SEPTEMBER 2015 • VOL. 2, ISSUE 5
Smithers hosts B.C.’s best mine safety teams
Pioneering Camp LandSea Camp Services turns its attention to Port Edward
Mine Approved Brucejack Gold Mine given the green light
Fish Friendly Mount Milligan’s habitat compensation success
Thriving Success Catching up with the ThriveNorth winners
You
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LOCAL JOBS
The local community has told us that jobs are a priority. We are doing what we can now to get people into jobs. Elias McMillan is one of over 80 Pathways to Success participants who has landed a job. Elias got hired as Assistant Manager at Sears. He will soon be taking over as Manager. Elias also got registered with the Industry Training Authority as an apprentice Construction Craft Worker. Pathways to Success helps Tsimshian people find jobs. It is supported by six Tsimshian First Nations, LNG Canada, Pacific Northwest LNG, BG Canada, and the BC provincial government. Interested? Contact: Prince Rupert - William Gye E. william@cedareducation.ca P. 778-884-3827 or Terrace - Tom Harwood E. tom@cedareducation.ca P. 250-641-3207 To learn more about Pathways to Success and other programs you can get involved in, visit www.princerupertlng.ca/socialinvestment. BG Canada is proposing an LNG facility on Ridley Island near Prince Rupert, BC. Stay informed by signing up for our email updates using the form on our Contact Us page. You can also come by our Prince Rupert office located at 610 2nd Avenue West.
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AU T H O R I Z E D B U I L DE R
Publisher Todd Hamilton Editor-in-Chief Shaun Thomas Prince Rupert Ed Evans, Sales Melissa Boutilier, Sales Kevin Campbell, Reporter Terrace Rod Link, Editor Brian Lindenbach, Sales Bert Husband, Sales Erin Bowker, Sales Kitimat Louisa Genzale, Sales Cameron Orr, Editor Smithers Grant Harris, Sales Nick Briere, Sales Chris Gareau, Editor Alicia Bridges, Reporter Houston Mary-Anne Ruiter, Sales Burns Lake Laura Blackwell, Sales Flavio Nienow, Editor Fort St. James/ Vanderhoof Pam Berger, Sales Michele Taylor, Reporter Haida Gwaii Quinn Bender, Sales
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N2K is a Black Press publication mailed or delivered by carrier to 31,500 homes and businesses throughout Northwest B.C. Our Head Office is located at: 737 Fraser Street, Prince Rupert, B.C., V8J 1R1 250-624-8088 Fax: 250-624-8085
T
he mining industry takes centre stage in this month’s issue of N2K, an industry that has a long history here in the Northwest and is continuing to thrive even today. Of course, as with any industry, safety is paramount. Fortunately, the Northwest B.C. mining industry has many of the best in the business when it comes to ensuring the men and women who work on-site make it home safely. As outlined by Chris Gareau, mining safety teams from across the province descended on Smithers earlier this year for the annual B.C. Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition, and it was once again the team from Huckleberry Mine that took home the top honour in the three-person safety category. But mining is about more than taking care of the people, it is also ensuring the environmental impact of the operation is as minimal as possible. In that regard, Michele Taylor gives us a tour of a massive habitat compensation project undertaken by Mount Milligan Mine. Through the efforts of the company, fish habitat has been restored in an area near the copper and gold mine. On the business side of things, the industry had cause for celebration this month with the approval of the Brucejack mine near Stewart. As Rod Link outlines, the approval of the approximately $750 million (US) development comes on the heels of an agreement between the company and the Nisga’a Nation. Of course this is just a snapshot of the positive news being generated by industry in the region. On the North Coast, Broadwater Industries has made a major investment to ensure the marine infrastructure associated with major developments can be maintained long after construction, Pacific NorthWest LNG welcomed residents of Port Edward to a public barbecue to show their appreciation, and a $2 million investment will bring land-based radar to an area stretching from Prince Rupert west to Haida Gwaii, north to Alaska and well south of Lelu Island. This month’s issue of N2K highlights just some of the industrial happenings in the Northwest, and we look forward to a multitude of additional news that is yet to come. Hold on to your hats, these next few months promise to be exciting ones ... Todd Hamilton N2K Publisher publisher@thenorthernview.com
Out-of-area subscriptions now available e-mail: circulation@thenorthernview.com View our e-version for free at: www.thenorthernview.com/eeditions
Volume 2 • Issue 6
SAFETY FIRST B.C. mine safety teams compete
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PIONEER CAMP LandSea Camp looks to Port Edward 10
FISH FRIENDLY Mount Milligan’s habitat success
THRIVING WINNERS ThriveNorth winners finding successs 20
SAYING THANKS Pacific NorthWest LNG hosts BBQ 22
RADAR READY Investment brings radar to the coast 24
D5631
BRITISH COLUMBIA'S
September 2015
GREEN LIGHT Brucejack given federal approval 15
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GETTING READY Broadwater makes major investment 18
INSIDE MILLIGAN WESTVIEW VIEW See firsthand how A look at Pinnacle’s 28 export terminal 26 mine operates
HELP WANTED Check out the jobs in the career section 30
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Mine
B.C’s best mine safety teams compete in Smithers By Chris Gareau
M
