THORNHILL / TERRACE — The Skeena Valley entered a high-intensity search phase over the Valentine’s Day weekend as emergency crews and community members rallied to find 69-year-old Noel Ross Grant. An Indigenous elder from Thornhill, Grant has been missing since February 6, 2026, after being last seen leaving his Sharples Road residence for a walk.
As the search passed its ninth day on February 15, the operation faced increasing pressure from deteriorating weather conditions and the inherent risks of the vast Northwest terrain.
Multi-Jurisdictional SAR Mobilization
The disappearance of Grant, who suffers from dementia, triggered a massive coordinated response. On February 14, Terrace Search and Rescue was bolstered by specialized teams arriving from Houston, Kitimat, and Prince Rupert.
This “mutual aid” model saw teams focusing their efforts on the wooded outskirts of Lower Thornhill and the banks of the Skeena River, following suspicions that Grant may have moved toward the water.
Search and Rescue Operation Profile: Feb 14–15
| Category | Details |
| Missing Individual | Noel Ross Grant, 69, Indigenous Male |
| Description | 5’8″, 161 lbs, salt and pepper beard, aviator glasses |
| Last Seen Clothing | Black jacket with fur hood, blue boots |
| Active Units | Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Houston SAR |
| Weather Impediments | Light snow, fog, temperatures dropping to −15∘C |
Environmental Challenges
Meteorological data for the Terrace-Thornhill border indicated a dangerous cooling trend over the weekend. Light snow fell on February 15, with temperatures forecast to plummet between −9∘C and −15∘C as the week continues. Persistent fog patches have further complicated visibility, making ground-team operations increasingly treacherous.
Community-Led Advocacy
The search effort has transformed into a community-wide mission. Family members have made urgent appeals for residents to check:
- Sheds and Outbuildings
- Carports
- Unused Vehicles
Meanwhile, the Terrace RCMP are actively reviewing CCTV and surveillance footage from Thornhill businesses and homes to establish a definitive direction of travel.
Regional Focus on Elder Care
The disappearance has brought regional policy into sharp focus. The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS) has identified “support for seniors to age comfortably” as a primary pillar of its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan. The sustained intensity of this search underscores the profound sense of collective responsibility for vulnerable elders living in remote Northern communities.
