Author: SKEENA NEWS

TERRACE, B.C. – As critical negotiations for the Canada-US Pacific Salmon Treaty get underway, a leading B.C. advocate is sounding the alarm that Alaskan fisheries are intercepting a devastating number of salmon bound for local rivers, including the Skeena. Aaron Hill, executive director of the Watershed Watch Society, argues that while British Columbians have made painful cuts to their own fisheries to conserve struggling stocks, Alaskan fleets are reaping the benefits. “Essentially all the fish that swim out of our BC rivers go out into the open Pacific Ocean… and then they make their way down the coast of Alaska, back…

TERRACE, B.C. – As of 12:00 PM noon today, a sweeping prohibition on all Category 3 open fires is now officially in effect for the Terrace region and surrounding areas, including the entire Old Kalum portion of the Coast Mountain Forest District. The ban, implemented by the BC Wildfire Service just minutes ago, is a preventative measure against human-caused wildfires as conditions across the Northwest remain dry. The prohibition will remain in place until at least September 29, 2025. For anyone with a Category 3 fire that was burning this morning, the deadline to have it fully extinguished has now passed.…

TERRACE, B.C. – June 4, 2025 – Premier David Eby, currently on a 10-day trade mission in East Asia, reports significant interest from Japanese conglomerates in British Columbia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) – specifically the LNG Canada project in Kitimat – and critical mineral exports. The mission aims to diversify B.C.’s trade relationships as U.S. protectionist measures and tariff threats create global market uncertainty. Speaking to reporters from Osaka, Japan, on Tuesday, Eby detailed meetings with major companies like Mitsubishi and Nippon Steel. He said these firms showed a keen awareness of B.C.’s copper and nickel exports and were interested in…

KITIMAT, B.C. – June 4, 2025 – Kitimat residents will be pleased to learn that restoration work on the Kitimat Ice Rink (KIR) is set to begin this week, marking a significant step towards its reopening. Repair crews are expected on-site in the coming days to commence the extensive project. Officials have announced that the restoration and improvements are estimated to be completed by Fall 2026, with the community eagerly anticipating welcoming skaters back to the ice for the 2026 fall season. The comprehensive repair plan for the KIR includes: The need for these extensive repairs follows a fire at the…

TERRACE, B.C. – June 4, 2025 – The Kitselas Treaty Office has announced a new date for its upcoming Treaty Information Session. The session, focusing on the topic of “Treaty & Shared Territory – Overlap,” will now be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Community members are invited to join the Kitselas Treaty Team for this important discussion either in person at the Kitselas Community Hall in Kulspai or virtually via Zoom. The evening will begin with dinner at 6:00 PM PT, followed by the meeting and information session starting at 6:30 PM PT. This session offers an opportunity for attendees to learn more and engage…

TERRACE, B.C. – June 4, 2025 – As of June 1, 2025, British Columbia’s general minimum wage has increased to $17.85 per hour, up from $17.40, positioning the province with the highest minimum wage in Canada. While the 2.6% increase aims to provide relief for low-income workers, it has also intensified discussions about overall affordability in the province. The new general minimum wage applies to most employees, whether paid hourly, by salary, or commission. Specific roles have also seen adjustments: This annual increase is part of B.C.’s ongoing schedule to help wages keep pace with inflation. However, many workers and advocates…

TERRACE, B.C. – June 4, 2025 – One year after its launch on May 30, 2024, British Columbia’s racist incident helpline has proven to be a vital resource, successfully connecting individuals experiencing racism with necessary support, including those in northern B.C. Approximately 94% of the 807 callers in its first year reported that their needs were met through the service. The toll-free, multilingual helpline (1-833-457-5463) offers support, guidance, and referrals to local community services for people subjected to discrimination based on skin colour, culture, ethnicity, or place of origin. In its inaugural year, the helpline made over 2,329 referrals, averaging three…

PRINCE RUPERT, BC – June 4, 2025 – The City of Prince Rupert is calling on all residents and organizations to get active this June as it competes in the 2025 ParticipAction Community Better Challenge. This national initiative aims to find Canada’s Most Active Community, with a grand prize of $100,000 available to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. Throughout the month, Prince Rupert’s Recreation and Community Services Department, in collaboration with numerous local organizations, is offering a diverse calendar of free events and activities designed to get everyone moving and logging active minutes for the city. “To help rally…

TERRACE, BC – June 4, 2025 – Coast Mountain College is set to celebrate the achievements of its graduating students at the Terrace Campus Convocation ceremony tomorrow, Thursday, June 5, 2025. The event will bring together students, their families, and friends at the R.E.M. Lee Theatre (4920 Straume Ave) for an afternoon of recognition and celebration. The schedule for the day is as follows: Coast Mountain College encourages all attendees to join in celebrating the “amazing achievements” of the graduating class. Important Note for Students and Public: The Terrace Registration Office at Coast Mountain College will be closed on Thursday, June 5th,…

TERRACE, B.C. – June 3, 2025 – A vast area of northwest British Columbia, spanning 16 million hectares near the Alaska and Yukon borders, will be the focus of a new, large-scale land-use planning initiative. The B.C. government announced today it is partnering with five First Nations – the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow, and Nisga’a Nations – to collaboratively map out the future of the region, balancing biodiversity conservation with natural resource development. The plan aims to provide greater certainty for investors and First Nations, outlining opportunities to grow the resource industry, particularly critical minerals, while ensuring robust…