ine rescue teams from across B.C. arrived in Smithers to put their skills to the test at Heritage Park on June 13. Five teams in surface mine rescue and eight in threeperson first aid events competed in the 60th annual Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition. The tradition of rescue competitions goes back further, with the first recorded in 1915 in Fernie. Tasks include fire, extraction, ropes, practical skills, first aid and a written exam. The public was invited to watch the outdoor events that ran all day. Ministry of Energy and Mines senior inspector of mines Douglas Flynn helped run the event with the local Smithers staff. “Essentially it has simulated accidents, recovery of a patient from usually a very hard to reach place, and then some of the practical skills components: each team member going through their knowledge of all of the tools that they use,” said Flynn. Raven Rescue’s Ron Morrison was a rope judge while the Smithers Fire Department helped out with the provincial competition and the June 11 regional zone competition. See Page 8
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“Once they go back to the mine site, they bring that knowledge with them.” - Dwayne Allen Smithers Secondary School drama students filled in again this year as rescue victims. This was the fourth time that Smithers has held the event since 2002 and the second year in a row. Including competitors, management and family, approximately 1520 people per team were in town, according to Flynn. Huckleberry Mine won the three-person first aid event for the fifth year in a row. This year, over half were new members to the team according to Dwayne Allen, who took home the Kathy Lofstrom Memorial Trophy as best three-person first aid coach. “The amount of experience and knowledge that teams get from competing and seeing different ways of doing tasks ... once they go back to the mine site they bring that knowledge with them,” said Allen. “They kind of become leaders in the mine rescue teams. And of course there’s the prestige of coming out as the top team in the province.” Coal mine closures due to deflated prices meant there was no underground mine rescue competition this year. See Page 9
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2015 competition winners: John T. Ryan Trophy - New Afton, New Gold Three Person First Aid Competition Winners Three Person Miners’ First Aid Trophy Huckleberry Mine Kathy Lofstrom Memorial Trophy (best coach for threeperson first aid) - Huckleberry Mine: Dwayne Allen Surface Mine Rescue Competition Winners Ron Brow Memorial Award
(best extrication for surface team) - Huckleberry Mine Maurice Boisse Memorial Trophy (best bench for surface team) - Huckleberry Mine EKMISA Trophy (Best written for surface team) Elkview Operations Levitt Safety Fre Trophy (surface) Highland Valley Copper HVC Highest Non-aggregate Points Trophy Highland Valley Copper Overall surface mine rescue trophy Highland Valley Copper
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Pioneering
CAMP LandSea Camp Services looks to be first on the North Coast By Shaun Thomas
I
t has been well documented that a positive final investment decision to proceed with a liquefied natural gas export terminal would require housing for thousands of workers over the course of several years, accommodation that would be provided by large-scale work camps. But those camps can take several months to build and could, themselves, require hundreds of workers during the construction period. Filling that gap in workforce accommodation is the goal of LandSea Camp Services, the operator of five other similar facilities across the province that is proposing to build the North Coast Open Camp in Port Edward. The camp would include 200 rooms taking up a small portion of the Port Edward Logistics Park, as well as a 9,000 square foot kitchen-dinner-rec (KDR) that houses an open dining room, fitness centre, media room and meeting rooms. “It is essentially a pioneer camp that would stay during the development process of whatever larger camp was here. We would be here for early work and would support the early work undertakings related to the development of LNG or other projects in the area. We work closely with some of the other camp companies and [this camp] will facilitate the work they do,” explained LandSea Camp Services president Mike Coyne. “This camp would be on the ground early enough to
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“We will be ready to move once we secure those contracts.” - Mike Coyne support the development of those other camps and works in the area. We simply want to create an environment that is attractive and compliments the other camps in the area and all of the projects in the area.” The facility would not only provide benefits during the early days of major construction projects, it would also create a legacy of talented local workers that could be hired by the larger accommodation providers. “The second purpose of the facility is to act as a training facility whereby we would put on a training program for food services and accommodation services for local residents and First Nations that would serve as a stepping stone to the other camp projects in the area ... we have a three-week program that has been endorsed down in the Lower Mainland and we have received government funding for the program,” explained Coyne. See Page 11
“It essentially gives anyone who wants to pursue a career in the industry all of their certification with WorkSafe procedures and the knowledge they need to proceed in that career path. We would establish a classroom, a facilitator and do hands-on training on-site ... We are hoping to establish this training program and provide a placement program that would allow the other camps to hire trained employees who are local. That will be a big benefit to the other camp providers and to the community.” The North Coast Open Camp was given approval for a temporary use permit during the Aug. 11 meeting of
Port Edward council and Coyne said the focus now is moving the process forward in anticipation of major announcements in the months ahead. “The next steps for us would be to start to look at our development plan to make sure we are creating a facility that meets the needs of the community and some of the upcoming projects. Then we really do need to secure a certain amount of occupancy to move forward, so we are waiting on a little bit more news and activity,’ said Coyne, noting the facility could be operational within 90 days. “We will be ready to move once we secure those contracts.”
