E UID G ’S 3 YER GE B U B A ME ON P O 3 H RTS 201 STA
PRINCE RUPERT
VOL. 8 NO. 17
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Feature Family pleads Justice for Justin. Page A9
FREE
RCMP calling for witnesses in toddler death
CAN YOU SPELL LNG?
Good Samaritan, cyclist sought BY TODD HAMILTON PRINCE RUPERT / The Northern View
Prince Rupert RCMP are now seeking witnesses of an incident involving a cyclist and a pedestrian pulling two children in a wagon that may be linked to the death of a 23-month-old infant. The incident took place on the evening of April 15 between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. near the intersection of 7th Ave. East and Frederick Street. Police are also looking for a driver who stopped their vehicle to assist at the scene. Prince Rupert RCMP Const. Matt Ericson said identifying the cyclist or the Good Samaritan could lead to more clarity on what caused the death of the child.
“It is far too early to speculate...”
News
- Const. Matt Ericson
2G or not 2G on $30 million building Page A7
Shaun Thomas / The Northern View
Premier Christy Clark reads The Cat in the Hat with Nevaeh Rhyno-Boulet and Jonathon SandersonMcKay during a break from the media at the Port Edward library. For more on the Premier’s visit to the North Coast, see Page A3.
Business LNG makes its case at conference Page A15
Council struggling with budget red ink City tossing around idea of two per cent tax increase and massive cuts BY MARTINA PERRY PRINCE RUPERT / The Northern View
Haida Gwaii Islands open for business: Lantin Page B1
New
g
Listin
1219 7th Ave East $365,000
See TODDLER on Page 2
The budget shortfall facing the City now sits at $675,000, and council is looking at a two per cent tax increase to close the gap. If the tax rate were to stay the same as last year, there will be $179,064 less in tax revenue to the City compared to 2012. A large portion of that reduction comes from a new tax regime for port lands, with port grants-in-lieu
“People are fed up... they don’t see that they’re getting a big bang for their buck...” - Councillor Gina Garon decreasing by $153,694 because of non-market change. However, the City will be getting $30,147 in new tax money due to the expansion at Ridley Terminals. Residential taxes are down
$10,829, while business and other has decreased by $78,121 because of issues such as the closure of J.S McMillan Fish Plant. Last year, the City could only pass the budget after increasing
taxes by 1.5 per cent. To keep even with last year’s tax revenue, the City would be looking at a 1.7 per cent tax increase. However, Councillor Gina Garon said she doesn’t agree with a tax increase for residents in the community. “People are fed up with taxation at this point in time. They don’t see that they’re getting a big bang for their buck,” she said.
See BUDGET on Page 2
Gord Kobza
Your Hometown Realtor Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. As a licensed realtor with over 23 years of experience, whether you are selling or buying, I am here to guide you through every phase of the process with skill and integrity. For a free consultation please call or e-mail me today. I look forward to helping you find the perfect home!
www.gordonkobza.com
250.624.9298 Suite 6 - 342 3rd Ave W. info@gordonkobza.com