TERRACE
S TANDARD
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VOL. 25 NO. 23
www.terracestandard.com
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Call issued for regional unity HE DOESN’T care what it’s called just as long as a group of regional leaders is formed so the northwest can better control its future. It’s a key conclusion Alex Pietralla from the Kitimat-Terrace Industrial Development Society (KTIDS)-Northwest has reached as a result of a study of northeastern B.C.’s experience with an energy industry-fueled boom. Among other things, the regional group of leaders from all walks of life would act as a communications hub so that as much information flows to as many people as possible. Equally as important is planning, even if only that plan consists of goals written on a piece of paper, said Pietralla. The study of northeastern B.C., commissioned by KTIDS-Northwest, the Terrace Economic Development Authority and the District of Kitimat, anticipates a similar economic expansion in this region based on
projects either already underway or about to start. “I can’t stress enough that the northwest needs to act as a region and to work collaboratively,” said Pietralla in reviewing the study. The study, prepared by the Community Development Institute of the University of Northern British Columbia, came from a series of interviews of northeastern residents questioned on everything from local government to health care to education to local hiring. The consistent advice to come from the interviews is to communicate clearly, effectively, as early as possible and consistently in the effort to work together, said Pietralla. He noted that one of the strengths of the northeast is that it does view itself as a region ready to work together. “There you have one larger centre, Fort St. John, and a number of smaller communities around it,” said Pietralla. The northwest situation is different be-
cause it has three larger centres – Terrace, Kitimat and Prince Rupert – and more local and regional government structures than exist in the northeast. That presents more of a challenge but Pietralla says common goals such as preparing local residents for employment, encouraging people to move here and improving recreational and social amenities can be developed. To better focus its own work as a regional development entity, KTIDS has just added “Northwest” to its name. Pietralla noted that when change happens, it happens fast and those that are not prepared, will be caught off guard. “You can sit back and let it happen. But then don’t be surprised if it’s not to your liking,” added Pietralla of events which can sweep through a region. “Let’s view change with a positive approach. Let’s embrace it.”
Some of the advice contained in the study, developing material for potential industrial investors, for example, is already underway. “It validates some of the efforts already happening,” said Pietralla. At the same time, the City of Terrace, for instance, has taken the lead in lobbying the province to share tax revenues it’ll reap when industrial projects are up and running. The need for regional unity and vision is also important when asking senior governments for financial help or other assistance, said Pietralla. “Without that, it’s easy for those governments to say, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know where to put my money,’” Pietralla added. The study was unveiled at a session hosted yesterday by KTIDS – Northwest, the District of Kitimat and the Terrace Economic Development Authority. Pietralla will also be presenting the study in Prince Rupert.
Train access limited here By ANNA KILLEN IF YOU’RE in a wheelchair and want to travel by train to and from Terrace, you’re out of luck. The train station here does not have a mechanical lift or a ramp capable of assisting passengers in wheelchairs on and off trains operated by Via Rail, a federal crown corporation. “There’s no way someone in a motorized wheelchair can get on the train. There’s no way,” said Yvonne Nielsen, a member of the Greater Terrace Seniors’ Advisory Committee. The closest mechanical lifts to Terrace are in Prince Rupert or in Prince George, often the final destination of the passenger, she said. And as the population gets older, more people with mobility issues are going to want to ride the train, she said. In B.C. almost five per cent of adults over 65 use a wheelchair, according to a 2011 UBC study. “Via’s supposed to make their trains accessible,” said Nielsen. “This has been going on for years and years.” The city has so far been unsuccessful in urging Via Rail to improve wheelchair access at the station here, which is part of the city-owned George Little House retail and office facility. “Despite attempts to work with Via Rail regarding the issue of wheelchair lifts at passenger train stations, and in particular at the Via Rail station here in Terrace, there has been no resolution,” said a letter, signed by mayor Dave Pernarowski, sent to the federal Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).
MARGARET SPEIRS PHOTO
■ Booming business A BOOM Vane, the orange object in background, is deployed on the Exchamsiks River during an oil and gas spill practice session Sept. 12. Several agencies were out for the session to learn what to do in the event of a hydrocarbon spill into the river from Hwy 16 or the CN train tracks.
Cont’d Page A5
Fantastic fair
College cash
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Northwest Community College to spend millions on trades program space \NEWS A14
Young figure skaters kick off their season with on-ice practice sessions \SPORTS A26