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Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Ottawa Observations: Tuesday-Wednesday, July 4-5, 2023
City of Prince Rupert starts the clock on Alternative Approval Process for two infrastructure loan plans
Two notices were posted to the City of Prince Rupert website today that outline the path forward towards the AAP initiative for the Infrastructure Replacement Loan Authorization Bylaw and that related to the city's Linear Liquid Waste Infrastructure replacement plans.
The Infrastructure Design Loan Authorization Bylaw authorizes the borrowing of up to $5,000,000 over a 30 year period to complete the design of certain water and sewer linear infrastructure deemed high risk of failure
Repayment of the proposed borrowing is expected to be split 60/40 between water and sewer fees, with an estimated water fee increase of 7% ($35) and an estimated sewer fee increase of 4.5% ($21) (both net of discount).
The estimated servicing cost for the borrowing is $325,000 annually at the current Municipal Finance Authority interest rate of 4.62%.
Details towards that loan authorization program can be reviewed here.
Towards the Linear Liquid Waste Infrastructure Replacement Loan Authorization Bylaw, it would authorize the borrowing of up to $40,000,000 over a 30 year period to replace certain sewer linear infrastructure.
Debt is expected to be taken in stages (allowing for opportunities for new revenue sources to reduce the borrowing necessary should they become available). Expected stages are $15M in 2024 and $25M in 2025.
The Repayment plan looks as follows:
Repayment of the proposed borrowing schedule is expected to result in an estimated sewer fee increase in 2024 of 35% ($163) and 44% in 2025 ($277) (net of discount).
The estimated servicing cost for the scheduled borrowing is $979,000 annually on $15M of debt and $1,631,000 annually on $25M of debt for a total annual repayment of $2,610,000 at the current Municipal Finance Authority interest rate of 4.62%.
Details towards that loan authorization program can be reviewed here.
The AAP initiate makes use of Elector Response Forms to be submitted to or mailed to City Hall, how it all works is outlined below:
Mayor and Council may not proceed with the adoption of the Infrastructure Replacement Design Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 3519, 2023 and/or Linear Liquid Waste Infrastructure Replacement Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 3520, 2023
That would mean that The city would not proceed with the process unless the matter receives assent of the electors in a voting proceeding.
That being a likely referendum if required, a step that would require additional money to host.
The two AAP initiatives were introduced at the last Council session on June 26th, notes on the topic and the report fro the Agenda that goes with the initiative can be reviewed here.
More notes on the City's Financial themes can be reviewed here, while infrastructure notes are available here.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
Water Treatment Plant construction in Lax Kw'alaams makes for temporary field restrictions
There's a fair bit of construction work taking place in the community of Lax Kw'alaams this summer and one of the ongoing projects is making for the need to restrict access to some open space.
An update on the work related to the Water treatment project in the community last month advised that some areas of the old School field will be required towards the use of a concrete plant for the work.
At times during the work, one of the main intersections for the community will be closed to allow for the concrete pours for the new facility.
We outlined some of the background towards the project back in 2020 when the proposed development saw the first overview for the community. The project was estimated to cost around 15.8 million at the time.
It is one of a number of Band infrastructure projects underway in the community at this time
More notes on themes from Lax Kw'alaams can be explored here.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
Walls make for outline for new RCMP detachment for Prince Rupert
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| Walls are in place for the new RCMP detachment with the BC Court House peeking over the top of the work so far |
The site adjacent to the Provincial Courthouse a very active construction site, one of an umber of municipal related projects underway or recently finished for CT Northern Contractors.
The new detachment made for a few short notes from Sergeant Gerry Walker last week at the Prince Rupert City Council session, with the Detachment head noting of the progress for the construction portion of the project and the interest in getting to the details for the inside.
With the pace of the project moving forward, the City of Prince Rupert announced a competition towards designing the facade for the new detachment, the call for artist coming in May.