PRETIVM IS ADVANCING ITS HIGH-GRADE GOLD BRUCEJACK PROJECT IN NORTHERN BC.
Fish Friendly Mount Milligan Mine outlines habitat compensation success By Michele Taylor
F
rom an environmental perspective Mount Milligan Gold and Copper Mine operated by Thompson Creek Metals is doing a fair job with its Fish Habitat Compensation Program. The mine site is working on three ponds that are either active now or will soon be over-wintering areas for the rainbow trout that are native to Rainbow Creek, which lies just outside of the mine site itself. The three habitats are part of the compensation plan for the environmental assessment (EA) for fish habitat that was altered by removing King George Creek during construction of the mine. Mark Clark, consultant with Thompson Creek Metals, said he came to the mine site originally to clear the power line that would run from Mackenzie to the site during construction. “There’s 90 kilometres of power line that the company owns from Mackenzie out,” he said. “It got to the end of the power line and clearing started at the actual mine-site and one day somebody said, ‘what about fish habitat?’, and I had done that type of work on other projects.”
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“These are long-term projects. This is not a one-shot deal.” - Mark Clark Clark said the actual schedule for the pond began in 2008 and 2009 and the fish habitat compensation plan was part of the environmental assessment discussed between provincial and federal regulators and local First Nations groups. “The compensation plan had three components: bridges and culverts, the in-stream large woody debris and these ponds,” he said. Tim Caldwell, environmental superintendent at Mount Milligan, said even though the mine isn’t a discharging mine, the ponds are all located outside of the influence of the mine. He added two of the ponds are above the mine and one is below the mine site. See Page 13
“We want to build something that is environmentally stable.” - Mark Clark “Part of it was the negotiation that we were going to be removing King Richard Creek when we built the mine, so because of that we compensate and put in fish habitat somewhere else. If we take it out in one spot we’re going put it somewhere else.” The ponds, designed to be attached to Rainbow Creek, will provide the rainbow trout with an oxygenated environment over the winter months. “The intent of the ponds is that biologists at the time were of the opinion that the trout did not have enough over-wintering habitat. So, they didn’t have enough deep water that was not frozen and had enough oxygen in them for the (trout) to survive,” Clark said. “The fish in Rainbow Creek are, for whatever reason, small … the largest fish that we were sampling were 8-10 inches.” The three sites for the ponds were identified as part of the EA, Clark explains. The next step after that assessment was to confirm and double check the original EA work, which was started in 2011. See Page 14
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“We did some sampling, we dug some test pits to sample the groundwater and dug some holes to check what the soil profile is to get an idea of what we would have to dig,” he said. “You can’t just dig a hole in the ground and let it fill up with water, you have to look around and find upwelling groundwater — cold oxygenated groundwater, which is a fairly rare commodity.” Thompson Creek had an environmental consulting company come in and do the design. Clark said their biologists and engineers actually created the design for the pond and then local permitting for things such as the access road, where soil would be dumped from the pond sites. The IFC drawings were all completed by February 2012. “We started digging on March 8 and we finished on April 12,” he said. “The important lesson we learned was don’t wait until March and April to dig ponds in extremely wet ground.” Part of the construction of the pond involved setting the surface layer aside to put back in place on the pond slope once the pond was dug out. Biologists and engineers working on the projects ensured that optimal environments were in place to encourage the fish to use the ponds as over-wintering areas, Clark said. “The design is fairly significant, because (the banks) are fairly steep … what that does is oxygenate the water so the water comes in and it tumbles down and into the pond and it does that all winter long,” he said. “We monitor with oxygen detectors and after three winters we’re pretty confident (it’s successful).” The habitat is a 10-year plan for the mine and the fish are all naturally occurring stock in the creek. Clark said the goal for the company is to build something that
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“You can’t just dig a hole in the ground and let it fill up.” - Mark Clark doesn’t have to be maintained for the lifetime of the mine. “Stocking - to the biologists involved is - if you have to stock you’ve seriously screwed up. And from the mine’s point of view, we don’t want to build something that we have to maintain for 25 years, we want to build something that is environmentally stable and is just going to look after itself,” he said. Environmental Dynamics in Prince George won the contract and they have a crew that comes in once or twice per year and does various biological samples. At some time in the next month the mine will be opening up the Powerline Pond, which was dug last winter. Powerline Pond is the third in the series of ponds that were to be built as part of the compensation program. “It’s more than just a commitment, you need to do a bunch of things to make sure everything works well together,” said Caldwell. Clark said the initial construction and basic plan is not to connect the pond to the creek until it has set for six months to a year. This is to make sure the pond is sediment free and items that have been placed in the environment such as trees for insect growth have had time to create a solid foundation before opening the pond up to the creek. “These are long-term projects, this is not a one-shot deal here,” Clark said.
