Author: SKEENA NEWS
KITIMAT, B.C. – A University of Northern B.C. (UNBC) PhD candidate is launching the first major study to focus specifically on the human health impacts of industrial air pollution in the Kitimat region. The multi-phase research will explore how sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions affect the health and well-being of people living in Kitimat and the Haisla Nation community of Kitamaat Village, both located near the Rio Tinto aluminum smelter. The lead researcher, a long-time Terrace resident and nursing instructor, recently presented her work to the District of Kitimat council. She explained that while there is extensive environmental monitoring in the valley,…
PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – One year to the day after a major drug trafficking investigation concluded in Prince Rupert, the Crown has approved 28 criminal charges against four local residents. The charges stem from a 14-month investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. (CFSEU-BC) and the Prince Rupert RCMP. The investigation culminated in the execution of five search warrants on June 5, 2024. During that bust, officers seized nine firearms, including a loaded 9mm handgun with a prohibited magazine, 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 16 grams of cocaine, approximately $38,000 in cash, and two vehicles. On June 5, 2025,…
TERRACE,BC – Residents of the vast Skeena–Bulkley Valley riding will soon have local access to their new Member of Parliament, with constituency offices in Terrace and Smithers expected to open within the next few weeks. The openings will come more than two months after the April 28 federal election, which saw the Conservative candidate win the seat, marking the first time the riding has not been represented by the NDP since its creation in 2004. A spokesperson for the new MP said the delay in opening the offices is due to procedural and administrative backlogs in Ottawa. The House of Commons…
TERRACE, B.C. – Northwestern B.C. is set to get its first dedicated addictions treatment centre following the purchase of the former Silver Springs fishing lodge, located about 55 kilometres east of Terrace. The 96-acre property along the Skeena River, which was sold at the end of May, will be converted into a 12-bed residential treatment facility. The centre is the result of years of lobbying by regional First Nations for local and accessible addictions services. The facility will be operated by Red Road Recovery, a company with several other treatment centres in the province, in a direct partnership with the Northern…
KITIMAT, B.C. – Residents in Kitimat will now see RCMP officers wearing body-worn cameras while on patrol, as the local detachment officially rolled out the new technology on Monday. The move follows a similar implementation in Smithers earlier this month and is part of a phased, national initiative by the RCMP to increase transparency and accountability in policing. Officers in Kitimat have now completed the required training and will be activating the cameras during calls for service. According to the RCMP, this includes interactions with people in crisis, mental health calls, investigations, and any crimes in progress. The stated objectives of…
PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – British Columbia’s Premier has pushed back against a call from Alberta’s Premier for a new crude oil pipeline to the B.C. north coast, stating he will not support any such project that requires public funding. The Premier of Alberta has been actively promoting the idea of a new bitumen pipeline that would terminate in Prince Rupert, framing it as a “Team Canada” initiative that could generate billions in revenue. However, in a recent interview, B.C.’s Premier said his government would not be providing financial support. “What I don’t support is tens of billions of dollars in federal…
GITXSAN TERRITORY / HAZELTON, B.C. – The Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs have sent a sharply worded open letter to the Premier of British Columbia, expressing “complete indignation” over two new provincial bills they say will fast-track major projects at the expense of Indigenous rights and environmental oversight. The letter, dated June 20, targets Bill 14 (Renewable Energy Projects) and Bill 15 (Infrastructure Projects Act). The chiefs argue the new legislation grants “discretionary powers” to the provincial cabinet to expedite approvals and exempt certain projects from proper environmental assessment, which they call a violation of their rights and title. “Environmental assessments are not…
KITIMAT, B.C. – In what could be a landmark moment for the nation, the first-ever export shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Canada might depart from the LNG Canada terminal in Kitimat as early as Canada Day, July 1. The final, visible piece of this historic puzzle is now en route. The LNG carrier vessel Gaslog Glasgow has been identified as the ship that will carry the first cargo. According to marine tracking data, the 290-metre tanker is expected to arrive at the Kitimat terminal this Sunday, June 29, to prepare for loading. The imminent arrival of the ship comes just days after…
PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – Prince Rupert City Council is set to tackle several key issues at its regular meeting tonight, including the awarding of a multi-million dollar paving contract and the public release of the city’s 2024 salary disclosure report. The meeting, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, will see council vote on awarding a contract for the 2025 Capital Paving Program. A report from the Director of Operations recommends awarding the nearly $2.8 million contract to Zulu Aggregates Inc., which submitted a significantly lower bid than the only other competitor. The work will cover various trouble spots throughout the…
TERRACE, B.C. – A popular summer wellness activity is returning to Terrace, as the City of Terrace has once again partnered with a local studio to offer “Free Yoga in the Park.” Starting in July, residents are invited to George Little Park every Tuesday at noon for a free, one-hour outdoor yoga session. The classes are designed to be accessible to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced yogis. The drop-in sessions will run every Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., beginning on July 8 and continuing until August 26. The program, led by certified instructors from a…