“The new police detachment is a project that will serve our community for generations to come, and will be a real anchoring development at the entrance to downtown. We wanted to take the opportunity to showcase a local artist and also to celebrate what makes Prince Rupert unique with this opportunity.” -- Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond
The full description of the City's Public Art call can be reviewed here.
While the progress is obvious for passersby, there hasn't been an official update on the project from City staff in a number of months.
Hopefully the path for the project forward brings some talking points for Council in the months ahead towards timelines and expected occupancy for the city's RCMP members.
More notes on the city's Major infrastructure themes are available here.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
Rupert residents rave over newest Cow Bay business venture, as Saltwater Bakery and Provisions bakes up some notice across the region
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| Saltwater Bakery and Provisions has only been open a few days at their Cow Bay location and already they are making for a popular stop for many in the community |
After a much antiquated opening stoking interest for a few months now, the newest business in the Cow Bay Area has already got a growing list of dedicated fans.
Many of them taking to social media to hail the arrival of Saltwater Bakery and Provisions, which opened its doors last week and found some strong customer appreciation, most of it through word of mouth endorsement.
The first few days of business hailed by some of their immediate Cow Bay neighbours welcoming them to the growing business centre for the community.
Located just in front of RONA on the main boulevard in Cow Bay, the Gitxaala Nation business enterprise started serving up the treats to locals and visitors alike.
The location one which will continue to bring more local traffic to the Cow Bay Area, while appealing to the thousands of visitors passing through the district during the tourism season.
The Saltwater Bakery posted their Days and Hours of Operation yesterday
The latest commercial venture for the Gitxaala Nation adds the vibe to the Cow Bay destination setting, the bakery's introduction providing a snapshot of what they offer up to the community and how the bakery name came to be.
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| click to enlarge |
The introduction of the Bakery marks the second significant business announcement in recent months for the Gitxaala Nation, which recently announced the purchase of Prince Rupert's iconic Crest Hotel on May 1st..
The scope of the growing Gitxaala footprint in the region can be explored here.
The Grand Opening comes July 14th from Noon to 5PM
You can keep up with what's coming out of their ovens through their social media stream.
More notes from the city's business sector can be reviewed here.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Moby Dick's Goats make for Prince Rupert return
They were the talk of the town a few years back when the Moby Dick Hotel contracted out a few goats towards their landscaping requirements and now after a sabbatical from the city's downtown area, a new crew has moved into the hotels wilderness oasis along Second Avenue West.
Spotted over the weekend, the pair which would appear to be a mama and young one were enjoying the bounty of grass, shrubs and weeds inside the fenced-in area of the hotel grounds.
The rocky sloped area perfect of teasing out balance and climbing skills it would appear.
The last time the Moby Dick Goats were on display spurred on a larger debate over the prospects of urban farming in the community, though the goats of that time were quickly sent packing by the City.
April 2021 -- Food Security, Urban Farming and Backyard Chickens themes gained much attention from Public Hearing on future community plans
June 2019 -- Council sets report plans in motion on themes of small livestock
June 2019 -- Livestock review ahead for City Council amid short lived stay of the Moby Dick goats
Bylaw 2987 The Livestock Prohibition Bylaw which wad amended from its 1987 version in 1996 is still on the City's bylaw books ... so the goats may again be a time limited attraction in the downtown core.
And while no real definitive word on the future for urban farming in Prince Rupert has been revealed by City Council yet, one gets the feeling that the topic is about to be reintroduced for our consideration.
More notes on past Council themes is available here.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
Payment Due Day for Prince Rupert Property Tax payers
The clock strikes the witching hour early today, with the close of business at City Hall the final moment for payment of your property taxes for the year without having to face a late payment charge.
In an update for the public from City Hall, City staff note that the window for online payment has passed and if today is your tax payment day, you need to do your business in person at 424 Third Avenue West.
The online information related to the Home Owner Grant is available here.
More notes on the 2023 Budget and Tax process can be reviewed here.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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