By Rod Link
A
planned gold mine northwest of Stewart has now received the blessing of the federal government. Federal environment minister Leona Aglukkaq signed off on the Brucejack project, owned by Pretium Resources, on July 30 following a federal environmental assessment that began two years ago. She further found the project met assessment standards laid down for the Nisga’a Nation in accordance with its 2000 final governance agreement signed with the provincial and federal governments. “I have determined that the designated project can reasonably be expected to result in adverse, but not significant, environmental effects on Nisga’a interests related
to fisheries, wildlife, migratory birds, and access for Nisga’a citizens to the Nass Area that overlaps the project site,” stated Aglukkaq. She also found the project “will result in both positive and negative effects on the existing and future economic, social and cultural well-being of Nisga’a citizens”. Aglukkaq noted the Nisga’a and Pretium signed an economic benefits deal tied to the project in April, days after it received provincial environmental clearance. Pretium is predicting a mine life of at least 22 years for what will be underground workings and is now lining up final financing for an estimated capital cost budget of (US) $750 million.
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Engineering change Hatch takes ownership of Lapointe Engineering Cameron Orr
L
apointe Engineering has a well established reputation in Kitimat, but the local engineering firm, founded by Robin Lapointe in the 1980s, is shifting to a new owner: Hatch. The deal was made official on June 1, which will start with the new name Hatch-Lapointe, and eventually will become just Hatch, part of the larger engineering firm whose nearest major office is in Vancouver. Lapointe says Hatch was the closest fit to his own firm as far as company culture and believes opening their doors to Hatch will be beneficial. He said he initially did have a succession plan in line with co-partners in the company, but it was eventually decided
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that with the scale of work proposed for Kitimat over the next 10 years, it was a prospect that was out of reach for the home-grown engineering company. Namely, Lapointe didn’t want to have to say ‘no’ to prospective clients because they were full up on contracts. “It allows us not to say no as often,” he said, something that has been an issue during these busy times in Kitimat. The process working with Hatch began eight months ago, and Lapointe said he wanted a company that could build on the 40 employees the firm has today. The acquisition can also mean better opportunities for the employees. With Hatch being a global company, people in Kitimat have good opportunities to move on if they so wish.
As for how everything will work, Lapointe said his existing partners will continue to manage things locally. Hatch and Lapointe have previously worked side-by-side on projects in the Kitimat region, including supporting Rio Tinto Alcan’s Kitimat Modernization Project. The integration of Lapointe will strengthen Hatch’s ability to provide ongoing support for clients and projects across the region, the company says “Lapointe has a reputation for project excellence in northwestern British Columbia, and we believe this integration will support further safe, sustainable growth in the region and an unprecedented level of service to our current and future clients,” said John Bianchini, CEO of
“We believe this integration will support further safe, sustainable growth in the region.” - John Bianchini Hatch. Hatch itself is an employee-owned company and they say they have more than $35 billion in projects currently under management.
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Broadwater getting ready
FOR THE BOOM Prince Rupert firm marks arrival of largest barge in the Northwest By Shaun Thomas
A
major investment by Broadwater Industries is ensuring the Prince Rupert-based company is ready to handle any and all marine construction jobs required by the developing LNG export industry. After more than two years in the making, Broadwater welcomed the largest marine barge north of Vancouver – measuring 130 feet long by 50 feet wide by eight feet deep. The unit, built in China before being shipped to Vancouver and brought up to Prince Rupert by Broadwater’s Doug Mackereth, is specifically designed to address the needs of an evolving marine construction sector and it was immediately put to use by holding a 140-tonne crane that is working on constructing the marina at Cow Bay. “The marine industry has changed significantly in the past 20 years. In decades past it was wooden piles that were 12-inches in diameter and then it went to 12-inch steel pilings, but now the pilings can go up to 24-to-48 inches
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“It is one thing to have the necessary equipment here during the build phase, but who is going to maintain that infrastructure?” - Claudio Pirillo and some can have one-and-a-half inch thick steel walls so they are very heavy,” explained Mackereth, noting those pilings often need to be put more than two metres into the bedrock below the ocean floor. See Page 19
““When When tthe he g growth rowth sstarts tarts happening happening here, here, w we ew want ant to to be be part off iit.” p art o t.” -D Doug oug M Macareth acareth
“But the biggest change is the technology. Instead of taking a week to drill, you can now do a piling in one day. But that takes millions of dollars of investment to do ... if you don’t have that ability, you’re going to get left in the dust,” added Broadwater project manager Claudio Pirillo. As well as allowing the local firm to be part of the construction phase of new export terminals, Pirillo said bringing the crane in was important in the bigger picture of the North Coast. “It is one thing to have the necessary equipment here during the build phase, but who is going to maintain that
infrastructure once the terminal is operational,” he said. “When the growth starts happening here, we want to be part of it,” added Mackereth. While the addition of the crane will effectively double Broadwater’s capacity for marine construction, Mackereth notes that is just one facet of the various sectors Broadwater and its 36 employees are involved in throughout the Northwest. “We don’t have all of our eggs in one basket. We also build boats, we have a steel fabrication shop and we do civil work including water and sewer,” he said.
