands.
After receiving no feedback during one month of public consultation, the city has obtained the ascent of electors to proceed with the expansion through the alternative approval process. Ten per cent of municipal electors had to submit a response against the city using the alternate approval process to force the issue to referendum or to have it be defeated.
The city began working toward extending its boundaries last year in preparation for potential growth in the future. Since the subject was originally put out to the public, the number of lands proposed to be included has decreased significantly.
The remaining parcel of land the city is hoping to have included in its boundaries is located across from Seal Cove and contains the source of Prince Rupert’s drinking water.
“This is a piece of property that Prince Rupert owns and that obviously should be part of our boundaries,” said Coun. Joy Thorkelson, who reiterated she would be against using the alternative approval process otherwise.
All relevant legislative requirements pertaining to a municipal boundary extension in the Local Government Act and the Community Charter have been completed, with the city proceeding to petition the Ministry of Community and Rural Development to extent the boundaries of the city.