TERRACE — The City of Terrace has reached a critical milestone in its plan to modernize the downtown core. Engineering consultants are currently evaluating competitive bids for the complete reconstruction of the 4600 block of Lakelse Avenue, a project that will replace failing underground infrastructure and dramatically transform the city’s “main street” for the first time in over four decades.
The submission deadline for the work—stretching from Emerson Street to Kalum Street—closed on February 5, 2026. Municipal officials are aiming for an April start date, with a target completion by October 2026.
A Grant-Funded Transformation
The City has established a total project budget of $6.19 million, funded entirely through provincial and federal grants rather than local property taxes.
Funding Breakdown:
- $4.8 Million: Northwest Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) grant from the Province.
- $789,530: Provincial public spaces grant, specifically earmarked for landscaping, street furniture, bike racks, and public art.
- $700,000: Federal gas tax revenue.
- $200,000 (Pending): An application has also been submitted to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) to further offset revitalization costs.
Scope of Work: Beyond the Surface
While the visual changes will be the most apparent, the project addresses critical aging utility systems that have not seen substantial upgrades since the early 1980s. The scope of work includes:
- Underground Utilities: Full replacement of water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer services, including new catchment basins.
- Streetscape Amenities: Installation of new street lighting, benches, tables, and a foundation for a large mural wall art piece.
- Pedestrian Infrastructure: Pouring new concrete sidewalks, installing decorative paver stones, and relocating the recently installed “Portland Loo” at the corner of Lakelse and Kalum.
The Fate of the Historic Maples
The rebuild will necessitate the removal of the maple trees that have lined Lakelse Avenue for decades. While local history suggests these trees may have been planted by city founder George Little, the City’s current assessment indicates they are in poor condition.
“I have been advised that they are not in great condition and several other similar maples have come down over the years due to rot and becoming a hazard,” stated City Communications Officer Randi Fraser.
To honor the street’s aesthetic, the project includes bringing in fresh soil to plant new trees and greenery more suited to the modernized infrastructure. Notably, a historic oak tree in the Days Inn parking lot—also believed to be planted by Little—will remain untouched by the construction.
A Partnership for Growth
This project represents a long-term collaboration with downtown businesses, which began in 2023 with the removal of aging metal awnings. By replacing hidden liabilities underground and creating a vibrant public space above, the City hopes to stimulate further private investment and “bring new life” to the center of the Skeena Valley.
