Deputy Premier introduces Bill to regulate LNG industry in federal ports

Deputy Premier and LNG Minister
Rich Coleman in the Legislature on
Monday introducing Bill 12

While North Coast residents wait for word of progress on the number of LNG proposals for the area, the province and federal government are looking to reduce the bureaucratic clutter that could be a cause for concern for many would be developers.

The Province of British Columbia introduced a bill to the Legislature on Monday afternoon, one that will extend provincial authority and application of provincial law to LNG related development on federal port lands.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Gas Development Rich Coleman delivered Bill 12, the Federal Port Development Act to the Legislature, with LNG facilities in Prince Rupert expected to be the first to benefit from the co-operative Federal-Provincial arrangement.

The Pacific NorthWest LNG project for Lelu Island and Prince Rupert LNG the proposed LNG terminal development from BG, which is slated for development on Ridley Island, were the two projects that were mentioned in the Government media release on Monday, signalled as the most likely to benefit from the Bill at this time

Both of those proposed projects have been in a holding pattern of late, as Petronas and BG consider their options and await Final Investment Decisions.

“This legislation will continue to support British Columbia’s liquefied natural gas industry. Proponents will be able to invest in a facility knowing the rules that apply and provincial officials will ensure LNG operations are safe and environmentally sound.” -- Deputy Premier  and Natural Gase Minister Rich Coleman on Bill 12. 

The proposed legislation appears to extend provincial authority and application of provincial law to LNG related developments on federal port lands. As well, it is designed to provide for a seamless regulatory process that complements amendments made in 2014 to the Canada Marine Act.

However Marine traffic and LNG shipping operations will not be affected by the bill, and will continue to remain under the control of Transport Canada under the Canada Marine Act.

As part of the process of introduction, Minister Coleman offered up a short synopsis of the terms of the Bill for the Legislature:

I am pleased to introduce Bill 12, the Federal Port Development Act. This act builds on changes made to the Canada Marine Act by the federal government last year. The act would allow British Columbia to enter into agreements with Canada and port authorities to clarify regulatory oversight. 

Specifically, these arrangements would extend the role of the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission in the construction, operations and permitting of LNG facilities on federal port lands. Marine traffic and LNG shipping operations are not affected by this bill. 

The Federal Port Development Act will help ensure LNG facilities are consistently regulated in all of British Columbia and that LNG proponents can move forward with investments, knowing the provincial oversight is clear.

The Deputy Minister's background item included some quick facts related to both of the proposed North Coast LNG projects, you can review that advisory here.

Those interested in watching the Deputy Premier introduce the bill can follow along on the Legislature Video Archive (see the Chamber Video for Monday afternoon of February 16), Mr. Coleman's introduction takes place at the 18 minute mark on the timeline counter.

The Bill will now move forward on the Legislature calendar, placed on the orders of the day for second reading during today's Legislature session.

For a review of the number of LNG proposals announced for the North Coast region, including the Pacific NorthWest and BG projects, see our LNG archive page here.

For more items related to developments in Victoria see our Legislature archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

LNG "Boot Camp" comes to Prince Rupert June 2nd and 3rd

“We’re working to ensure that B.C. businesses can participate in the opportunity LNG offers. Workshops and seminars will provide practical information including specific tips on what proponents look for in a contractor and the steps small- and medium-sized companies need to do to be ready to take part when these global proponents start looking for B.C.-based suppliers. 

Premier Christy Clark made a commitment to help B.C. companies connect with the opportunity of LNG and these boot camps and workshop are part of meeting that commitment.” -- Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skill Training and Labour, on the the LNG Boot Camp experience


An opportunity for local businesses to learn more about accessing the hopeful tide of LNG development comes up next week in Prince Rupert.

The Northern Development Initiative Trust is bringing its popular LNG Boot Camp sessions to Prince Rupert, setting up shop at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre on June 2nd and 3rd.

For local business owners and contractors, the Boot Camp project provides background on the many proposed industrial projects for the North Coast region, providing some helpful advice on how to work the procurement process for those developments.

