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VOL. 24 NO. 50
www.terracestandard.com
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Kitsumkalum sign power line deal THE LAST of eight First Nations agreements tied to the construction of BC Hydro's Northwest Transmission Line has been signed. The impact benefit agreement between the provincial crown corporation and the Kitsumkalum provides training, jobs, business contracts and other economic opportunities. At the same time, Kitsumkalum has also signed a contract with BC Hydro for rightof-way clearing and access road construction work from kilometer eight to 62 of the trans-
mission line right of way that runs through Kitsumkalum traditional territory. The 287-kilovolt transmission line will be 344 kilometres long, running from BC Hydro's Skeena Substation south of Terrace to Bob Quinn Lake. It is expected to be finished in the first half of 2014, providing power to mines and other projects in the region and providing a way to transmit power to the provincial grid from hydro-electric projects in the area. Clearing by the Kitselas First Nation is also underway on the line route leading
north from the Skeena Substation toward the Skeena River and by the Tahltan at the Bob Quinn end of the line. The line is estimated to create up to 840 direct jobs during the three years of construction. “Kitsumkalum Band Council and negotiators feel that while negotiations leading up to this agreement were long and challenging, the results and projected benefits to Kitsumkalum and the area will be longlasting and important to the community in many related aspects for further community
development.,” said Kitsumkalum chief Don Roberts. Foundation and structure installation work is expected to begin in late spring/early summer 2012. Impact benefits agreements are already in place with the Nisga’a Nation and with the eight First Nations whose traditional territory is crossed by the project: Kitsumkalum First Nation, three Gitxsan Houses, Gitanyow Nation, Skii km Lax Ha, Kitselas First Nation, Metlakatla First Nation, Lax Kw’alaams Indian Band and Tahltan Nation.
Mayor tops money spent campaigning
MARGARET SPEIRS PHOTO
■ Drumming along AUDREY SPENCER, 4, takes her turn on her dad’s drum at the 8,000 Drums Ceremony: Healing of Mother Earth 2012 in the parking lot of the Skeena Mall March 21. About 40 people came out to play their drums and 40 more come to take in the show.
MAYOR DAVE Pernarowski was the top spender during 2011’s municipal elections with the highest contributions to his campaign. The value of Pernarowski’s campaign for last year’s mayoral race was $7,033.58, almost fivetimes more than his leading election contender Bruce Martindale, who spent $1,454.37. The value of overall campaigns by 16 of 17 city council hopefuls was more than $16,300, with 68 per cent of that coming from outside contributions like money or discounted or free goods and services. Of Pernarowski’s $7,033.58 campaign, $6,864.60 came from outside contributions and he spent $168.98. His top contributors were: Local casino Chances Terrace, which gave $2,500; MacCarthy Motors at $500; Skeena Sawmills at $500; Imperial Metals at $500; Roger Kettyls at $250; Terrace Totem Ford at $200; Bruno Belanger at $200; Rod Cox at $200; Lael McKeown at $175; David McKeown at $175; and Darcy McKeown at $175. He also received $1,120 in kind from Silvertip Promotions; $201.60 from Spotless Cleaners, and a $168 discount for sign decals. Of all expenses, Pernarowski spent the most on promotional materials like pamphlets, signs and flyers, which was the top area of spending by most candidates.
Unlike other candidates, Pernarowski spent $729.08 on conventions and meetings. Other areas of spending include things like advertising on the radio, television and in print, office supplies, transportation, bank charges and volunteer thankyou gifts. Pernarowski did not receive any contributions less than $100. This paints a different picture than his top contender in the mayor’s race. Bruce Martindale spent $1,454.37 with $1,033 in contributions. Martindale spent $421.37 himself, and received 13 contributions from individuals, each less than $100. Most of his campaign money, $1,160.37, was spent on signs, pamphlets and brochures. Next up, Jennifer Lewis’ campaign rang in at $766.15 with $640 contributed — spending $126.15 herself. Terrace’s Kelly Derksen contributed $560.00 in kind for signs, and Lewis received one other contribution of $80. Mayoral candidate Don Dunster neither spent or received anything, and candidate Merv Ritchie had not filed financial disclosure statements as of Friday March 23. Of those who ran for a councillor’s seat, now councillor James Cordeiro spent the most at $1,386.42, which he paid himself.
Cont’d Page 12
Final time
Cullen’s race
Provincial players
Thornhill Jr. bands prepare for their farewell performances \COMMUNITY A16
Local MP Nathan Cullen came third in the federal NDP leadership race \NEWS A13
Terrace’s bantam rep boys and girls represent the region well \SPORTS A26