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| Mayor Garry Reece has delivered an update on range of topics of note for members of Lax Kw'alaams (image from Lax Kw'alaams video presentation) |
The annual review of the state of Lax Kw'alaams has shifted to an online format this month, with the Band Council noting of unforeseen circumstances, including a number of recent passings to members of the Lax Kw'alaams Community towards the shift from the in person presentation.
The Lax Kw’alaams Council has opted to share their council presentations via video recording. These presentations were originally intended to be delivered in an in-person community meeting format, however the meeting was rescheduled several times due to unforeseen circumstances.
The meeting was postponed out of respect, due to recent deaths in the Lax Kw’alaams membership. The Lax Kw’alaams Council and staff extend their sincere condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones in the previous months.
The Opening Remarks for the presentation come from Mayor Garry Reece who provided an update on some of the work of the Band Council along with updates on how relations are going with their neighbours as far away as the Nass Valley and as close as the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
Towards their relations with the Nisga'a Nation the Mayor outlined the community's ongoing concerns over the Nisga'a Led KSI Lisims LNG Project
"We are adamantly opposed to this project due to its impact on Lax Kw'alaams Rights and title on its marine territory"
The Mayor followed up by noting that the Band is intending to use the Environmental Process as part of their way of ensuring that their rights and interests are not impacted.
Mr. Reece also has comments to share related to the proposed land transfer in Nasoga Gulf, which he described as Lax Kw'alaams aboriginal title land, recounting the ongoing work of the Nisga'a Nation to move that quest forward. The Mayor noting of the steps taken by Lax Kw'alaams since that point.
"Instead of negotiating, Nisga'a has appealed the injunction to the BC Court of Appeal. Lax Kw'alaams will continue to use strong legal and defensive strategies to protect Nasoga Gulf from this proposed land transfer"
Mayor Reece also noted of the plans for a Bulk Fuels terminal on Ridley Island and the Band's involvement in the environmental review and ongoing discussions with Vopak towards their interests.
He also spoke to the theme of plans by the Prince Rupert Port Authority towards the development for an Export Logistics Platform on land at Ridley Island, noting how the Band has a differing opinion towards how the Port is proceeding with that project.
"What they have told us is that it's part of the Fairview Agreement that was in place and negotiated a few years back; and we're telling them that is not the case. It has nothing to do with that on Ridley, it's totally separate ...
Lax Kw'alaams has been in negotiations with the Port, but to dat the Port Authority has taken an inadequate approach to our relationship and the duty to of accommodations.
Lax Kw'alaams leadership voted to authorize legal action if necessary, we are still in negotiations with the Port and will be having another meeting with them shortly to see if we can get that resolved"
The Mayor also explores themes of Constitutional Development as well as some areas of note in relations between the Province and the Band Council, mostly related to some land issues that are still to be addressed. As well he offered up a look at some upcoming themes ahead with the Federal Government.
Other members of the Band Council used the video presentation format to update members on their portfolios, among some of the many included on the list was Housing, Education, Economic Development, Health, Constitutional themes, Infrastructure and Resources.
Much of their presentations were culled from the annual report for 2021-22.
Harvey Russell Junior provided the extensive overview of housing themes, with provided for some 23 minutes of background on the work that is ongoing.
"As you all know we have a huge housing shortage, but Previous council and current council are working very hard to try to bring housing into the community."
Mr. Russell observing that also of March 2023 an additional 24 units of housing had been added to the community. He also outlined some significant changes towards how the WAAP Housing Society has been organized.
An update on the Prince Rupert Apartment building plans for 11th Avenue East was provided, the notes from the Annual report at year end of 2022 providing a thumbnail guide as to what's ahead and pricing structure for the units upon completion.
"WAAP Society recently issued its building permit for the 70 unit homes in Prince Rupert, were still looking forward to shovels in on this project.
CTNCA which has partnered up with Lax Kw'alaams in the past is the project manager set to build the 70 units in Prince Rupert, which is just off of 11th Avenue directly across from Edward Avenue.
The Project was delayed due to the rising costs, as we know COVID had a huge impact on our economy. And the Bank of Canada raising their interest rates going up you know so the cost kept going up because of the funding delays that happened. "
At the end of 2022 it was anticipated that it would take 18-24 months for the apartment complex to be constructed and ready for occupancy. No revised timeline was noted from the presentation.
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A snapshot of the housing plans for Lax Kw'alaams community were also updated for the membership.
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When it comes to Economic Development, Andy Tait outlined some of the recent moves by the Band Council and some of their recent purchases in Prince Rupert and elsewhere in the region.
Included on the list the purchase of the ICBC building on Chamberlain Avenue as well as discussions towards BC Hydro land across from Rainbow Chrysler and the purchase of a new tug and barge service for the community.
Mr. Tait also outlined some of the new partnerships that Lax Kw'alaams has taken on around the North Coast.
When it comes to Infrastructure Ted White Senior provided for the update. Offering up a look at some of the recent initiatives from the Fibre optic connection through their partnership with CityWest. Notes on updates to Lax Kw'alaams Facilities and their work on Wastewater Treatment plant work and road repairs, as well as their plans for Waterfront Development in the community.
The update also noted of work ahead on the new Cemetery and Daycare projects.
More notes related to Lax Kw'alaams can be explored through our archive page here.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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