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The thriving winners of
THRIVENORTH Catching up with some winners of entrepreneur competition By Rod Link
W
inners and runners-up of a regional contest aimed at developing small business owners have been putting their prize money to good
use. The contest was called the ThriveNorth Business Challenge, a project of a national non-profit business mentoring and development agency called Futurpreneur and financed by BG Canada, which is proposing to build a liquefied natural gas plant called Prince Rupert LNG at Prince Rupert. Contestants gathered in Prince Rupert in the spring for two days of business concept pitches, after which a panel of judges decided on winners and runners up in different categories. New Hazelton’s Ria Smith was one of those winners – taking home $10,000 for topping the new business category with her Fender Food Company mobile food kitchen concept. She had already purchased a 28-foot long trailer that can be towed behind a truck and the money went
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“I want this to be sustainable. You support their business and they will support you.” - Ria Smith a long way to outfitting the kitchen just the way she wanted. “It’s called a toy hauler. That’s the description for a trailer that you can put two vehicles into,” said Smith. The unit is completely self sufficient, meaning Smith can move it anywhere to provide a catering service or general food services at specific events. Born in the Hazeltons, Smith, 28, lived in Calgary for eight years and that’s where she honed her skills at catering and developed the idea for a food truck service back home. See Page 21
“The food truck industry in Calgary is a huge. It’s a hot, hot industry,” said Smith of her exposure there. Returning home in 2013 Smith began a catering business, using a large kitchen at the Senden Agriculture Resource Centre, then became in charge of food services at the Suskwa Lodge and then returning to Senden to be its market gardener. That gave her the opportunity to flesh out her Fender Food Company idea, beginning with the name. “I wanted to do a play on words – something that meant I had food on wheels. And the Fender Food Company had a nice ring to it. I also wanted to let people know it’s not just a food truck, it’s a complete kitchen,” she said. Smith has also developed a local network of suppliers, saying she wanted to cement the concept that, as a business, she can help other businesses. “I want this to be sustainable. You support their business and they will support you,” she said. As for the food, if there’s a signature dish it’s this – the Fender burger with Righteous mac and cheese and a market salad. The word “Righteous” for the mac and cheese came about this year at the Kispiox Music Festival. “It was very, very popular,” said Smith of the dish. In Terrace, meanwhile, a Coast Mountains School District registered speech-language pathologist Nathan Hoffart, the $10,000 winner of the social enterprise category, is moving toward meeting his goal of making the service more available in the area. That was to happen by having speech language
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pathologists travel to communities for specific therapy sessions. For now, Hoffart has set up shop at the Terrace Hearing Clinic. Another Terrace contest participant, Jeff Minhinnick, took home $2,500 as the runner up in the best business expansion plan category with his plan for a mobile version of the newlyopened Ye Olde Chop Bloc barber business in Terrace. That’s still a possibility and Minhinnick and partner Travis Murphy have two barber chairs set aside for such an eventuality. And they’re now waiting for the construction of the large construction camps that will be needed based on anticipated final investment decisions for major industrial projects. “Some of the companies we talked to wanted us to open a full barber shop,” said Minhinnick in response to their sales pitch for a mobile operation. But that would be a bit of a financial risk for the new enterprise and mean having to hire an employee just for that location. Instead, pending development of their mobile concept, Minhinnick is leaning toward having one barber chair in a small space at a camp and have it open for a set number of days each month. In the meantime, Ye Old Chop Bloc is establishing itself in Terrace. “In our first three months we were at where we thought we would be after our first year based on our business plan,” said Minhinnick. “We’ve accelerated quicker than we thought.”
s
Grilling to say Pacific NorthWest LNG hosts community BBQ in Port Edward By Shaun Thomas
T
he sun was shining and the grill was full on Aug. 20 as Pacific NorthWest LNG hosted a public barbecue in Port Edward. As dozens of residents sat to enjoy a meal and staff with Pacific NorthWest LNG team members circulated to talk to those in attendance, environmental advisor Brian Clark and community relations advisor Derek Baker were busy flipping burgers and serving up hot dogs. “We’re here to basically say thank you to the community of Port Edward for being so welcoming to us and to hear from them about the project,” said Baker during a break in the lineup. “We’re really pleased with the turnout. It’s a nice sunny day and it is great to see so many people come out.”