Some of the main points to be reviewed during the sessions include:

What supplies and services will be required by project proponents.

How local businesses can take advantage of the major projects and become part of the supply chain of goods and services.

Understanding the bidding process.

Understanding more on the opportunities and obstacles that could be part of the process.

Make contact points with those who can your business get prepared for LNG development.

The Contractor Boot Camp takes place from 5 to 8 PM on Monday, June 2nd.

Tuesday provides for more background for those interested in preparing to make a bid on LNG opportunities in the region.

The Tuesday morning session starts at 8:15 features a workshop as well as a Question and Answer period.

In addition it provides for a good opportunity for local contractors and business leaders to conduct some networking with those that may be able to assist them in accessing the LNG industry and the requirements that will come from development.

Attendance to the both the Contractor boot camp and the Proposal and Bid workshop is by registration, those looking to secure a spot in the Boot Camp should contact Paul Venditelli at the Prince Rupert and Port Edward Economic Development Office, he can be reached at 250- 627- 5138.

After the Prince Rupert events, the LNG boot camp program moves on to Kitimat on June 4 and Terrace on June 5.

You  can learn more about the two days of events on LNG development from the NDIT website.

Some background on the program can be found from the BC Government website.

For more on LNG development on the North Coast see our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Petronas Pushes for Province to consider LNG taxation plans carefully and quickly

The cool temperatures on the North Coast this week aren't all from weather patterns, with a speech at the opening session of the LNG in BC conference providing for a bit of a shiver for those on the North Coast hopeful of an economic boom based on LNG development.

The Malaysian Energy Giant Petronas, which is the leading proponent at the moment for LNG terminal development on the North Coast issued a warning of sorts to the Province on Wednesday. Outlining how delays in the tax regime to be put in place by the BC Government may derail the LNG industry in the province before it even gets off the ground.

Speaking at the LNG in BC Conference in Vancouver, Petronas CEO, Tan Sri Dato Shamsul Azhard Abbas suggested that British Columbia did not want to follow the path of Australia, which saw its percolating LNG boom begin to cool off in recent years. Mainly over delays and differences of opinion between the government and LNG proponents. As well as the increasing cost of doing business for LNG firms looking to operate in Australia.

During the course of his presentation, the Petronas CEO reviewed the timeline that his company has when it comes to making a final decision on the Lelu Island project later this year.

But he stressed that the decision will be based on whether it makes economic sense.  Suggesting that one of the outstanding issues that Petronas officials are keeping  an eye on is the Province's plans in the way of taxation on LNG.

In his Wednesday speech, the CEO offered up a gentle nudge that the Provincial Government needs to sharpen its pencils a bit when it comes to their thoughts on taxes, otherwise they may be putting their dreams of LNG development in peril.

Some of the reviews of the warning shots from Petronas can be found below:

May 22-- Petronas' CEO has warning for B. C.: don't fumble LNG like Australia did
May 21-- Petronas CEO warns BC against 'unrealistic expectations' on LNG
May 21-- B. C. told to release LNG tax regime or risk losing Malaysian business
May 21-- Petronas Says Canada Must Avoid Australia mistakes in LNG
May 21-- Petronas warns Canada not to slaughter its LNG 'Golden Egg"
May 21-- Petronas says Canada gas stocks halfway to goal for LNG investment
May 21-- BC's new LNG tax system still up in the air

The PacificNorthwest LNG project is considered to be one of the leading prospects for LNG development in Northwest BC, having made much preparation work already towards their final investment decision of the fall.

You can find more on the plans for the PacificNorthwest LNG terminal at Lelu Island from our archive page.

For a full review of developments at the LNG in BC conference see our items here and here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

LNG in BC conference 2014: Conference Notes

Our archive of news reviews of the events and topics of discussion from the Province of British Columbia's LNG conference in Vancouver from May 21 to 23.

