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Prince Rupert expansion plans meet opposition

Representatives from the City of Prince Rupert received an earful when they met with the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District.
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Corporate administrator Robert Grodecki and Mayor Jack Mussallem look on as city planner Zeno Krekic addresses the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District.

Representatives from the City of Prince Rupert received an earful on Friday night when they met with the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District about the proposed boundary expansion.

Following a presentation by corporate administrator Robert Grodecki and city planner Zeno Krekic outlining the reasons for the planned expansion — protecting Prince Rupert's watershed, protecting the viewscape of the city, overseeing future development and an increased tax base — some regional district members left no doubt about where they stood on the idea of taking land out of the regional district and putting it under the city's umbrella.

"I'm a bit overwhelmed by the boundary. When it comes to protecting the viewscape and recreation, I say [expletive deleted]... I think it's a snow job. We get more regulations, we get more [expletive deleted]," Karl Bergman, who represents the area that includes Oona River, said.

"Many of my constituents feel that they are going to lose what you are trying to secure... We want to protect the viewscape, we want to oversee development. You are coming very close to infringing on what we value," Des Nobles, who represents the area that includes Dodge Cove, said.

Others on the board questioned what the city can do that the regional district can't.

"It seems as though most of the area is crown land. Do municipalities have more ability to regulate development that the province? I know the regional district doesn't, and I didn't think the city does either," said Evan Putterill, director for Sandspit.

"What is the difference between the municipality owning and regulating it than the regional district," asked Queen Charlotte Mayor Carol Kulesha.

Mayor Jack Mussallem, who joined Krekic and Grodecki at the table, said it simply comes down to resources.

"If the regional district took it over, you would create planning, you would create zoning, you would create policy and you would have to hire someone to enforce it. The city has that capacity... We have the personnel to go out and do it. I don't think those in the rural area have the financial will or wherewithal to do it," he said, adding it is important something be done given all the development being proposed.

"Our concern with all the interest and with private properties in the area, we could see development without any say in it... You can call it what you want, but if we don't do something we could lose it all."

As well, during the presentation the city acknowledged that they did not provide ample time for stakeholders to provide feedback on the expansion and were looking at this as a long-term initiative.

"This project resembles a marathon much more than a sprint. It will take a long time and the result is unknown," said Grodecki.

"We believe this process will take about two years," said Mussallem.

Tonight, Wednesday, May 29, the first open house on the proposed expansion will take place at the Highliner Inn from 6 to 9 p.m. The city is expected to give a short presentation and will have a public question-and-answer period.

A second open house will be more informal, and will occur on Friday, May 31, at City Hall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The potential boundary expansion would encompass three areas, the first to the west consisting the Kinahan Islands and most of Digby Island. Northwest of Prince Rupert across the harbour will be taken in, including Salt Lake, west to Metlakatla with the approximate northern limit being Mount Morse. The final parcel will be to the east and will include Prince Rupert's water supply watershed to Port Edward's boundaries in the south, approximately half-way between Prudhomme Lake and Kloiya Bay, and closing the loop at Galloway Rapids.

-with files from Martina Perry