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“We always welcome the opportunity to speak to people about the project.” - Derek Baker Among the staff at the barbecue were several team members who had flown in from Vancouver, something Baker said was an important part of hosting the event. “We want to make sure that if people have questions about the project, we have the expertise on-hand to address those questions as completely as possible,” he said. See Page 23
“We always welcome the opportunity to speak to people about the project and answer any questions they may have, whether that be at an open house, in the office, at meetings or at public events like this one.” Among those enjoying the food and fellowship was Mayor Dave MacDonald, who said he was pleased with both the turnout and the commitment of the company. “We always appreciate any time a company that wants to do business in Port Edward engages with our residents and something like this is certainly welcome. Pacific NorthWest LNG has always made themselves available to the people of the community,” he said. Pacific NorthWest LNG has made a conditional
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“Pacific NorthWest LNG has always made themselves available.” - Mayor Dave MacDonald positive final investment decision and is awaiting approval from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency before making a final decision on the proposed Lelu Island terminal.
ON THE RADAR Investment brings on-land radar to the North Coast By Shaun Thomas
W
ith the number of ships calling on the Port of Prince Rupert expected to grow substantially in the years ahead, the Prince Rupert Port Authority announced a $5 million partnership that will create a shore-based radar system to cover the waters of the North Coast. The project — which includes $2 million investment from both Western Economic Diversification Canada — will see three radar towers installed to provide radar coverage 50 nautical miles west to the northern tip of Haida Gwaii and north beyond the Alaska border. The 6.5 metre TERMA Scanter 5102 towers will be installed on an existing tower on Mount Hays, on Ridley Island and on Dundas Island, located 30 kilometres northwest of Prince Rupert. “This project will result in a new and foundational piece of our marine safety and security network at the Port of Prince Rupert, providing an additional layer to
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“This project will result in a new and foundational piece of our marine safety and security.” - Don Krusel the maritime picture we use to keep our harbour safe and ensure a diverse range of cargoes continue to flow securely through our trade gateway,” said Don Krusel, president and CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert. “Our local partnerships enable improvements like this to make a safe port even safer, and matching investments from senior government organizations allow us to carry forward our long term development vision in a safe, responsible and sustainable manner.” See Page 25
The radar system will provide more specific information to those monitoring traffic about distance and direction and is a technology currently used on hundreds of vessels that already call on Prince Rupert, giving ships’ masters a better image of what is happening in the waters around them. As well, the information creates a real-time visual network for those monitoring traffic in the region. That additional information was welcomed by both the RCMP and the Pacific Pilotage Authority. “This investment in shore-based radar coverage of the British Columbia northern coastline around Prince Rupert is an important contribution to Canada’s public safety and the strategic priorities of the RCMP ... this tool will help us gather and analyze intelligence at the port and from the surrounding maritime environment
in support of our law enforcement initiatives,” said Chief Superintendent Sean Bourrie, the head of the RCMP’s Federal Policing in B.C. “The addition of shore-based radar to the Port of Prince Rupert will further enhance the safety of the area by ensuring that the smaller vessels not utilizing the AIS system or participating in the MCTS system will now be tracked and reported upon, as will vessels at anchor,” said Kevin Obermeyer, president of the Pacific Pilotage Authority. Work is already underway to construct or modify towers and prepare the utilities needed to run the sites and connect them to network services. Arrival and installation of the radar equipment is expected in the first quarter of 2016 after which training and commissioning of the equipment will take place. We specialize in sustainable site, building & interior design, heritage restoration & project management.
PRINCE RUPERT’S OWN AIRLINE PROUDLY SERVING THE NORTH COAST SAFELY SINCE 1981
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alora griffin architect Prince Rupert: 250-624-2577 • Queen Charlotte: 250-559-4222 Masset: 250-626-3225 • Toll Free: 1-888-624-2577
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Alora S. Griffin Phone: (250)627-1777 Architect AIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP Email: architect@citywest.ca Box 983, Prince Rupert, BC, V8J 4B7 Website: aloragriffinarchitect.ca
The view from
WESTVIEW
By Kevin Campbell
P
rince Rupert’s Westview Terminal is experiencing soaring traffic in its second year of operation exporting wood pellets. As of the end of July, the terminal has shipped more than 413,000 tonnes of wood pellets, an increase of 75 per cent over the same time period in 2014. At the same time, terminal owner Pinnacle Renewable Resources has taken several steps to mitigate concerns around dust and noise from residents in the area. On Aug. 20, Pinnacle Renewable Resources and the Prince Rupert Port Authority invited N2K to tour Westview Terminal and see what goes into shipping pellets from the coast.