May 22

May 22-- Russia-China pact strong signal to Canada, U. S.
May 22-- Russia-China gas deal more a threat to LNG pricing than volumes
May 22-- British Columbia can compete with Russian natural gas deal: Minister

May 21

May 21-- Petronas CEO warns BC against 'unrealistic expectations' on LNG
May 21-- B. C. told to release LNG tax regime or risk losing Malaysian business
May 21-- Petronas Says Canada Must Avoid Australia mistakes in LNG
May 21-- How to invest in Canada's LNG export boom
May 21-- BC's Minister of Natural Gas Development not worried about competition in global LNG market
May 21-- Petronas warns Canada not to slaughter its LNG 'Golden Egg"
May 21-- Premier Clark promotes BC's LNG industry at conference
May 21-- Petronas says Canada gas stocks halfway to goal for LNG investment
May 21-- BC's new LNG tax system still up in the air
May 21-- Russia undercuts B. C. with mega gas deal
May 21-- B. C. LNG off on the wrong foot
May 21-- Russia-China gas deal no threat to Canadian West Coast LNG prospects, analysts say
May 21-- China and Russia's US$400 billion natural gas deal "complicates" new LNG projects
May 21-- Russia-China gas deal puts heat on B. C.'s LNG sector
May 21-  Premier pooh-poohs massive China-Russia LNG deal
May 21-- Premier Promoting LNG at conference in Vancouver

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Province to make Planning Grant Funding available to Northwest communities

Friday was announcement day for the Provincial Government, as Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development outlined details regarding a pair of grant funding programs to be made available to communities across the Northwest.

Each of the programs that were outlined on Friday will provide up to 500,000 dollars to participating communities. Offering assistance for local government to update their bylaws and official community plans.

In addition, funding will be made available so that communities can review and assess their local infrastructure needs, in order to prepare for LNG developments and industrial expansion.

The program grants as reviewed on Friday, touched on many topics that the Mayor and Council have discussed in recent months, particularly when it comes to the prospect of increased economic development and the impact that it may have on the community.

The announcement made in Terrace on Friday, outlined the scope of the two programs.

“Our government is committed to ensuring local communities realize all opportunities afforded by major industrial developments. Preparing for economic growth is a good challenge to have - and these grants will augment the existing tools available to communities to ensure they develop and update community plans to build vibrant, sustainable communities well into the future.”-- Minister Coralee Oakes, outlining the Province of British Columbia's funding projects for the Northwest.

On the North Coast, the grants will be made available to three local governments,  City of Prince Rupert, District of Port Edward, Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District.

Funding will also be available for the City of Terrace and District of Kitimat and Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine.

The Asset Management Capacity Building Grant-- will support the review of infrastructure capacity (water, sewer, drainage, local roads) and assist communities in determining what additional services are needed for their specific growth needs.

The Community Land-Use Planning Grant-- will assist local governments to do the work required so that their land use bylaws, policies and plans align with the needs for industrial expansion and maintain community health and quality of life for existing residents.  Some items that the program may focus on are updating local official community plans or zoning bylaws or conducting new studies for targeted areas such as housing affordability.

You can review the backgrounder on the planning grants from the BC Government website.

And while the twin grants of 500,000 dollars will no doubt  make for some welcome funding.

One imagines that the various municipal and regional governments of the region will be looking for a more substantial delivery of funding, once those priorities and infrastructure concerns have been highlighted for the Province.

Petronas makes plans to take on more minority partners on proposed LNG project in Prince Rupert

The development of LNG terminal projects on the North Coast is becoming more and more of a global effort, as Petronas, the Malaysian energy giant with plans for an LNG export terminal on Lelu Island continues to look to Asia for more partners.

As we outlined on the blog on February 13th, Petronas has been discussing potential investment options with Indian Oil, with the potential that the Indian energy player may take on a 10 per cent interest in the project.

In today's Globe and Mail, the expanding nature of those discussions is reviewed, with Petronas also investigating the possibility of a Chinese investor, which could take a fifteen percent share in the project.

As the Globe outlines in their story, that could bring a total of four partners on board with Petronas by March, making for an investment to a total of 38 per cent of the proposed development.

You can review the full Globe article here.

