Skeena MLA Ross seeks clarification on funding options for region as LNG development gets closer

Skeena Liberal MLA Ellis Ross raised a number of quesitons on
required infrastructure funding for the Kitimat-Terrace area
related to the progress of LNG Terminal development 

Providing for funding for community infrastructure in the Northwest was a theme for discussion in the Monday afternoon session at the Legislature as Skeena MLA Ellis Ross looked to keep the needs of the Kitimat area and the forward momentum of LNG development separate from recent funding announcements.

As part of his review of the funding needs for the Northwest, he made note of and inquired as to some background on the recent announcement from Premier Horgan of April, with 100 million dollars to be provided to a number of municipalities in a one shot delivery of funding.

Asking questions of Minister Selina Robinson the Minster of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Mr. Ross noted he was pleased that the province was distributing the money through the region both to the communities and regional districts, but did remind the NDP government that the challenges of preparation for LNG terminal development are larger in the Kitimat, Kitamaat Village and Terrace areas.

I've been listening to the allocation and the one-time grant and the formula and the accountability that will be factored in later on. But when I was chief councillor, Haisla Nation Council, there was a general understanding between our council and the previous government that Skeena would need tremendous upgrades in advance of an LNG FID. 

Highways was just one discussion — the hospital, the Kitimat River bridge. But we had many other discussions, as well, in terms of the other bridges that would need upgrading, as well as sewer and water — infrastructure that was needed. 

 I knew there were other talks about potentially different pots of funding that were already in discussion — say, the revenue benefit alliance, for instance. But it was my understanding with the previous government that Skeena would be treated specifically for the oncoming impact of LNG. 

I'm just wondering if this government is still considering Skeena in the context of the impact that LNG will bring to our region especially — apart from any existing pots of funding, whether it be the rural dividend fund, this recent $100 million or any other pot of funding, for that matter.

While he welcomed the 100 million dollar funding announcement of February though noting that it was a surprise to him,  the Skeena MLA inquired as what impact on other funding opportunities that it may have.

In terms of the formula itself, though, it doesn't seem to fit what's coming, in terms of Kitimat. There's an allocation based on a formula based on the population, for example. Kitimat has been hovering around 8,000 members, population-wise, for the last six years or so. Funding-wise, Kitimat is not going to get any substantial pot of funding under this formula for the $100 million announcement. 

 In your talks that are apart from the $100 million grant or apart from the rural dividend fund, are there talks specific to Kitimat and Terrace for the impacts that will be coming, or will there be another funding announcement that incorporates a number of different municipalities and regional districts?

The only reason I ask is because the $100 million announcement came as a surprise to me. I knew about the revenue benefit alliance talks. I was well aware of the rural dividend fund. I was wondering about whether or not it would conflict with the existing funds. 

 I know this is hard in terms of confidentiality and whatnot, but is there any other way that we can keep in touch in terms of what's happening in my region, in terms of talks — even if it's just to say that talks are going good or when the meetings are happening or what kind of progress they're making?

Towards the funding for LNG related programs Ms. Robinson pointed towards the efforts of the LNG Secretariat at the Ministry of Energy and Mines as one of the resources that the government was using towards their approach on LNG initiatives.

She also noted for Mr. Ross that of the money to be delivered through the Premier's announcement of February was to be determined by Regional District.

The full transcript of the discussion is available from the Legislature Hansard for Monday afternoon, with the Northwest commentary arriving at the 17:25 mark.

You can review the full back and forth of the discussion from the Chamber Video on Legislature Archive page starting at the 17:25 minute mark of the Monday afternoon session.

For more items of note on the work of the Skeena MLA, see our Legislature Archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.