A lack of water — not land, not industry interest, and not political will — may be the single biggest barrier preventing Terrace from becoming a long-term industrial hub for Northwest B.C.
That’s why Mayor Sean Bujtas and Kitselas First Nation Chief Glenn Bennett travelled to Ottawa last week, pushing for federal funding for the Skeena Industrial Park water system — a project they say could permanently change Terrace’s economic future. The Skeena Industrial Park is a joint venture between the City of Terrace and Kitselas First Nation. It was created to attract long-term industrial tenants — including manufacturing, logistics, and emerging clean energy projects — to diversify the local economy beyond cyclical resource construction work. But without a high-capacity water system, large industrial facilities cannot legally or technically operate at the site.
Industrial facilities require massive, reliable water supplies for processing, cooling, and safety systems. Without that infrastructure in place, companies will not commit — no matter how attractive the land or location is. City officials say this is why the park cannot reach “full build-out” — and why Terrace continues to experience boom-and-bust economic cycles.
Why the Mayor and Kitselas Chief Went Together? The advocacy effort was led jointly by Mayor Sean Bujtas and Kitselas First Nation Chief Glenn Bennett, reflecting the long-standing partnership governing the industrial park. Federal infrastructure programs increasingly prioritize Indigenous–municipal partnerships, reconciliation-driven development, and shared economic governance.
What Happened in Ottawa? During the trip, the delegation met with officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and members of the Official Opposition. The goal was to position the water system as enabling infrastructure — necessary to support major federal resource projects already planned for Northwest B.C.
The $6.18 Million Court Decision – The project recently received a major financial boost when a B.C. Supreme Court ruling ordered a former developer to return a $6.18 million deposit to the City of Terrace. The funds are now earmarked specifically for the industrial park’s groundwater system and serve as local matching capital — strengthening the city’s case for federal investment.
How Much Money Is Being Sought — And Why – City officials estimate the full water system could cost tens of millions of dollars due to the industrial-scale capacity required. Federal funding would be required to bridge the gap and move the project from planning to construction.
What Success Would Look Like – Supporters argue that a fully serviced industrial park would provide permanent jobs, stable tax revenue, and long-term economic resilience — reducing Terrace’s dependence on short-term construction booms.
What Happens Next ? The City and Kitselas First Nation are now preparing formal funding applications and technical submissions following the Ottawa meetings. No funding decisions have yet been announced.