And while Petronas continues to build industrial alliances for its project, the Globe outlines that the Malaysian company still intends to hold majority interest in the project.

However, there may still be room for other investors to claim the remaining 11.9 percent of the minority interest in the development plans.

Next up on the agenda for Pacific Northwest LNG, was the filing of environmental impact statements with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and with the B. C. Environmental Assessment Office.

That procedural effort took place today, with Pacific Northwest outlining the path forward with a media release.

The next stage of the project, which will see more Open Houses held in both Prince Rupert and Port Edward as part of the consultation process.

On Monday night, Mayor Jack Mussallem provided a thumbnail sketch for City Council, on the latest news from Pacific Northwest LNG. Outlining the projected employment numbers that the project could bring to the region, once the final decision to go ahead with the development is made.

With a timeline of construction of 48 to 52 months, the number of construction jobs generated by the Pacific Northwest project would be some 4,000 people from start to finish.

Upon completion of the project , the Mayor quoted numbers that suggest there will be direct employment for 330 people from the export terminal, while the number of indirect jobs related to the development is projected to be around 300.

You can review more of our items of note on the LNG industry in the Northwest from our LNG Archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

A BG Delay on a final decision on LNG for Prince Rupert?

As we're quickly learning on the North Coast, the landscape of the still incubating LNG industry on the North Coast can change fairly quickly.

Less than a year ago we were looking at the prospect of two potential projects for the North Coast, now we have four projects in different stages of evolution, with varying estimates of time lines for any kind of decision making.

And now, for one of the more prominent of North Coast proposals, some messages it seem are being sent that there may be a delay on making a final decision on a go ahead.

It's been but four days that have passed since the representatives of the BG Group provided Prince Rupert city council with a bit of an international primer on the LNG industry, with the BG representatives outlining that an investment decision on the North Coast project could be made by 2016.

However, in the fast paced world of the LNG industry, things change fast and that may already be an out of date timeline.

As the Financial Post reported Wednesday, the British energy giant may be considering a delay of at least a year before they make a final decision on whether they will go ahead with their 16 billion dollar Prince Rupert export terminal decision.

The Financial Post suggests that instead of 2016 for a decision date, that  the new target date for a final go ahead could be 2017, with the first shipments of LNG then shifting to the year 2022 at the earliest.

The article also highlights a number of factors that could have an impact on any decision to move forward,  high among them concerns of LNG companies regarding British Columbia's proposed LNG tax.

The province has apparently heard that message pretty clear, with plans to work out a compromise still in development out of Victoria.

Also in the mix of issues that could weigh over any decision, are lower commodity volumes. lower prices and the ability to line up contracts with Asian buyers.

The cautionary note that should give North Coast residents cause to not get too caught up in the LNG euphoria just yet, comes from oil industry observer Robert Desbarats of Calgary. Who provides a bit of balance to the current anticipations of boom times for the region.

“The fact that they’re spending money out there today, which they are, and it’s big money, doesn’t guarantee that they’re going to make an investment decision to go forward with the project.”

Some wise counsel we imagine to keep handy over the next few years, as plans in progress and final decisions come to move forward... or not.

You can review our complete collection of items on the LNG industry on the North Coast from our Archive pages.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Two for the road?

With the prospect of some Caribbean travel on the agenda for Council members, two city councillors were quick to outline that they were interested in taking up the offer of the BG Group for a visit to their LNG facility in Trinidad and Tobago.

The topic was introduced to council on Monday night by City Manager Robert Long, who advised Council that the BG Group had issued an invitation for one Council member to make the trek to the Caribbean.

A journey to the Caribbean Islands that would be paid by the BG Group and as the Mayor put it, not  cost the city any money.

Councillor Garon was the first to advise that she had responded positively to that request, an announcement that appeared to come as a surprise to Councillor Carlick-Pearson, who inquired as to how the process of selection had taken place.

That made for a rather uncomfortable silence in the Council chamber, the first true moment silence of the three hours to that point. Leaving viewers of the council session to hear nothing but the hum of the air circulation unit, all be it for a few seconds, before Councillor Garon tentatively outlined her timeline of interest regarding the proposed trip.