VANDERHOOF and DISTRICTS CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION 15 Cardlock Locations: Fort St. James To Quesnel, Terrace To Valemount. Fuel Tanks Sales & Rentals, Bulk Fuel and Oil Deliveries: Vanderhoof Toll Free: 1-888-545-2667, Quesnel: 1-888-992-2667, Prince George: 1-866-309-2667 Houston: 1-800-848-6347, Terrace: 250-635-9595
BEHIND THE MINE
A look into the operations of Mount Milligan mine By Michele Taylor
M
ount Milligan Mine, a conventional truckshovel open pit mine situated approximately 93 kilometres north of Fort St. James, is a sight to see in person. The mine has been in its production phase of coppergold concentrate since September 2013 and N2K had an opportunity to visit the mine, which uses a water recycling technique to separate copper and gold from the ore being pulled from the mine. “We float up the copper and gold to separate it from the rest of the ore, that’s then skimmed off the top and we do a dry press to eliminate the water.” said Joanna Miller, community relations for Thompson Creek Metals/Mount Milligan Mine. “What comes out of our mine is not flakes or nuggets or anything like that it’s a powder. About 25 per cent of that is copper and very few ounces per tonne (of gold) ... It’s a bit anti-climactic.” The concentrate from the mine is trucked from the site to Mackenzie, where it is loaded onto railcars destined for the Port of Vancouver to be shipped to Asian markets. In the control room, operators are watching a wall of monitors wthat track vehicle movement on one side and processing on the other side. The mine is expected to produce approximately 60,000 tonnes per day over a 22-year mine life and runs 24-hours per day. “They are monitoring exactly where everyone is moving. We have a pit supervisor and a dam supervisor because
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we’re always pulling rock for both (the pit and for building the tailings dam) at the same time so they work together with dispatch to make sure everything is happening in the right place,” said Miller. “This is where our mine operations are watching the trucks, the benches in our pit and can tell what the composition of the rock is.” Mike Bryan, control room mill-side operator, shows how the mill operations are overseen with an array of cameras and monitors which are constantly watched by the two operators. “We have a collector and what it does is coats the copper molecules and makes them hydrophobic so they stick to the bubbles and we introduce air into the bottom of the shaft and into the cells.” The company doesn’t just boast one of the most state of the art operations control rooms with mill and mine operators side by side for easier communications between procurement groups, it also provides a ‘Ritz Hotel’ type accommodations for its employees. Taking a tour of the mine site, and eating at the dining facilities was almost enough to talk this reporter into taking a stab at working out at Mount Milligan. “Everyone has a private room, they are all ensuite and you have a desk, TV, your own washroom, bed, blackout blinds and they are all soundproof,” said Miller of the more than 280 room building that also has a full-service kitchen and dining area where hot breakfasts and dinners are provided.
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FOR OUT-OF-AREA SUBSCRIPTIONS OR SALES INFORMATION CALL 250-624-8088
Tire Technician - Part Time Anchor / Kal Tire Kitimat Duties would involve changing tires including rotating, balancing, and flat repairs. Work involves use of tire shop equipment. Experience working on larger pieces of equipment would be an asset. Applicants must possess the ability to work successfully in a team atmosphere and to excel in a physically demanding environment. Training as required will be available. Valid driver’s license is required. Could lead to full time work with medical benefits. Please fax resume including references to 250-632-4436 or drop off at the store 236 Enterprise Avenue (Attention Manager).
Logging Supervisor & Buncher Operator Fort St. James, Full Time
Logging Supervisor: Applicant must have experience in the logging industry. Applicant is required to go to camp when needed. Applicant will lead, supervise and motivate a variety of operators, employees, and sub-contractors to achieve high levels of production in a safe and conscientious manner. Applicant must have experience on operating multiple pieces of logging equipment, a mechanical background is required and level 3 first aid is an asset. Buncher Operator: Applicant must have 2 years minimum experience on bunching machine. Successful applicants will be offered a competitive compensation package. Please call 250-996-0196 and leave a message if no answer. Resumes can be emailed to admin@ubleislogging.com or faxed to (250) 996-2217.