The Mayor then weighed in with a potential solution to the Trinidad standoff, wondering if perhaps two councillors could be dispatched to visit the BG site, going so far as to suggest  to City Staff that they investigate that possibility further.

During the course of her review as to how she came to be the selected councillor for the trip, Councillor Garon mentioned the trip which the Mayor made to the same facility last fall.

A reference to the surprise announcement from the Mayor, who reported back to Council on his trip which was also paid for by the BG Group, offering observations which we reviewed for the blog back in October here and here.

Interestingly enough, as the conversation between Councillors Garon and Carlick-Pearson continued on the over theme of the proposed trip, courtesy of the BG group, none of the other Councillors around the council chamber offered up any thoughts on what Council might hope to learn from another trip.

Particularly from a journey that would take place so soon after the Mayor provided his background report from his visit to Trinidad and Tobago.

It was a lack of discussion, which could leave casual observers to wonder if another such trip is even required at this time at all.

It is worth noting that the subject of communities in British Columbia accepting these travel opportunities has become something of a bit of controversy in recent months.

With more than a few observers suggesting that it places council members into areas of perception problems and according to some academics, into a potential conflict of interest situation.

The best review of that theme coming from Gordon Hoekstra of the Vancouver Sun, who in December outlined some of those perception problems that come from these trips, using the trips of the fall of Mayor Mussallem and Port Edward officials as part of his theme.

We offered up our some background on his piece for the Sun here.

You can review the short discussion on the theme of Council travel from the City's Video Archive, the conversation starts at the 2 hour 57 minute mark and lasts but two minutes.

We have background on more items up for discussion on Monday night from our Archive of the February 24th session.

As well more items of note on municipal issues can be found on our Discussion Points from Council archive.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

BG Group provides LNG primer for Prince Rupert City Council

Representatives of the BG Group provided an LNG primer for Prince Rupert City Council on Monday night, a thirty six minute overview, that offered up a wide range of background on the LNG industry in the world view and BG's place in that global industry.

Dr. Andrew Walker and Miss Madeline Whittaker joined BG's local representative Herb Pond at the council table to provide the snapshot look at what the LNG industry looks like at the moment and where the company sees the industry over the next ten to fifteen years.

There was a fair amount of review on the nature of supply and demand and where Canada may find itself in that global supply situation over the next decade and beyond.

Following that LNG review, Council members were offered the opportunity to ask questions of their guests, seeking to find more insight into the industry and BG's plans for development of it's Ridley Island terminal location.

Councillor Kinney was the first to ask a question of the guests, inquiring what they would expect from the City of Prince Rupert. Dr. Walker outlined that projects such as these require a push to get them into existence, getting stakeholder alignment is key and that the project has to work for both BG and the community.

He suggested that the community should take the lead towards that alignment. He observed that over the years he had seen many of these supply chain projects fail owing to lack of alignment with the community that they are looking at.

Councillor Cunningham asked how many LNG projects that BG believes may be sustained in the area.  Speaking as to the buyer behaviour aspect of the question, Dr. Walker observed that the likely outcome would be that the province would see three LNG projects in the region by 2025, but not on the same timeline as the province has outlined.

City Manager Long offered up his thanks for the guests attendance to City Council and for the scope of the answers that were provided.

Councillor Cunningham followed up with a question on the progress of BG's Environmental Assessment. Miss Whitaker provided the timeline moving forward with a filing anticipated towards the summer.  To his question as to when a start up may be, Miss Whitaker outlined that depending on the process ahead, a final investment decision could be made by 2016 with a potential start up of operations by 2021.

Councillor Thorkelson had questions on employment regarding the proposed development, asking if BG had any plans to bring in any temporary workers from out of country. Miss Whitaker took to the microphone again, advising that the first preference of BG was to hire local workers as possible, and that the company was working with the Premier's working group on labour to maximize the benefits for the local region first.

Councillor Thorkelson followed up with a question as to when that employment plan would be outlined allowing the city to make plans for housing and other services that may be required.

Miss Whitaker advised, that the modelling on employment requirements work is still underway, BG anticipates coming back to the community later in the summer to outline some of their findings on the theme of a workforce for the project.

The Mayor advised the BG group that their information on employment requirements would be appreciated and that the city has already tasked staff with the prospect of making plans for future growth and service requirement that may come from the development of LNG facilities in the community.

Mr. Krekic, the city planner asked a question of Dr. Walker, inquiring as to the market dynamics in place and how BG would gauge the LNG industry compared to the oil industry.

Dr. Walkers' answer provided a bit of a comparison between the two industries and the variety of factors that could impact on price points and supplies, with gas being more of a diversified market.

Following that exchange, the Mayor thanked the BG guests for their contribution to the evening.

You can review the LNG lesson for yourself through the February 24th edition of the City of Prince Rupert Video Archive.

The session starts up at the three minute mark and continues on until about the 39 minute mark.

We have more on LNG development proposals for the North Coast on our LNG archive page.

Cross Posted from the North Coast Review

Nisga'a make entry into LNG discussions

We can add the Nisga'a Lisims Government to the list of those interested in seeking to bring LNG development to their community, with the Nisga'a reportedly putting up four potential sites for would be LNG developers to consider.

"The Nisga’a Nation is unique among Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. Because of our modern Treaty with the governments of Canada and British Columbia we have increased control of our land and our destiny and we are actively seeking opportunities for sustained economic development within our lands. 

LNG provides a long term future opportunity for both our Nation and for your company. We welcome your interest and invite you to visit our people, our communities and our lands.”  ---H. Mitchell Stevens President Nisga’a Lisims Government

In a Financial Post article from last week, the plans of the Nisga'a (and attention generated by them) to get their foothold on the percolating LNG scene on the North Coast are outlined.

Providing background on the four sites identified along Portland Inlet that the Nisga'a believe would offer a tempting option for LNG companies to consider.

The Nisga'a have listed the four potential development sites as Nasoga Bay, Wil Milit (Whiskey Bay), Sgawban and Xmaat'in (Dogfish Bay). All which they explain are suitable for either a Floating or Land Based LNG facility.

The main selling point of the Nisga'a options would be the geographical location of the proposed sited which would result in reduced pipeline costs and with treaty provisions already in place with the Nisga'a, negotiations with the Nisga'a nation already have a base from which any would be investors can proceed on.

Should the Nisga'a find success with their marketing plan and put their stake into the growing LNG presence in Northwestern British Columbia, the economic future for the communities of the Nass would be changed significantly.

It's anticipated employment prospects could see some 200 - 300 jobs generated should development come to just one of the parcels of land up for investment. Significantly more, should all four development sites find a receptive partner.

The Nisga'a highlight the opportunities available with their Portland Inlet sites through a 40 page review on the Nisga'a Lisisms Government website.

The full article from the Financial Post can be found here.

We have more items of note on proposed LNG development on the North Coast on our archive page

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Nathan Cullen expands on LNG discussion points

With NDP MP Nathan Cullen preparing to relaunch his "Let's Talk LNG" Discussion session in the Northwest,  the MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley has delivered to his constituents some more material to review on the theme.

"The rise of LNG in the Northwest is an opportunity to broaden the conversation, and to remind governments and industry of what we all want: a  smart approach to resource development. One that respects people as citizens, not as some inconvenience who just happen to "be in the way". -- NDP MP Nathan Cullen, from his "Getting things right LNG household mailer

In a household mailer arriving in Northwest mailboxes this week, Mr. Cullen has provided two pages of talking points on the theme of "Getting Things Right when it comes to LNG", outlining the NDP vision on energy production in Canada.

Included in that vision statement:

Sustainability: to make sure that polluters pay for the pollution they create instead of leaving those costs to the next generation and the public at large.

Partnership: communities and First Nations should all benefit from resource development and the value-added jobs they bring us here in Canada.

And, most importantly long term prosperity: the time to invest in modern, clean energy energy is now. This keeps Canada on the cutting edge of energy development.