DISTRICT OF HOUSTON
Director of Finance Houston is nestled in the beautiful Bulkley Valley amongst some of BC’s finest outdoor recreational opportunities where you can enjoy crosscountry skiing, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. Please visit our website at www.houston.ca. The DOF is responsible for performing the statutory duties of the financial officer as set out in Section 149 of the Community Charter. The role includes but is not limited to investing municipal funds; expending the municipality’s money according to Council’s authorization; ensuring accurate records and full accounts of the financial affairs of the municipality are prepared and maintained; exercising control and supervision over all other financial affairs of the municipality; developing short and long range forecasts and plans; supervising financial employees; and overseeing the Financial Information Systems. The successful candidate will be an experienced senior financial manager with a professional designation who has proven leadership abilities and excellent communication, interpersonal and team building skills. Qualifications for this position include a professional accounting designation, or an equivalent level of education and experience, with a minimum of five years work experience, preferably in a local government setting. Knowledge of the Community Charter, Local Government Act and municipal accounting principles would be an asset. This position will be subject to a six (6) month probationary period. The District of Houston offers a competitive salary and management benefits package. Email your cover letter, resume outlining qualifications and experience and identifying at least two references marked ‘Confidential’ by 4:00 pm local time, Wednesday September 16, 2015 to: Michael D. Glavin, CAO, District of Houston PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 cao@houston.ca
TANK TRUCK DRIVERS
Heavy Duty Mechanic
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Industrial Transformers Inc. requires an experienced Heavy Duty Mechanic. Wages based on experience. Full Time with benefits. Call 250 692-0023 or email office@industrialtransformers.ca
tClass 1 - Driving Tri-Tri or Tri Quads tOff Road or Fluid Hauling Experience Preferable tMust be able to chain up! tCompetitive Wages tBenefits after 3 months
tStaff Housing upon availability tFlexible schedules and travel arrangements available tOpportunities for overtime!! tWe are a family owned and operated company
Please email resume and current driving abstracts to: hr@mtts.ca
Job Market Trends. Just one of the reasons to follow LocalWorkBC.ca on Twitter. /localwork-bc
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@localworkbc
Summer student trio carry flag for LNG Canada The LNG Canada office this past summer, like the two before it, has been fuller than usual. That’s because the company has continued its summer student employment program, with three young women carrying the banner for the Kitimatbased project. Tasia Payne, Paige Gould and Sarah Maitland are the three summer students who work hard to share information about the project locally, and to give a welcome hand to the LNG Canada team. Each of them discovered the job opening in a different way, but in all cases, the women knew it would provide valuable work experience. “Three summers ago, before the LNG Canada joint venture was formalized, I did a job search online and I discovered the job posting with Shell Canada,” says Payne about how she got involved. She said she did research on the project and believed she’d be interested in working for the company. Gould says she was looking for a job that would give her important work experience and found the summer student position thanks to help from friends and family. “The thing that surprised me the most is how much [LNG Canada] is involved in the community,” said Gould. Maitland explains she was first connected with LNG Canada through the Haisla Nation Council last year. She says it’s the safety culture within LNG Canada that stands out for her. “This summer what surprised me were all the safety precautions they have taken to ensure
that all their staff, whether in the office or in the field, know what’s going on,” she said. Gould says there is no such thing as a “typical day” at LNG Canada, and their work day can be tailored towards each student’s own areas of study. “We all have our tasks that need to be completed, but once those are done, we have the ability to learn and work within areas that have personal interest for us. For example, I am taking anthropology and biology at school so I had the opportunity to review the recovered archaeological data before heading out on site to see and learn about the environmental concerns and what LNG Canada is doing to mitigate them,” she explained. Payne adds that all the students have “similar yet slightly different responsibilities,” such as administration, minute taking at meetings and assisting community members looking for information. Preparing for events like the LNG Canada Golf Tournament in Kitimat, or the Canada Day Canstruction® event, also were big projects for the students. Payne says working for LNG Canada has been an “undeniably positive” experience that has opened the door to a potential future in the LNG industry. “Working for an LNG company in the future is definitely one of my goals,” she said. She’ll be pursuing an education in professional communications later this year, she added. Gould agrees that working for an LNG company as a career is something that would appeal to her as well, “as long as it was for a company that is responsible and respectful to the environment … a
This space is a collaborative promotional venture by LNG Canada and N2K Editor Cameron Orr
requirement that I believe LNG Canada is fulfilling.” Maitland says she too sees opportunity in LNG and looks towards being a millwright or a welder. “And the LNG industry has a need for those trades,” she adds. Maitland found event planning to be one of the highlights of working for the company. She just concluded her role in assisting to organize the LNG Canada Golf Tournament. Gould and Payne both say the office environment and the local team have made working for the company a very positive experience. “I’m not sure I can pinpoint a favourite moment because there have been so many great opportunities over the past three years,” said Payne. Gould certainly agrees with that sentiment. “I enjoy the work environment and the team vibe all the employees support. Everyone is highly accommodating of other people’s interests and take everyone’s input seriously,” she said. “There is nothing better than working in an environment where you feel like you are valued.”
Trade is building stronger communities. The Port of Prince Rupert is growing opportunities and prosperity by connecting the communities of northern BC. Last year, port activity was directly responsible for the equivalent of 3,060 permanent full-time jobs. Watch and share our video tribute to the workers and families of BC’s gateway industry: youtube.com/rupertport.
rupertport.com | @rupertport