Towards the discussion on regional development, Mr. Cullen reviews his commitment to making sure communities are consulted and voices are heard.  Adding that, any development projects need to have the social licence from the people who live there.

As we outlined on the blog back in the fall, Mr. Cullen first introduced that concept of the Social Licence in a previous household mailer, you can review the point by point on that proposal here.

The MP resumes his Let's Talk LNG discussion tour in February, with a pair of make up dates from the first round of the fall.  Mr. Cullen takes the tour to Smithers on February 19th and Prince Rupert on February 20th. Previously scheduled sessions in the fall had to be re-scheduled owing to conflicting schedules of the participants.

More on what his Let's Talk LNG project is all about can be found on the MP's website.

For those that have not received the mailer this week, or perhaps somehow put to the recycling pile, a  version of the latest talking points can be reviewed from the items below.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

City of Prince Rupert to launch Alternative Approval Process for Boundary Expansion plan

There was no discussion on the process at the most recent public session of City Council.

But a short notice on the City's website, advises Rupertites that if they have any objections to the city's proposed Boundary expansion plan, they will need to make use of the Alternate Approval process to express them.

The Boundary Expansion project which was first outlined in March of 2013, was once a wide ranging proposal that looked in many directions for potential expansion of the city's boundaries.

Much of that proposed plan (see here) was put on the back burner, as the neighbours weighed in with concerns over the expansionist eye that the City was casting.

There is however, one portion of the expansion plan that has continued forward, that to bring lands that contain the city's watershed under the control of the city and within its boundaries.

For this round of the Boundary Expansion process, the City is turning once again to the controversial Alternative Approval Process, posting details of the proposal to the City website this week.

The process is designed to move forward an initiative, which if successful would do so without the requirement of having to take it to a referendum process.

Something the City of Prince Rupert seems to find useful, as this would be the second time in three months that the City has used the process to move forward a proposed initiative.

From the website this description of the process outlines the key aspects of the one month countdown for the Boundary Expansion proposal.

The municipality may proceed with the Boundary Extension request unless at least ten percent of municipal electors indicate that a referendum must be held by submitting a signed Elector Response Form to Prince Rupert City Hall no later than 4:30 p. m.  on February 24, 2014.  Elector Response forms must be in the form established by the City of Prince Rupert, and only those persons who qualify as electors of the municipality are entitled to sign Elector Response forms.

The elector response forms are available from City Hall at 424 3rd Avenue West, between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.

The Boundary extension request will be deemed to have the approval of electors, should less than 10 percent of municipal electors submit an Elector Response Form.  The number of votes required to prevent council from moving forward with their Extension plans would be 903 votes.

At which point the city could consider taking the project to a referendum, or we imagine decide to set it aside for the moment.

The controversial process was last used by the City in regard to the Airport Loan approval, which at the time raised the ire of two of the City's councillors.

During the discussion on that approach, both Councillor Ashley and Councillor Thorkelson expressed their concerns over what they believed was a less than democratic method of seeking approval.

You can review some of their contributions to the theme from our archive pages here.

Beyond the brief notice on the city's website, the city also took out the first of what are to be two advertisements in the weekly newspaper, which at the moment seems to be the only format of discussion on the topic, all be it rather one sided and lacking for debate or review.

If the Airport Loan process is any indication, few voters will bother to take the time to head down to city hall to express an opinion and for the most part, we imagine there aren't many who have a problem with the city taking charge of its watershed lands.

However, considering their previous alarm over the use of the Alternative Approval Process on the Airport Loan issue, one wonders if before the February 24th deadline arrives, the city's councillors may wish to bring the topic up for discussion once again in public forum.

Providing some background for the public as to why the City believes this is the best process to move projects forward and more importantly, how the City decides which projects require this approach and how often the City plans to use the Alternative Approval Process.

Notice to Electors on Alternative Approval Process
Elector Response Form

You can learn more about past items of interest on City Hall developments from our Civic politics archives.

Council Session Reviews
Discussion points for Council

Cross Posted from the North Coast Review